[CW] bladesinger and gauntlets

[brendan candries]

the CW bladesinger gets some special abilities if he wields a rapier/longsword in one hand and "nothing in the other".

how about a spiked gauntlet in his other hand?

gauntlet is listed under unarmed attacks on the weapons table (although most medium/heavy armors come with gauntlets automatically)
spiked gauntlet is listed as a (simple) light melee weapon on the weapons table
locked gauntlet is listed on the armor table

 

[Aaron L]

I'd say no (because it's a light weapon), but allow a gauntlet (because it is considered an unarmed attack)

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

Of course, nothing stops him from wielding the spiked gauntlet in the same hand that wields the rapier. . . .

However, I would interpret the spiked gauntlet which still allows the character to pick things up, cast spells, etc with that hand as still being an empty hand for that purpose as long as the bladesinger doesn't try TWF with it.

 

[Darklone]

I wouldn't allow it. It's prolly hard enough to cast spells with one hand, and these gauntlets are not exactly suited to help you to pull something specific out of your spell component pouch with one hand...

 

[brendan candries]

the locked gauntlet specifically mentions that you're unable to use your hand for skills and spells (somatic component) if it's actually locked.

thus I conclude that gauntlets in general have no influence on skills and spell components (at least not the somatic part). it's simply not mentioned.

now if we're adressing the gauntlet debate from the standpoint that a bladesinger is designed with a free off-hand for spell use, only a locked gauntlet would possibly pose a problem. and if you allow a standard gauntlet for spell use, you might as well allow a spiked gauntlet.

do you wield a gauntlet? is the hand considered free?

what's the difference between punching with a spiked gauntlet worn on your off-hand and say, using if for a spell like vampiric touch delivered with a regular attack rather than a touch attack? the former not being in line with the flavor of the class? or is it a balance issue?