Or is it done as part of the spell casting?
Pretty sure it's part of the casting... even though I'm really not sure how they do some of the things (like crush a pearl as part of casting the spell)
Unless the components are expensive, the only real game mechanic I've seen for spell components is that you need some type of spell component pouch- and thus can be disarmed of it or have it stolen. In which case, your caster might need to scrounge up this or that to make some magic happen.
ACTUALLY, sorting through the magic and finally the combat section, under actions:
Prepare spell components to cast a spell is a free action that doesn't provoke an attack of opportunity.
To cast a spell with a material (M), focus (F), or divine focus (DF) component, you have to have the proper materials, as described by the spell. Unless these components are elaborate, preparing them is a free action. For material components and focuses whose costs are not listed in the spell description, you can assume that you have them if you have your spell component pouch.
And an anecdotal buff to this, if it took a move action to pull components I don't think there's a single caster that wouldn't take eschew materials first level.
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An alchemical power component is an alchemical
item used as a material component or focus for a spell in order to alter or augment the spell’s normal effects. What follows is a sample of these effects; your GM may allow other combinations. Spells followed by an (M) expend the alchemical item as a material component; those followed by an (F) use the item as a focus and do not expend it. In both cases, the alchemical item does not have its normal effect and does not affect any other parameters of the spell. You cannot use the same item as both a focus and a material component at the same time.
Using material components is part of casting a spell and don't take extra time, but Retrieve a stored item is a move action that provoke an attack of opportunity.
I would say that using a alchemical power component is a move action that provoke an attack of opportunity.
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Though it would be nice if there was some official ruling on this.
You mean like the Core Rules?
To cast a spell with a material (M), focus (F), or divine focus (DF) component, you have to have the proper materials, as described by the spell. Unless these components are elaborate, preparing them is a free action. For material components and focuses whose costs are not listed in the spell description, you can assume that you have them if you have your spell component pouch.
It's also listed in the table of example actions as a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Unless, of course, it's a "large or awkward item" as per the footnote from that entry in the table.
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Power Components aren't in the core rules.
The most common one is alchemist fire.
Basically he's asking if it's a move action to pull out alchemist fire for use as a spell focus or is it part of the spellcasting action?
Oh, my bad, I thought he was just meaning regular spell components; I've never heard of "power components" and assumed it was just another instance of someone getting a term slightly wrong.
Nevermind then, ignore me. :P
Ah poop I got fooled too. Wasn't familiar with the term so just thought you meant spell components...
I would say that using a alchemical power component is a move action that provoke an attack of opportunity.
+1. Most of those items are fairly substantial in size and weight (1-4 lbs). Normally it is move action + standard action if you want to take one out and use it in the same round. Unless you want to hand wave and say "it's magic", it seems excessive to allow you to retrieve an item as "not an action" when used in a spell, but require a move action if you want to fetch it otherwise.
If using an alchemical power component increased the casting time, then I'd feel differently.