Casting spells while your hands are full?

[Dr. Confoundo]

Like many, I'm planning on playing a half-elf fighter multiclass character (in this case, into wizard). One thing that I can't seem to find in the PHB is how many hands I'd need to have free to cast any of my wizard spells. Assuming he starts with a longsword and a light shield and is casting his spells without implements, can he cast spells without switching hands or putting away his weapon? Where in the PHB does it say that he'll need a free hand to cast a spell?

 

[Danceofmasks]

Some powers require tools, such as a weapon, and so those must be available.
Spells do not require anything, so you can cast them hands-free just fine.

 

[fissionessence]

Spells do not require anything, so you can cast them hands-free just fine.

Just make sure to describe the effect of the spell as firing out of your gaping mouth.

~

 

[deleteme123456]

I can see it now, Dwarf Wizards who belch their spells... all attacks suddenly become vs. Fortitude to withstand the odor and deafening noise.

 

[Bagpuss]

Just make sure to describe the effect of the spell as firing out of your gaping mouth.

~

Oh yeah the mouth, that would make more sense now you mention it.

 

[Andor]

Yeah I've been wondering...

How do you stop a Warlock or Wizard from casting spells in 4e?

In all previous editions a bound and gagged wizard was SOL (unless he happened to have a stilled and silenced spell memorized in 3e.) In 4e it seems like there is no way to stop the blastiness. This becomes a problem if the PCs ever want to take a spellcaster prisoner. Or the DM wants to take the PCs prisoner for that matter. Would NPCs just cut the throats of all arcane casters out of pure self defense?

 

[Tale]

Yeah I've been wondering...

How do you stop a Warlock or Wizard from casting spells in 4e?

In all previous editions a bound and gagged wizard was SOL (unless he happened to have a stilled and silenced spell memorized in 3e.) In 4e it seems like there is no way to stop the blastiness. This becomes a problem if the PCs ever want to take a spellcaster prisoner. Or the DM wants to take the PCs prisoner for that matter. Would NPCs just cut the throats of all arcane casters out of pure self defense?

The DMG comments that a DM may choose to limit spellcasting under certain conditions, which could include bound or gagged.

 

[lukelightning]

The DMG comments that a DM may choose to limit spellcasting under certain conditions, which could include bound or gagged.

I'd say anything that would prevent someone from physically attacking would also prevent spellcasting. I wouldn't go for the "gagged" rule, or preventing casting in silence, since that would mean that martial folks have an advantage.

Personally I'd rule that you need a hand free or wielding an implement in a hand in order to cast a spell.

 

[Tale]

I read about a DM who has his players pick a method of spellcasting, verbal or gesture, so he could know which way in particular to stop them when desired.

 

[Asmor]

I'd say that, while you don't need your hands free to cast a spell, you do need to be able to move your arms. You can still gesture correctly while holding a sword and shield, but not while bound.