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The books never actually define exactly what a "free hand" is, and I would like it if someone could make a list of things that makes a hand not free.
Only things that appear in the core rulebook - and where in the rulebook it says that it makes your hand un-free;
I will start -> Holding a weapon. page 140 most of the way down the page "its relative encumbrance (light, one-handed, two-handed)"
The books never actually define exactly what a "free hand" is, and I would like it if someone could make a list of things that makes a hand not free.
Only things that appear in the core rulebook - and where in the rulebook it says that it makes your hand un-free;
I will start -> Holding a weapon. page 140 most of the way down the page "its relative encumbrance (light, one-handed, two-handed)"
If that hand is not being used for something else such as holding a shield, wielding a two handed weapon, or holding some other object, as an example, it is free.
You won't find many direct RAW points about free-handedness. Partly because there are some real world knowledge assumptions going on. Obviously holding any kind of object uses a hand. But it isn't just objects. Take for example picking a lock. In some cases a character will need both hands to properly use, set, and hold the picks inplace. Other locks my require only a single hand.
but, for example, a light shield says specifically that it can hold an item, just not use a weapon.
Would you consider that "free."
most of this is just to have a general clarification of what most people think constitutes making a hand un-free.
The light shield hand is not free, and the ability to hold an item is an exception to the rule.
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+1 @ Wraithstrike
A "free hand" is (barring explicit exceptions) anything not being used to hold/wield something, and not deliberately restricted in some other manner (such as being bound). So basically, if you aren't holding an object, and no-one has gone out of their way to prevent you from having manual dexterity*, your hand is "free". All else is judgement calls.
*I've seen a character get their fingers disintegrated off and could only unarmed strike with that arm, no spellcasting or weapons (though they were a monk, which was pure luck for them really). Before you complain, they lost their fingers because they got the bright idea of sticking their hand into a sphere of annihilation. "DMs don't kill players, players kill players."
Mmmh...
I think there was a shield in 3.x that was specifically designed to hold it while casting no ?
And a rondache leave your hand free no ?
I think there was a shield in 3.x that was specifically designed to hold it while casting no?
Both a buckler and a light shield allow characters to cast with their shield hand, the former by RAW and the latter by a rules clarification.
Freeing up a hand on a weapon wielded two-handed gives you your hand free, and when it is your turn again, free action to grip the weapon with both hands, and strike, then use a free action to release one hand. Messes up attacks of opportunity if the weapon is purely 2-handed, but if you need the hand free, it is a way.
Of course, if you are using a feat or ability that requires you to have a free hand all the time (free hand fighter etc), this doesn't work.
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I think there was a shield in 3.x that was specifically designed to hold it while casting no?Both a buckler and a light shield allow characters to cast with their shield hand, the former by RAW and the latter by a rules clarification.
Thank you for that, I hand been wondering that for a build that I was going to do.
Though it does seem like most people disagree with/didn't expect that ruling, is that an official ruling?
As per Jason (I think), nothing is official unless it's in an Errata on the FAQ.
That being said, the opinions of Paizo, employees, tho sometimes conflicting, are usually given a good bit of weight.