Spells that require a material component draw out some inherent property of that material in order to make the wonderous effects of magic possible. By changing that component, the nature of the spell can bechanged. Wizards in partiuclar experiment with alternative components for spells with a varity of effects.

Rules

1. The alternative component is always consumed when the spell is cast, even if the usual component wouldn't be.


2. Casting with an altenrative reqiuires an arcana (intelligence) check regardless of what other rolls the spell requires with a DC equal to 10+ the spells level. A failure may mean the spell is not cast, is cast as with it's normal component, or creates wild magic surge. Even if the attempt is successful, the spell may be less powerful than anticipated.


3. Spells that don't require material components can't be altered with this method. If the spell normally requires material components but doesn't because of the method being used to cast it (for example, a Monk following the Way of the Four Elements Monastic Tradition using Flames of the Phoenix to cast Fireball) the the spell can't be altered.

Level 1 spells

Armor of Agathys

Different types of liquids may result in different damage types. A cup of oil may result in the enemy taking fire damage instead of cold.

Bane

The effect varies on the abilities of the creature. For example, a creature with poison may also requrie the target to make a save agains the poisoned condition.

Feather fall

Feathers of rare birds or other winged beings such as celestials may produce aditional effects.

Find familiar

Using parts of various creatures may result in different familiars. The eyestalk of a beholder can be used to summon a gazer.

Grease

Using fat or butter from an exotic creature may produce addtional effects. Butter made from the milk of a stench kow will result in the grease producing toxic fumes.

Identify

Different feathers or gemstones can reveal diffeent informaiton about the object

Jump

Parts of different creatures may effect the jump distance, and may only effect horixontal or vertical jump distance.

Mage Armor

Exotic leathers may result in a higher bonus to AC or other defensive effects

Shield of faith

Rarer holy objects may produce higher AC or other defensive effects. For example, a relic of a forge god may grant resistance to fire.

Level 2 Spells

Aganazzar's Scorcher

Different dragons scales produce effects of that dragon's breath weapon.

Tasha's hideous laughter

The pastry used can change the effect to anotehr emotional outburst. Teh creature may be incapacitated if it feels a wave of sadvness, but a burst of rage may also cause it to attack each turn.

Level 3 spells

Fireball

Substituting bat guano for that of another creature may change the type of the damage.