Houseruling Material Components

 Material components have a long history in D&D -- and have been disrespected and ignored throughout. And I understand why. 

(Early D&D had a lot of bookkeeping in it as part of the game. Mapping, keeping track of equipment and their encumbrance, etc. Material components is just one more element within that matrix.)

It's a shame, in that material components, whether standard or alternative, can provide a lot of color and flavor to the game. How can we include it without burdening players with more bookkeeping work to do? Any solution would make sure that players not be required to collect or keep track of individual spell components. Here is my house rule for this:

Players may use either an arcane focus or material components. With an arcane focus, spells are cast entirely as described. When using material components for most spells, any spell attacks have Advantage and any saves required of the target are at Disadvantage. Exception Spells that have material components with a specific cost listed in the spell description absolutely require those spell components to cast it. There is no change to the spell as described because of it.)

Here's how we get around the onerousness of spell component as bookkeeping. The standard component pouch has an indeterminate number of spell components for any given spell in your spellbook. When casting a spell using material components, roll a D6 for a standard component pouch. If you roll a "1" then that was your last spell component of that type, and you should temporarily strike the spell off your list of available spells.

(Encourage your players to describe how they are using material components when casting spells. D&D is as much about narrative color and feel as it is in its game mechanics. Give the players their spotlight and enjoy!)

You can replenish your component pouch by purchasing it again (perhaps at some discount determined by your DM). In this case, your arcane focus can act as a backup, too.