Divine caster with weapon and shield - can they cast?


Rules Questions


Assume that I am not willing to just drop my weapon or sheathe it. And I have a shield (not counting a buckler shield). Assume I want to cast a spell with a somatic component.

Can I tuck the weapon I am holding between my body and the arm holding the shield? Or do I need to use a buckler shield so that I can transfer the weapon to the other hand?

I know a lot of GMs hand-wave this one but this is for PFS and I don't want to be stuck. This is for an inquisitor character.

Peet


No, you cannot cast a spell that requires somatic or material components unless you have a free hand.

However, as you stated many GMs hand-wave this (perhaps due to legacy from early editions of D&D).


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Gauss wrote:


many GMs hand-wave this

Because the Clerics can't.


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A heavy shield fully occupies your hand, a light shield still allows you to hold something else. So only light shields and bucklers allow spellcasting.


Rynjin wrote:
Gauss wrote:


many GMs hand-wave this
Because the Clerics can't.

LOL.

Seriously, even though my hand is occupied by my shield, my arm is still able to move, and I could demonstrate physically how I could pin an object to my body with my shield arm for a few moments so I could cast the spell with the other hand. I take it that is not good enough?

EDIT: while we are on the subject, if the spell requires a focus, can I hold the focus in my gesturing hand? Or do I have to use both hands, one for the focus and one for the gesture?

Peet


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Step 1: Use a buckler/light shield.
Step 2: As a free action, use your shield hand to hold on to your weapon.
Step 3: Cast using your now-free hand.
Step 4: As a free action, take the weapon from your shield hand.

Peet wrote:
while we are on the subject, if the spell requires a focus, can I hold the focus in my gesturing hand? Or do I have to use both hands, one for the focus and one for the gesture?

Can't find the rules quote right now, but I'm pretty sure one hand can handle both material components/foci and somatic components.


If the spell requires somatic and/or material commponents, then you need one hand free. This does mean that the same hand can handle both the somatic and material/focus component needs. But according to the rules, you couldn't pin a weapon to your arm pit or other such shenanigans. You either have to use a shield that lets you hold something else, in which case you can transfer the weapon back and forth as a free action. Short of that, use a two-handed weapon, because you can still hold it with one hand... You just can't use it one handed, and letting go of the weapon to cast a spell is a free action, after which you ould put your hand back on the weapon as another free action.

Personally, I wouldn't hand wave this rule.

Grand Lodge

Sure, thematically you can "pin your weapon between body parts" but legalistically you're going to have to use the rules for dropping/sheathing your weapon to do so. You can style it however you want as long as you follow rules.


This is why 3e's Somatic Weaponry feat was awesome.


As others have said you can use a light shield because that way you can transfer your weapon to your shield hand for casting.

About the focus: You can get a sanctified shield (channeling focus) that counts as a divine focus.


Umbranus wrote:
About the focus: You can get a sanctified shield (channeling focus) that counts as a divine focus.

Whoa, does that mean if my shield counts as a divine focus then my shield hand can be the one that is considered to do the gesturing?

Also, I notice that the passage from AA refers to clerics specifically. Is this kind of item legal for Inquisitors?

Peet


Peet wrote:
Umbranus wrote:
About the focus: You can get a sanctified shield (channeling focus) that counts as a divine focus.

Whoa, does that mean if my shield counts as a divine focus then my shield hand can be the one that is considered to do the gesturing?

Also, I notice that the passage from AA refers to clerics specifically. Is this kind of item legal for Inquisitors?

Peet

Um... anyone?


RAW it would be clerics only, but I dont think that was the intent. Unless someone was in PFS I doubt many GM's would enforce it.

Sovereign Court

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Gloves of Storing are the perfect solution for the problem of a spellcaster using a shield and weapon.


You could get a reliquary shield or weapon, though it has to be a magic weapon, armor or shield. Counts as a holy symbol for your god and counts as a permanent fixture if you cast consecrate or desecrate.

Silver Crusade

Peet wrote:

Assume that I am not willing to just drop my weapon or sheathe it. And I have a shield (not counting a buckler shield). Assume I want to cast a spell with a somatic component.

Can I tuck the weapon I am holding between my body and the arm holding the shield? Or do I need to use a buckler shield so that I can transfer the weapon to the other hand?

I know a lot of GMs hand-wave this one but this is for PFS and I don't want to be stuck. This is for an inquisitor character.

Peet

As one of the PFS GM's in my area that enforce this rule. There are many ways around it. None of them are hard. They just require a bit of planning on the part of the caster.

Start of combat:
Just cast spells you want before you pull your weapon. This is where the Quick Draw feet comes in handy. This will let them close with you when you cast your spell. And still full attack after drawing your weapon.
Middle of combat:
Weapon Cord = Drop weapon(Free) Cast Spell(Standard) Recover Weapon. Dose not provoke attack of opportunity.(Move)


Peet wrote:

Assume that I am not willing to just drop my weapon or sheathe it. And I have a shield (not counting a buckler shield). Assume I want to cast a spell with a somatic component.

Can I tuck the weapon I am holding between my body and the arm holding the shield? Or do I need to use a buckler shield so that I can transfer the weapon to the other hand?

I know a lot of GMs hand-wave this one but this is for PFS and I don't want to be stuck. This is for an inquisitor character.

Peet

Here is what you can do.

Buy a weapon cord.

Drop weapon as a free action.

Retrieve weapon as a swift action.


johnlocke90 wrote:
Peet wrote:

Assume that I am not willing to just drop my weapon or sheathe it. And I have a shield (not counting a buckler shield). Assume I want to cast a spell with a somatic component.

Can I tuck the weapon I am holding between my body and the arm holding the shield? Or do I need to use a buckler shield so that I can transfer the weapon to the other hand?

I know a lot of GMs hand-wave this one but this is for PFS and I don't want to be stuck. This is for an inquisitor character.

Peet

Here is what you can do.

Buy a weapon cord.

Drop weapon as a free action.

Retrieve weapon as a swift action.

Not anymore.

It's a move action now.


Okay, I appreciate the feedback here.

Reliquary Weapon/Shield seems to do the same thing as the channeling focus shield but works for any divine casting class.

Gloves of storing are too expensive and are not an option at this level. When my players get a bit higher it is possible but it seems like a waste of a slot. Once metamagic rods come into play then the glove of storing will look a lot better, but the other hand will also need to be free.

Weapon cords are not bad, though the move action to recover the weapon limits it a bit.

But my question was this:

1. When using a shield (or possibly a reliquary weapon) that counts as a divine focus, does the hand holding the shield/weapon satisfy the "hand free to gesture" requirement for spells with somatic components?

While I am at it, let me ask this other question:

2. Can I use a hand holding a divine focus to gesture if the spell does not require a divine focus as a component?

Love answers to these. Thanks.

Peet

Sovereign Court

Now that the ACG is out, the Warpriest class gains some ability to cast with both hands occupied by weapon and shield.

But still generally best to buff up, THEN draw your weapon and spend the rest of the fight swinging.


1. I believe in cases where you need to provide a divine focus, does the shield fulfill. It does not cover the somatic component (which is the gesturing), meaning you would have to still need the free hand. The divine focus would have to be brought out (if it has a high enough gold cost, a move action may be required) in order to be utilized for a given spell, but it can be held in the same free hand and still be used to cast spells. (Figure that the focus is a part of what the hand needs to gesture with, similar that a pencil is a part of what the hand needs to write on paper.)

2. I would assume so, since for spells that use normal foci and/or materials, the single hand is all that's needed, subtracting the divine focus on-hand doesn't change the factor that you need to have a free hand to gesture with, which can be that free hand that otherwise possessed a divine focus.

Additionally, I'm with everyone else, avoid the hassle and get a Light Shield. The 1 AC won't make or break, and it actually gives you less ACP.

Shadow Lodge

You could get a Clawhand Shield out of the ACG.
It does your somatic components for you and counts as a +2 mithral heavy steel shield.
Kind of creepy though.


Hi, Darksol. Thanks for trying to answer this. However, it seems like you contradict yourself here.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
1. I believe in cases where you need to provide a divine focus, does the shield fulfill. It does not cover the somatic component (which is the gesturing), meaning you would have to still need the free hand.

OK, so here you say you need a separate hand.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
The divine focus would have to be brought out (if it has a high enough gold cost, a move action may be required) in order to be utilized for a given spell, but it can be held in the same free hand and still be used to cast spells.

Now here you say you can use the same hand that holds a divine focus to perform the gesturing for a spell.

If the shield counts as a divine focus, then why can't it be used this way? Is there anything in the description of the item (or elsewhere) that clarifies this?

Note that a divine focus tattoo costs only 100 gp and gets someone around the problem of having to "pull out" one's divine focus. So there is a non-magical way to get around the action economy issue of having to draw a divine focus. So I have a hard time understanding what the benefit of having a shield classified as a divine focus is, if not for the purpose of allowing it to be used to make gestures for spells.

BTW what does the gold cost of a divine focus have to do with how it is used? I really don't understand that.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
2. I would assume so, since for spells that use normal foci and/or materials, the single hand is all that's needed, subtracting the divine focus on-hand doesn't change the factor that you need to have a free hand to gesture with, which can be that free hand that otherwise possessed a divine focus.

I'm not sure you understand my question.

If the spell does not require a divine focus as a component, and I "choose" to add that component to the spell if I am a divine caster? If the answer is no then I would have to drop my divine focus when casting the spell; otherwise my hand would he holding an object not used in the spell and could not then be used for gesturing.

Peet

Liberty's Edge

Hi Peet.

There is no rule regarding using your arm pit to hold a weapon. It generally shouldn't be expected to work in PFS. If you choose this as your plan, have a backup plan.

A spell with a Somatic, Material, Focus, or Divine Focus requirement requires a free hand. A buckler provides a free hand. A light shield can hold an object; at best you'll get mixed GM responses to this.

Holding a DF in one hand and casting a non DF spell with that hand is an odd fish. It's unclear. Respect table variance.

For what it's worth, I just use a buckler with my clerics in PFS and just avoid the whole issue. The only thing lost is a piddle shield bash, which clerics aren't proficient with anyway.

Liberty's Edge

See this thread:Do you need your material component(s) in hand to cast a spell?.
There are a few comments about the use of material components and/or divine focuses. It is not clear cut.


Peet wrote:

Hi, Darksol. Thanks for trying to answer this. However, it seems like you contradict yourself here.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
1. I believe in cases where you need to provide a divine focus, does the shield fulfill. It does not cover the somatic component (which is the gesturing), meaning you would have to still need the free hand.

OK, so here you say you need a separate hand.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
The divine focus would have to be brought out (if it has a high enough gold cost, a move action may be required) in order to be utilized for a given spell, but it can be held in the same free hand and still be used to cast spells.

Now here you say you can use the same hand that holds a divine focus to perform the gesturing for a spell.

If the shield counts as a divine focus, then why can't it be used this way? Is there anything in the description of the item (or elsewhere) that clarifies this?

Note that a divine focus tattoo costs only 100 gp and gets someone around the problem of having to "pull out" one's divine focus. So there is a non-magical way to get around the action economy issue of having to draw a divine focus. So I have a hard time understanding what the benefit of having a shield classified as a divine focus is, if not for the purpose of allowing it to be used to make gestures for spells.

BTW what does the gold cost of a divine focus have to do with how it is used? I really don't understand that.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
2. I would assume so, since for spells that use normal foci and/or materials, the single hand is all that's needed, subtracting the divine focus on-hand doesn't change the factor that you need to have a free hand to gesture with, which can be that free hand that otherwise possessed a divine focus.

I'm not sure you understand my question.

If the spell does not require a divine focus as a component, and I "choose" to add that component to the spell if I am a divine caster? If the answer is no then I...

I think you're a bit confused as to what a Divine Focus is and what its relationship is with somatic components. The two aren't mutually exclusive; that is, if you have one, you don't need the other, which you seem to think is the case. All I'm saying is that the reliquary shield only serves as a Holy Symbol for the purposes of Channeling and the Divine Focus required for casting a spell; it still restricts your ability to use that hand for other purposes, such as fulfilling somatic components. Additionally, having a Divine Focus in your hand alone doesn't fulfill your somatic components, you need to have the hand free (barring the Divine Focus needed for the spell being cast) to fulfill the somatic components. You could still hold a Divine Focus and fulfill somatic components in the same hand; it's not possible if you have a Heavy or Tower Shield equipped. I said that you can, provided that it is a Light Shield. You would be SOL otherwise.

In other words, a Heavy Shield won't work for what you're trying to do; get a Light Shield and it solves your problems.

If it doesn't require a Divine Focus, adding it to casting that spell won't change anything about the spell, assuming that adding those subjects to a spell is possible, which many would say is not, and even if it is, it does nothing.

**EDIT**

As for the whole "gold cost" for a Divine Focus, I reference this text:

Casting a Spell wrote:
To cast a spell with a material (M), focus (F), or divine focus (DF) component, you have to have the proper materials, as described by the spell. Unless these components are elaborate, preparing them is a free action.

So in the case of, say, the Wish spell, drawing out the 25,000 gold Diamond would most likely take a Move Action. It's not really concrete as to what constitutes components that subvert the general, but some GMs would rule that drawing out a vital Focus component for a spell (unless such is already drawn) would take a Move Action.

Scarab Sages

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
So in the case of, say, the Wish spell, drawing out the 25,000 gold Diamond would most likely take a Move Action. It's not really concrete as to what constitutes components that subvert the general, but some GMs would rule that drawing out a vital Focus component for a spell (unless such is already drawn) would take a Move Action.

Elaborate =/= expensive.

A single small rock is a very simple thing, regardless of price tag.


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

As mentioned, a standard light shield lets you hold your weapon while you cast (and it's a free action to switch hands).

A light quickdraw shield is even better (although for full benefit, you need the Quick Draw feat): "If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you may don or put away a quickdraw shield as a swift action combined with a regular move. If you have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, you can draw a light or one-handed weapon with one hand and a quickdraw shield with the other in the time it would normally take you to draw one weapon. If you have the Quick Draw feat, you may don or put away a quickdraw shield as a free action."

Weapon cords are not really worth it after the FAQ nerf.

However, the Advanced Class Guide has an interesting feat that works a bit like the original weapon cords (requires some feat, skill, and class investment):

Advanced Class Guide wrote:

Kick Up (Combat)

You have learned how to kick items on the ground to a ready hand.
Prerequisites: Dex 12, Acrobatic, Acrobatics 1 rank; slayer level 1st or swashbuckler level 1st.
Benefit: As long as you have at least one hand free, you can use a swift action to retrieve a single unattended item or weapon that weighs 10 pounds or less from the ground, either in your square or in any adjacent square not occupied or threatened by an enemy. Additionally, when you kick up a weapon and attempt a feint before the end of your turn, you receive a +2 circumstance bonus on the feint attempt.


Artanthos wrote:
Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
So in the case of, say, the Wish spell, drawing out the 25,000 gold Diamond would most likely take a Move Action. It's not really concrete as to what constitutes components that subvert the general, but some GMs would rule that drawing out a vital Focus component for a spell (unless such is already drawn) would take a Move Action.

Elaborate =/= expensive.

A single small rock is a very simple thing, regardless of price tag.

And yet it's quite undefined rules-wise as to what constitutes being elaborate or not, meaning it's subject to GM interpretation. I'd rule that a material component like a Diamond for the Wish spell would constitute a Move Action to be drawn, since I find it to be, in fact, an elaborate component, whereas you would not.

Scarab Sages

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
Artanthos wrote:
Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
So in the case of, say, the Wish spell, drawing out the 25,000 gold Diamond would most likely take a Move Action. It's not really concrete as to what constitutes components that subvert the general, but some GMs would rule that drawing out a vital Focus component for a spell (unless such is already drawn) would take a Move Action.

Elaborate =/= expensive.

A single small rock is a very simple thing, regardless of price tag.

And yet it's quite undefined rules-wise as to what constitutes being elaborate or not, meaning it's subject to GM interpretation. I'd rule that a material component like a Diamond for the Wish spell would constitute a Move Action to be drawn, since I find it to be, in fact, an elaborate component, whereas you would not.
Elaborate wrote:
involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.


Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
I think you're a bit confused as to what a Divine Focus is and what its relationship is with somatic components. The two aren't mutually exclusive; that is, if you have one, you don't need the other, which you seem to think is the case.

No, let me make myself clear.

I have read elsewhere that in the process of casting a spell, if the spell requires a focus or a material component, then that component may be held in the hand that performs the somatic component. So in the case of a spell that requires a holy symbol, you do not need to hold the symbol in one hand and make gestures with the other. Instead, you wave the symbol around and that comprises the somatic component.

It's not that you need one or the other; it's that you can do one WITH the other. You can make gestures WITH the focus instead of your hand, which is not a free hand as it is holding something.

To require otherwise would mean that casting a spell without a focus or materials requires only one hand, whereas casting a spell with material components or foci effectively requires two. That would turn Eschew Materials from a mediocre feat to an awesome one. It would also mean iconic wizards would have to drop their staff on the ground any time they cast a spell with a material component. It's pretty clear that the material component/foci rules are not meant to require this much bookkeeping, nor is casting a spell ever supposed to require more than one hand.

So if an object counts as a divine focus, the hand holding it CAN normally also be used to perform the gestures for the spell, if such is required.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
All I'm saying is that the reliquary shield only serves as a Holy Symbol for the purposes of Channeling and the Divine Focus required for casting a spell; it still restricts your ability to use that hand for other purposes, such as fulfilling somatic components.

Is there a source for this, or is this just your opinion? Does it say anywhere that the object only counts as a divine focus in some respects and not others?

Wearing an ordinary holy symbol on a string around your neck also fulfills the requirement for the purpose of channeling and spellcasting, and only costs 1gp. Preparing a focus for a spell is a free action. So frankly making a shield into a divine focus doesn't seem to achieve any mechanical benefit whatsoever under your interpretation. In my mind, adding this property to the item should really do something.

There is a magic item from INNER SEA GODS called the Inheritor's Gauntlet. It allows the user (if he is a follower of Iomedae) to use the longsword held in that hand as a holy symbol. The intent here is pretty clear that this is meant to allow a Paladin of Iomedae (or a cleric for that matter) to cast spells with the hand though still holding the longsword.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
In other words, a Heavy Shield won't work for what you're trying to do; get a Light Shield and it solves your problems.

If I cant use a heavy shield that counts as a divine focus to gesture, I don't see why I could use a light shield that counts as a divine focus to gesture.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:
If (the spell) doesn't require a Divine Focus, adding it to casting that spell won't change anything about the spell, assuming that adding those subjects to a spell is possible, which many would say is not, and even if it is, it does nothing.

This is normally what I would figure. However, if you can use another item like a weapon or a shield as a holy symbol, then it actually becomes easier to cast a spell that requires a divine focus than one that doesn't, because if I can use my longsword as a focus (as with the Inheritor's gauntlet) then I don't have to sheathe it to cast a spell that requires a divine focus, but I would to cast a spell that doesn't. That just seems weird.

Darksol the Painbringer wrote:

**EDIT**

As for the whole "gold cost" for a Divine Focus, I reference this text:

Casting a Spell wrote:
...Unless these components are elaborate, preparing them is a free action.

Yeah, I have to go with Artanthos on that one. How expensive something is has nothing to do with how elaborate something is. Something can be elaborate but cheap, or expensive but simple. If they wanted to refer to the cost of the item they would have simply said "expensive" and probably would have added an actual cost to the rule (like the material components worth less than 1 gp rule).

I could totally see a gnome craftsman making a holy symbol of Brigh that was a clockwork device you have to wind up... but normally a holy symbol will never be considered "elaborate."

Liberty's Edge

Peet wrote:
I have read elsewhere that in the process of casting a spell, if the spell requires a focus or a material component, then that component may be held in the hand that performs the somatic component. So in the case of a spell that requires a holy symbol, you do not need to hold the symbol in one hand and make gestures with the other. Instead, you wave the symbol around and that comprises the somatic component.

1) The problem is that "elsewhere" is the forum. If you read the rules, they don't say that. Almost everyone hand wave the problem but it exist.

2) Having the material/Divine focus component in the same hand that is making the gestures is very different from making the gestures with a shield.
You can't make the gestures with a shield, even if it is the divine focus you are using.
I can keep my cell pone in a hand and compose a number to make a call.
I can keep my cell pone in a pouch at mi waist, but the pouch can't compose the number I want to call.

Peet wrote:


So if an object counts as a divine focus, the hand holding it CAN normally also be used to perform the gestures for the spell, if such is required.

Yes, that is how most GM rule, but you are trying to go a further step saying that a shield would be usable to make the precise gestures required by spellcasting, something that is not supported by the rules in any way.

Peet wrote:


Wearing an ordinary holy symbol on a string around your neck also fulfills the requirement for the purpose of channeling and spellcasting, and only costs 1gp.
PRD - Channel Energy (Su) wrote:


A cleric must be able to present her holy symbol to use this ability.

Simply wearing the holy symbol on a string on your neck don't work, you need to present it.

Peet wrote:
So frankly making a shield into a divine focus doesn't seem to achieve any mechanical benefit whatsoever under your interpretation. In my mind, adding this property to the item should really do something.

It do "something", the problem is that you want it to "do something more".


Eldrich Heratage Arcane can give a bonded item to a Divine Caster: you can cast spells as if your hand was empty.


@ Peet:

For the record, here's the directory regarding reliquary items.

It says you can count the item (in this case, the shield) as a holy symbol for your deity (in the cases of channeling energy) and a divine focus (in the cases of casting spells), so it follows the standard rules regarding that. So we'll need to pull up the relevant rules for casting spells, specifically components.

Let's bring up the Focus entry and compare to the Divine Focus entry:

Focus wrote:
A focus component is a prop of some sort. Unlike a material component, a focus is not consumed when the spell is cast and can be reused. As with material components, the cost for a focus is negligible unless a price is given. Assume that focus components of negligible cost are in your spell component pouch.
Divine Focus wrote:
A divine focus component is an item of spiritual significance. The divine focus for a cleric or a paladin is a holy symbol appropriate to the character's faith. The divine focus for a druid or a ranger is a sprig of holly, or some other sacred plant.

By RAW, you're required to draw out a (Divine) Focus, which is an item, to cast the spell. Items needed to be drawn out for use takes up a hand (or a foot if you're really skilled like that, but the RAW wouldn't allow it) and you're needed to have a free hand to gesture with, requiring two hands total. Some spells require both a focus and material components, meaning unless you have 3 hands (or 2 limbs that can hold items and a free hand to gesture), by RAW you can't cast the spell at all, since you lack the amount of hands needed to hold the items and make the gestures.

So, as Diego Rossi pointed out, the RAW actually screws you up very badly in this regard, since it's not quite specific. Because of that, RAW can really be thrown out the window, and we're forced to rely on RAI, which is a lot more reasonable.

As the forumites state regarding the RAI for casting spells, having a free hand and having a divine focus, both needed to cast a divine spell, are completely separate subjects and requirements; what's handwaved is the need to have separate hands for each component requirement. RAW, they're even defined as separate things in the components section, and the RAI doesn't circumvent that. Meaning for example, I can have a Reliquary Heavy Shield be a Divine Focus for a spell, but when both hands are occupied (one with the shield, the other with a weapon), I can't cast that spell because I can't make the proper hand gestures needed. I can drop the Heavy Shield to fulfill the free hand pre-requisite, but then I am lacking the Divine Focus component needed. Since both are needed, you can't cast the spell without possessing all of the required components; it just simply fails.

Because of this, compare the Heavy and Light Shield entries:

Light Shield wrote:
You strap a shield to your forearm and grip it with your hand. A light shield's weight lets you carry other items in that hand, although you cannot use weapons with it.
Heavy Shield wrote:
You strap a shield to your forearm and grip it with your hand. A heavy shield is so heavy that you can't use your shield hand for anything else.

A Light Shield can carry and use items (bar weapons) in the same hand. (Some argue you can use the same hand for gesturing and the like, but since you're required to hold it in your hand, it won't work; if you want that, use a Buckler.) A Heavy Shield can't carry or use anything in the same hand it's used.

So with a Reliquary Light Shield, by RAW you can have your Divine Focus component in the shield hand (as well as any material component possibly, though you'll want it open for holding your weapon), and when you switch your weapon to your shield hand (a Free Action to do that and vice-versa in the same round), you'll have a free hand for gesturing.


Diminuendo wrote:
Eldritch Heritage (Arcane) can give a bonded item to a Divine Caster: you can cast spells as if your hand was empty.

Minor quote edit, spelling corrections.

That is a feature specific to the Arcane Duelist bard archetype. Here's the full entry for Arcane Bond on the PRD:

Arcane Bond (Wizard) wrote:

At 1st level, wizards form a powerful bond with an object or a creature. This bond can take one of two forms: a familiar or a bonded object. A familiar is a magical pet that enhances the wizard's skills and senses and can aid him in magic, while a bonded object is an item a wizard can use to cast additional spells or to serve as a magical item. Once a wizard makes this choice, it is permanent and cannot be changed. Rules for bonded items are given below, while rules for familiars are at the end of this section.

Wizards who select a bonded object begin play with one at no cost. Objects that are the subject of an arcane bond must fall into one of the following categories: amulet, ring, staff, wand, or weapon. These objects are always masterwork quality. Weapons acquired at 1st level are not made of any special material. If the object is an amulet or ring, it must be worn to have effect, while staves, wands, and weapons must be held in one hand. If a wizard attempts to cast a spell without his bonded object worn or in hand, he must make a concentration check or lose the spell. The DC for this check is equal to 20 + the spell's level. If the object is a ring or amulet, it occupies the ring or neck slot accordingly.

A bonded object can be used once per day to cast any one spell that the wizard has in his spellbook and is capable of casting, even if the spell is not prepared. This spell is treated like any other spell cast by the wizard, including casting time, duration, and other effects dependent on the wizard's level. This spell cannot be modified by metamagic feats or other abilities. The bonded object cannot be used to cast spells from the wizard's opposition schools (see arcane school).

A wizard can add additional magic abilities to his bonded object as if he has the required item creation feats and if he meets the level prerequisites of the feat. For example, a wizard with a bonded dagger must be at least 5th level to add magic abilities to the dagger (see the Craft Magic Arms and Armor feat in Feats). If the bonded object is a wand, it loses its wand abilities when its last charge is consumed, but it is not destroyed and it retains all of its bonded object properties and can be used to craft a new wand. The magic properties of a bonded object, including any magic abilities added to the object, only function for the wizard who owns it. If a bonded object's owner dies, or the item is replaced, the object reverts to being an ordinary masterwork item of the appropriate type.

If a bonded object is damaged, it is restored to full hit points the next time the wizard prepares his spells. If the object of an arcane bond is lost or destroyed, it can be replaced after 1 week in a special ritual that costs 200 gp per wizard level plus the cost of the masterwork item. This ritual takes 8 hours to complete. Items replaced in this way do not possess any of the additional enchantments of the previous bonded item. A wizard can designate an existing magic item as his bonded item. This functions in the same way as replacing a lost or destroyed item except that the new magic item retains its abilities while gaining the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a bonded item.

Nowhere in the text does it mention being able to use the same hand a weapon, staff, or wand is being held for fulfilling somatic components. Whereas the Arcane Duelist Bard archetype has this text for their Arcane Bond feature:

Arcane Bond (Arcane Duelist Bard) wrote:
At 5th level, an arcane duelist gains the arcane bond ability as a wizard, using a weapon as his bonded item, allowing him to cast any one addition spell that he knows once per day. He may not choose a familiar or other type of bonded item. He may use the hand holding his bonded weapon for somatic components. This ability replaces lore master.

If the same Arcane Duelist bard tried to TWF with a second bonded weapon (via Eldritch Heritage [Arcane]), that second bonded weapon wouldn't be applicable for fulfilling somatic components.

That's one peg down for the many Wizards who are overpowered as heck. Just a million more to go...

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