First off, the group would have to be in a community with enough resources to have 5000 gp worth of anything available for purchase. Most cities, some large towns, and all metropolises should have gem merchants, especially if they are near mountains or the ocean (trade cities in general as well). And yes, I have had this happen in several games due to unfortunate encounters and player stubbornness. As far as the 'rules', it's just another merchant transaction unless you want to make it into a role-playing opportunity for the group (tracking down the only diamond merchant in town with Diplomacy, maybe hiring a rogue to steal from a wealthy noble, etc.)
Generally, seeking out a diamond is probably no more trouble than finding someone willing and able to cast raise dead. As Jeff said, travel to fairly large settlement and ask around. Looking at the Game Mastery Guide, a 5th level spellcaster would be found in a large town (pop. 2000-5000). Considering they have most magical items of 2000 gp or less it would be quite likely that mundane diamonds valued at 5000 gp could be found.
This is one of the questions that doesn't need a mechanical answer. It's a great chance to for the GM to introduce a side quest, subplot, or NPC. If the GM wants to get back on track they can also easily hand wave the requirement (meaning most towns will have a couple of diamonds on hand for just such an emergency).
Well prepared adventurers might carry their most of their wealth in diamonds for just such a contingency (plus its a helluva lot easier than lugging around thousands of coins).
The last time this happened to our party we just teleported back to a major metropolis. Which would almost certainly have had several vendors capable of delivering the goods. So, there really wasn't any problem. Cash n' carry, in very large cities.
Either Handwave it OR handwave the fact that has to be a diamond. I often use relics or "tributes" to the proper god.-
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Many players set up an 'insurance policy' with the local temple, when they're in civilised lands, or the price of a possible raise dead is included in the reward when on church business.
If you can get the body back to the temple, they know you, and that you've already paid. They have the diamonds held safe in their vault.
If you die in the sticks, and your friends can find a holy hermit of sufficient level, they can hand in your 'policy papers', which allow them to be sure you are an fully paid up member of the faithful (or useful enough to have a blind eye turned to any misdeeds). Of course, these papers give a full description of the person covered, and are not transferable.
The hermit may have the requisite materials hidden away, but after using them up, will have to travel back to civilisation, to report your death, and cash in your papers for a new diamond, in case some other unfortunate gets himself offed in the hermit's jurisdiction.
Either Handwave it OR handwave the fact that has to be a diamond. I often use relics or "tributes" to the proper god.-
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Never did understand why it had to be a diamond.
Either Handwave it OR handwave the fact that has to be a diamond. I often use relics or "tributes" to the proper god.-+1
Never did understand why it had to be a diamond.
Same reason you needed an owl feather and a glass of wine in 3.5 for Identify-someone read an old myth or story and that's what they used.
I go with it being diamonds, but since the standard spell values are well known, the jewelers make certain to cut their diamonds to exactly the valuations needed and grind up all the extra carats for "Miracle Dust" for clerics to use for casting of Miracle.
The diamond used for raise dead may be set as a button, an earring, a pommelstone, or just be a loose gem. Everyone accepts them, and if the party has changed part of their wealth into "gems," then some of them are these.
Our groups have premise that the church has the dust your just paying them for it then they go buy more.
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Never did understand why it had to be a diamond.
Same reason you needed an owl feather and a glass of wine in 3.5 for Identify-someone read an old myth or story and that's what they used.
In 1st edition raise dead had no material component. I recall reading (but can cite not source) that they put the diamond cost into 3rd edition to prevent the revolving door of death. It didn't, just made it more expensive.
Next game I am using this rule. I think TriOmega linked that in another thread.