D&D 5E Divine Smite questions and a few comments about the paladin class

[Joe Liker]

Considering that the form an "arcane focus" takes is deliberately left vague, and that a Warlock can freely choose the form of their pact blade, I think I'd allow it. A Wizard could use a crystal pendant as a focus, keeping both hands free except maybe momentarily when casting, so I don't think a Warlock using a sword as a focus is out of line.

There is no such thing as hands-free casting if there is a somatic component. If the spell includes both M and S, you must use at least one hand to manipulate either the true material component(s) or a focus. Simply wearing it is not enough when an S is specified.

 

[pukunui]

Considering that the form an "arcane focus" takes is deliberately left vague, and that a Warlock can freely choose the form of their pact blade, I think I'd allow it. A Wizard could use a crystal pendant as a focus, keeping both hands free except maybe momentarily when casting, so I don't think a Warlock using a sword as a focus is out of line.

I thought you could only choose one of the options listed under Arcane Focus in the equipment section of the PHB.

 

[Paraxis]

I thought you could only choose one of the options listed under Arcane Focus in the equipment section of the PHB.

Arcane Focus. An arcane focus is a special item an orb, a crystal, a rod, a specially constructed staff, a wand.like length of wood, or some similar item designed to channel the power of arcane spells.


The issue is the free hand,
A spellcaster must have a hand free to access these components, but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.

So while you could have a crystal pendant be your arcane focus, you still need a free hand to touch it as part of casting the spell.

I don't see any issue with letting a warlock use his pack blade for the focus I mean a staff is a weapon and an arcane focus and the warlock could just as easily make a staff his pact blade.

But a component pouch works just as fine for the most part.

 

[pukunui]

Oh OK cool. Thanks.