Recent content by Herbalizer

No, but the fact that everyone has a different interpretation of its mechanics is. Anyway, I only wanted to know what the consensus was on this and the answer is : "there is no consensus - to each his own", or "use a Material pouch for the (M) component during combat like a Wizard that chooses...

Of course Bards can cast spells only with their voice (chants) ...that is the Vocal component (V), but like The Grassy Gnoll mentioned, and what we've been discussing for now 7 pages, it's the Material component of the spellcasting (M) that is the issue here. The Bard's spell focus IS a musical...

...Seriously ?! You got that from these quotes ?

...Seriously ?! You got that from these quotes ?

From the PHB: "Whether scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a bard weaves magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds," "In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own." "Some bards acquire their...

I could also fix a triangle inside my shield and use the tip of my rapier to play the almighty Triangle !!

Beautiful !!

I obviously want the shield for the +2 AC because I am expected to be in the thick of things from time to time (we are only 3 in our current party), and I want to play an instrument because it improves the role play, the story, it personifies the character ... whether I'd cast a spell that...

I ended up suggesting that instruments could be attached to myself (Lyre attached with a strap, flute or horn attached with rope around neck) which allows me to "drop" them for free while being able to draw a weapon in the same round and attack. However, if I start a round with my weapon in...

The Valor Bard is a branch of the Bard class ..they made it that way, giving him access to medium armor, shield, 2 attacks ...It's there, they created it ..and the Valor Bard (with Shield and all) COULD cast any spells with M components at any time if he was using a component pouch instead...

Yes ! Exactly ! That's what I'm saying ! Instead of having to figure out if you can sheath a weapon and pick up your lute in the same round, it should be allow the character to do what's it's supposed to do ..so for a Bard, pick up a an instrument and play when they have to. Very true ...

Great post Kobold Stew !! I completely agree with everything you said !! I guess the issue is sometimes having to "argue" with the DM or players on certain technicalities that could have been avoided if rules would have been better written ...I'm also in agreement with Unwise in the sense that...

As foolish as dropping your weapon to cast a spell ... A Bard is a spell caster ...In the description, it says "You can use a musical instrument (found in chapter 5) as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells." The keyword here is "can" ..which means you could play a Bard that carries a...

Which is exactly my point ! Because the Bard uses a spellcasting focus that is in reality useless in combat, he seems to have a huge disadvantage !! I mean, even a Wizard (with Shield proficiency) could cast spells with Both Somatic and Material components while holding on to his shield AND...

So what's the consensus on casting with a shield ? According to the PHB 1. You can draw or sheath a weapon as part of an action (page 190) 2. You can pick up a dropped weapon as part as an action (page 190) 3. You need a free hand to do the Somatic (S) portion of the spell (page 203) 4...