Can a cleric cast spells when his hands are occupied?

[BloodyAx]

Can a cleric cast spells while wielding two weapons, a weapon and a heavy/tower shield, or when in some way his hands are occupied with equipment?

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Yes and no. It depends.

The key is whether the spell has a somatic component or not. If it does, then the caster needs a free hand. That's why clerics should consider taking light shields (which still allow the hand to hold items, like a weapon from your other hand) instead of heavy shields (which don't). That brings up the issue of what type of action switching a weapon from one hand to the other is; some people say a move action, some say a free action.

Another possibility is putting a strap on your weapon so you can just drop it and let it dangle while you cast your spell, then rearm yourself as part of a move action.

But yeah, if the spell has a somatic component then you need a free hand. One of the most overlooked rules of the game.

 

[BloodyAx]

Thanks

 

[Shin Okada]

In addition to Somatic component, if the spell has material component, you need one free hand. This is not truly clear in the rulebook. But reasonable to think so and FAQ supports for it.

There are several options for a cleric.

1. Using a light shield.

A cleric move his weapon to his shield hand as a move action and then cast a spell. Retrieving the weapon to his weapon arm is another move action. Again, according to FAQ.

2. Using a buckler.

You can use your hand with buckler for performing somatic component. But if you do so, you lose that buckler's AC bonus until next turn. Again, according to FAQ.

3. Using a two-handed weapon. Or use a one-handed weapon in two hands.

It is also not clear in the rule book. But many DMs consider removing a hand from the grip of a two-handed weapon is a free action. And many DMs also consider putting that hand back on the grip is also a free action. There are some DMs who has objection, though.

4. Have more than 3 arms.

Like Thri-Kreen.

 

[Hypersmurf]

The key is whether the spell has a somatic component or not.

Or, arguably, a M/F/DF component, since you must be able to "manipulate the material components or focus (if any)".

Edit - like Shin Okada said

-Hyp.

 

[Alzrius]

It is also not clear in the rule book. But many DMs consider removing a hand from the grip of a two-handed weapon is a free action. And many DMs also consider putting that hand back on the grip is also a free action. There are some DMs who has objection, though.

This one got a fairly involved thread on its own, a while back.

 

[Scharlata]

[...]There are several options for a cleric.[...]

... and if your campaign uses Races of Stone (p. 158):

5. [Exotic] Shield, Gauntlet: "A favorite of divine spellcasters..." It basically allows you to have the shield strapped (and ready) for combat but at the same time manipulating material and somatic spell components [no weapons!]. It does require the Exotic Shield Proficiency [GENERAL] (p. 139): Prereq.: Shield Proficiency, base attack bonus +1.

Enjoy!

 

[fnork de sporg]

Buying an Animated Shield is also a good, though perhaps more expensive, solution.

 

[blargney the second]

4. Have more than 3 arms.

Like Thri-Kreen.

Now that's just clever!
-blarg