A cleric's holy symbol

[Onysablet]

Hi!

I've looking through all the PHB and I didn't find anything that could tell me if a cleric's holy symbol is necessary when casting a spell that do not require Divine Focus...
The thing is that I'm a cleric that has been captured and my captors have taken away my symbol, so my DM said that I cannot cast spells while not having it... but I am not quite sure of it... well, neither do him.
So, what do you think about it?
In the case that I need it... do you could I made up a new one if I scatch my flesh (enough to make a temporal scar) to "paint" it in? It's a kinda weird solution, but...

Well, opinions, anyone?

Thx, pals!

Bye!

 

[nwn_deadman]

Unless the spell list a DF (divine focus) I don't think you need your holy symbol.

Your holy symbol is also used in turning or rebuking undead.

 

[durath]

You do not need your holy symbol to cast spells unless the spell description states that you need a divine focus.

Seeing as how you are captured and since they took your holy symbol away I will assume they also took away any material components you might have, you will have to cast spells which require only verbal and/or somatic components.


Examples include:
Bestow Curse(always fun to do vs. captors)
Blade Barrier
Blasphemy
Blindness/Deafness (another favorite)
Break Enchantment
Cause Fear

Just look through the PHB there are more. Now if your captors have your hands tied as well then you will have to look at spells that only require a verbal component.

 

[coyote6]

Don't forget perhaps the most important no-holy-symbol-required spells: cure and inflict spells. So you can still spontaneously cast spells to heal wounds -- very important when trying to escape!