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Are Eldritch Knights allowed to use an arcane focus for their spells?
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#1 Mar 31, 2019
Jake_Gustafson
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Are Eldritch Knights allowed to use an arcane focus for their spells? On the one hand, the Eldritch Knights section doesn't specify that they can, and the description of arcane focuses (on page 151 of the PHB) states that it's for sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards. But on the other hand, there's nothing in the PHB (as far as I know) that says Eldritch Knights can't use arcane focuses and they basically become half-wizards, using the wizard spell list and using intelligence as the spellcasting ability. Any thoughts?
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#2 Mar 31, 2019
pwhimp
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If it doesn't say in the EK subclass section that they can use a focus, they can't use a focus. Classes that can use a focus explicitly say so in the spellcasting section of the class because it's not part of the general rules for casting spells.
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#3 Mar 31, 2019
Sigvard_Vigrid
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It states they use an arcane focus in their class features.
Last edited by Sigvard_Vigrid: Mar 31, 2019
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#4 Mar 31, 2019
Brotherbock
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Quote from Sigvard_Vigrid >>
It states they use an arcane focus in their class features.
Where? Not finding that.
EDIT: Wait, do you mean generally? Like 'all classes that get to use one state it?' Or were you saying E-Knight states that they get to use one? I don't see that.
Last edited by Brotherbock: Mar 31, 2019
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#5 Mar 31, 2019
Sigvard_Vigrid
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Deleted
Last edited by Sigvard_Vigrid: Apr 1, 2019
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#6 Mar 31, 2019
BoboBoombang
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Eldritch Knights don’t get Invications. That’s a Warlock.
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#7 Mar 31, 2019
Sigvard_Vigrid
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Yeah, I'm an idiot. Was looking at the completely wrong thing. Edited my previous post about the general rule.
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#8 Mar 31, 2019
DxJxC
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No. The Eldritch knight, arcane trickster, and ranger cannot use a focus and must use a component pouch instead, RAW.
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#9 Apr 1, 2019
Emmber
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While the general rule for the M component of spells says you can use either a component pouch or a focus - the specific rule for fociprohibit classes from using them.
For example the Arcane Focus equipment item restricts it's use to Wizards, Warlocks and Sorcerers only. Likewise the Druidic Focus can only be used by a Druid. And the Holy Symbol can only be used by Paladin's and Clerics. Lastly there's the Musical Instrument for Bards.That leaves nothing for the Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, etc. so they are forced to use component pouches as DxJxC said.
Last edited by Emmber: Apr 1, 2019
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#10 Apr 1, 2019
Unruly_Cow
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Focus versus component pouch doesn't have much of a mechanical effect, so most DMs will probably allow arcane foci, even if it's not allowed RAW. You may want a Ruby of the War Mage to make your weapon a focus
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#11 Apr 1, 2019
DxJxC
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Quote from Unruly_Cow >>
Focus versus component pouch doesn't have much of a mechanical effect, so most DMs will probably allow arcane foci, even if it's not allowed RAW. You may want a Ruby of the War Mage to make your weapon a focus
Ruby of the war mage and magic wands, rods, and staffs are exactly why the distinction is important. While holding a weapon, wand, rod, or staff they will still need a hand free to access their component pouch.
The idea is that these classes are less versatile in their casting than other spellcasters. The ranger compensates for this by having their most important spells either not having material or the material is ammo or a weapon.
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#12 Jun 11, 2020
GreynGalcoa
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now what if an ek were to multiclass with a class that COULD use a focus? specifically a blade pact warlock with improved pact weapon
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#13 Jun 11, 2020
SagaTympana
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Quote from GreynGalcoa >>
now what if an ek were to multiclass with a class that COULD use a focus? specifically a blade pact warlock with improved pact weapon
This is answered by the text of the warlock's class feature:
Spellcasting Focus
You can use an arcane focus (see theAdventuring Gearsection) as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells.
Your eldritch knight spells are not your warlock spells.
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#14 Jun 11, 2020
WolfOfTheBees
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In a recent UA, didn't they provide an option for some of these classes to use a focus? If you really want your EK, AT, or ranger to use a focus, ask your DM if you could adopt (at least) that section of the class options UA.
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#15 Nov 8, 2021
Tfin
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The Ranger can use a druidic focus.
The Bard can use any instrument as a spellcasting focus.
My Eldritch Knight is left searching for anything he might need if he has no component pouch.
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#16 Nov 8, 2021
WolfOfTheBees
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And at the same time, a cleric without a focus or material component pouch is stuck in the same position. What exactly is the problem that you’re trying to articulate? That without the proper material components, a spell caster cannot cast spells with an M component requirement? Or that you wish you could use a different thing to fulfill M components as an EK?
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#17 Nov 8, 2021
naruhoodie
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Quote from Tfin >>
The Ranger can use a druidic focus.
The Bard can use any instrument as a spellcasting focus.
My Eldritch Knight is left searching for anything he might need if he has no component pouch.
Yep. Same with my Arcane Trickster, until getting ahold of a Ruby of the War Mage.
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#18 Jan 15, 2023
shadoowe
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Honestly, if your DM allows it, the E-Knight already gets a magical weapon bonded to it, and I say it could be fair game if they use that bonded weapons as their spellcasting focus.
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#19 Jan 15, 2023
DxJxC
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Quote from shadoowe >>
Honestly, if your DM allows it, the E-Knight already gets a magical weapon bonded to it, and I say it could be fair game if they use that bonded weapons as their spellcasting focus.
The bonded weapon does not become magical. Yeah, if the DM house rules that you can use it as a focus that is fine, but we tend to talk about the printed rules in the rules forum and talk about house rules in the house rules forum...
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#20 Feb 5, 2024
AzureEyeDevil
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The problem is casting spells in combat while wielding sword and shield, or two weapon fighting, especially with their war magic capabilities that replace an attack with a Cantrip or Spell. Obviously the Warcaster Feat helps, and the Ruby of the War Mage was specifically designed for this issue per Crawford but it's never been officially added in the RAW according to some.
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