[RPG] How does the Chain Spell feat interact with expensive material/experience point components

dnd-3.5efeatsspells

The Chain Spell feat can be applied to any spell that normally has a single target. However, it is unclear what happens in cases where spells (such as stoneskin) have expensive material components, or in cases where spells (such as wish) have experience point costs. Do these material/experience costs need to be paid per target of the chained spell, or are they paid just once (for the initial target) and the secondary targets of spells chained this way are "free"?

Best Answer

You use your materials once: mainly simply because it doesn't specify otherwise.

Any spell that specifies a single target and has a range greater than touch can be chained so as to affect that primary target normally, then arc to a number of secondary targets equal to your caster level (maximum 20).

Chain Spell involves casting your spell once on one target, and then the effect arcs from target to target. There's no reason it should require casting your spell multiple times, or sacrificing the resources equivalent to doing so.