More reagents

[Egon the Monkey]

Currently, the only way to acquire Fire Beetle Bellies seems to be on a certain newbie quest. The random spawns don't drop them in my experience. Other reagents are likewise rare, especially a certain one that we should be knee-deep in by now, the amount of those creature that turn up on Ymph.

Much like animal always drop guts and/or sinews, could certain creatures be a 100% or near drop of reagents, so that mages can get regular access to a summoning theme? Other than Skeleton Knuckles, not much seems to turn up in the shops.

Failing that, could one of the mage shops sell a few reagents?

In fact since reagents are relatively cheap, it wouldn't seen unreasonable to have a device that has "unique power self only" to set a certain summoning theme without a reagent. Considering that reagents are ~1-8 GP each at stores, and how many times they're used, a permanent theme device could be in line with price and rarity for armor for fighter types. Maybe they could even have drawbacks if you want to balance it.

Examples:
Deathly Focus
Ring
"Chill to the touch, this ring enhances your bond with the realm of spirits"
10% -ve Energy vulnerability
Unique Power Self only 3 uses/day
(sets theme to Undead for next summon)

Glowing Band
"Uncomfortably warm to wear, this orange-hued ring attunes you somewhat with the plane of fire"
Ring
10% Fire Vulnerability
Unique Power Self only 3 uses/day
(sets theme to Fire for next summon)

[Listen in Silence]

In light of the recent improvements of summoning, I would suggest instead items that decide summoning themes, but still require the use of reagents. For example, such a warm ring as egon suggested, setting the theme to fire summoning as long as you have the beetle bellies to support it. When you run out, you will go back to the original set of creatures.

This is because as a summoner, taking a round just to refocus your summoning with a conjuration focus makes it less worthwile or usefull to summon in general.

I also approve of making reagents more common.

[morva]

As do I.

[Letsplayforfun]

Or making regeants less common, but once you've set your focus on a regeant theme, it stays that way until you decide to change it?