Does the Manipulate trait require a free hand?

[Captain Morgan]

I know it is established that somatic components can be done with an occupied hand, and the interact action seems to be what actually requires a free hand. But I'm not sure how an inventor with an armor innovation goes into overdrive without taking a hand off their great sword.

Also, unrelated, but would y'all go 16 str/16 int or 14 str/18 int? One of my players wants to do a tengu inventor, which doesn't really mesh with the optimal stat array.

[Var Sardos]

Captain Morgan wrote:

I know it is established that somatic components can be done with an occupied hand, and the interact action seems to be what actually requires a free hand. But I'm not sure how an inventor with an armor innovation goes into overdrive without taking a hand off their great sword.

Also, unrelated, but would y'all go 16 str/16 int or 14 str/18 int? One of my players wants to do a tengu inventor, which doesn't really mesh with the optimal stat array.

The definition in the Core Rulebook "You must physically manipulate an item or make gestures to use an action with trait.", but it doesn't explicitly say "You must have a free hand".

Arguably, you could say "I rest the blade of my great sword against my shoulder in order to activate overdrive, and then attack twice."

[Draco18s]

Every feat and action that requires a free hand lists "free hand" as a requirement.

There's an entire thread on this argument in the rules forum somewhere.

And I'll remind you that the barbarian's Quaking Stomp is [Manipulate] and does not mention needing a free hand either.

Something something Goose something Gander.

[Thezzaruz]

No it doesn't. It doesn't even provoke AoO's every time, it really is a poorly used/designed trait.

It's main usefulness seems to be for situations when some (spell)effect restricts you from being able to take actions with the manipulate trait.