Is there a comprehensive list of classes that need a Spell Component Pouch?
I always thought of it as like a holy symbol for Wizards (and then Druids have the holly and mistletoe as divine focus), but it seems like other classes need one. I tried using the level one starter kits as a basis for who needs one and who doesn't, but that's giving me an inconsistent picture. Assuming it's required for little-a arcanists only doesn't seem right because the Cleric's Kit and Druid's Kit comes with one; assuming only prepared casters need one doesn't seem right because Hunter's and Inquisitor's Kits come with one, but the Bard's Kit and Summoner's Kit don't come with one. Seems like there's nothing to glean from whether or not a particular Kit has one or not.
Or are sorcerers (and those who spend a feat on Eschew Materials) the only casters who don't need one?
Arcane casters in general all need to use a spell component pouch unless they have a feat or a class ability that explicitly says they don't.
So - Sorcerers (who trade out the Eschew Materials feat), Wizards, Bards, Summoners, Magi, Arcanists, Witches, Skalds, Bloodragers.
Any caster with a spell that requires material components should have it, and I'm pretty sure every spellcasting class has at least one spell with a material component.
Any caster with a spell that requires material components should have it, and I'm pretty sure every spellcasting class has at least one spell with a material component.
Divine spell casting classes get to substitute their divine focus/holy symbol in place of material components for most spells, except ones with expensive material components. However, there may be exceptions to this general statement as I don't know the requirements for all spells individually.
Yep, all spellcasters require one for their spells. Even the sorcerer with eschew materials may want one to mislead enemies, or to contain material components not covered by their bonus feat.
Notably, psychic casters don't need one, as they ignore inexpensive material components.
Notably, psychic casters don't need one, as they ignore inexpensive material components.
They do, however, still require focus components. Those are also included in the spell component pouch.
Sorcerers also need one for the same reason. Of course, you could always make sure to choose spells that don't have a focus requirement. (Eschew Materials does not remove the need for inexpensive focuses, just inexpensive material components).