Spell Components

Spells require components to cast. Each component adds a trait to the Cast a Spell activity.

Verbal

You speak magical words or incantations. Adds the concentrate trait. You must be able to speak. Doesn’t work in areas of magical silence.

Somatic

You make specific gestures. Adds the manipulate trait. You need a free hand (or a hand holding a focus or material component). Triggers reactions like Reactive Strike.

Material

You use a material component (consumed on use) or a spell component pouch. Adds the manipulate trait. The hand holding materials can be the same one performing somatic components.

Focus

You use a specific focus item (not consumed). Adds the manipulate trait. You must have the focus in hand. Staves and wands serve as foci for their spells.

Interaction with Reactions

Since somatic and material components add the manipulate trait, casting these spells can trigger Reactive Strike and similar reactions. Verbal-only spells (concentrate only) are safer near enemies with such reactions.