The rules make it clear that you can still cast spells possessing somatic components while HOLDING items in you hands, but can yo do so while WIELDING a weapon or weapons in all available hands? Some areas of the rules differentiate between holding and wielding, while others don't seem to, so the answer is not as obvious as I'd like.
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I was under the impression that the intent of the change in somatic casting rules mid-playtest was to allow clerics to cast spells while using a weapon and shield (among other things). So I think the intent is that you can wield weapons and cast spells
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If you look at the spell description for Weapon Storm, I think it's pretty clear you can wield even a 2-handed weapon while casting a spell with somatic components.This is probably a square v. rectangle situation.
Holding = rectangle. Wielding = square. You can somatic component when rectangle.
Weapon Storm might just be the exception though, since swinging the weapon is the somatic component.
I would lean toward it being used while wielding a weapon. it seems to be the intent and i don't see much of a reason to disallow it from a balance perspective.
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I was under the impression that the intent of the change in somatic casting rules mid-playtest was to allow clerics to cast spells while using a weapon and shield (among other things). So I think the intent is that you can wield weapons and cast spells
That matches my memory, FWIW.
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I was under the impression that the intent of the change in somatic casting rules mid-playtest was to allow clerics to cast spells while using a weapon and shield (among other things). So I think the intent is that you can wield weapons and cast spellsThat matches my memory, FWIW.
For someone who didn't pay much attention during the playtest, like myself, this is invaluable knowledge.
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For someone who didn't pay much attention during the playtest, like myself, this is invaluable knowledge.I was under the impression that the intent of the change in somatic casting rules mid-playtest was to allow clerics to cast spells while using a weapon and shield (among other things). So I think the intent is that you can wield weapons and cast spellsThat matches my memory, FWIW.
It is also correct. They specifically removed the "you can ignore the manipulate requirements of somatic components" feats clerics and paladins had that allowed them to cast with weapons in hand because the feats were now mostly redundant once those changes were made.
Yes
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In my opinion it seems like you would need to use the the equipment rules for release and grip. Wielding is not the same as holding it, so you would have use the action to change your grip.
So you would have to "release" your grip (free action) they you are holding the item...
Wielding Items
Some abilities require you to wield an item, typically a weapon. You’re wielding an item any time you’re holding it in the number of hands needed to use it effectively. When wielding an item, you’re not just carrying it around—you’re ready to use it. Other abilities might require you to merely carry or have an item. These apply as long as you have the item on your person; you don’t have to wield it.
cast your spell and then grip your weapon (action) on page 273
Change your grip by removing a hand from an item 2 Release
Change your grip by adding a hand to an item 2 Interact
For paladins and clerics they could release what every they have and then as part of the spell casting action they retrieve and stow their holy symbol (focus) but they still need a free hand
Focus
A focus is an object that funnels the magical energy of the spell. The spell gains the manipulate trait and requires you to either have a free hand to retrieve the focus listed in the spell or already be holding the focus in your hand. As part of Casting the Spell, you retrieve the focus (if necessary), manipulate it, and can stow it again if you so choose. Foci tend to be expensive, and you need to acquire them in advance to Cast the Spell.
and then take a grip(action). This would seem to make sense to me since they need a free hand.
This would also make sense with the cleric feat called EMBLAZON ARMAMENT. Which makes a weapon or shield your holy symbol allowing it to be used for divine casting focus.
Well this is how i see it :)
In my opinion it seems like you would need to use the the equipment rules for release and grip. Wielding is not the same as holding it, so you would have use the action to change your grip.
They aren't, but there's nothing in the rules that really supports this assertion. Yes, wielding is more than holding, but there's still no restriction written in associated with wielding. So I don't see a reason to apply an extra layer of difficulty.
This would also make sense with the cleric feat called EMBLAZON ARMAMENT. Which makes a weapon or shield your holy symbol allowing it to be used for divine casting focus.
That's different, because using a focus and casting with a somatic component aren't the same thing. The focus replaces material components.
In fact, your house rule would be a nerf to Emblazon Armament, because the cleric would have to release their weapon even if they took that feat to fulfill the somatic component.