Spellcasting Focus FoEQ p1687
Humanity’s use of Wands and Staffs as Arcane Focuses dates back to Sarlona, but the Rod was born in Breland. Beren Hearth is a Brelish folk hero said to have owned an inn in the days before Galifar. When brigands tried to rob him, they took his staff; Beren smashed a chair, used the leg as a focus for Scorching Ray and then beat the last brigand with the leg itself. The Brelish “heavy rod” can be used either as an Arcane Focus or as a standard Club. Today, both Brelish and Karrnathi artificers produce heavy rods, while Aundairian and Cyran mages traditionally scorn such Rods as deplorably uncouth. A character with the Rod Expert feat doesn’t have to be wielding a heavy rod to gain the benefits of the feat; any rod will suffice.