Duskblades and Somatic components

[Corsair]

To make use of Arcane Channeling, are you essentially required to only use one handed weapons and light (or no) shield? That cuts down a lot of the combat options, and makes the Armored Mage [heavy shield] ability feel somewhat worthless. Am I reading this correctly? What about using two handed weapons? Does the same liability apply?

 

[Corsair]

No thoughts on this? I would think with the other duskblade threads around, someone would have something to add.

 

[Blue Sky]

In a by the rules interpretation, you're right. A duskblade would have to be able to hold a weapon in his off hand in order to cast, so no heavy shield.

My opinion? I'd let him use the sword as a somatic component.

 

[Bront]

Usually, you can let go of a two handed weapon with one hand in order to cast. Look at wizards and quarterstaffs

 

[Question]

Meh just gloss over and let them cast even with a 1 handed weapon and heavy shield. Not exactly a big deal.

 

[Corsair]

Meh just gloss over and let them cast even with a 1 handed weapon and heavy shield. Not exactly a big deal.

Do you do the same for a cleric?

 

[Krafen]

Do you do the same for a cleric?

All the DMs I know do.

 

[shilsen]

All the DMs I know do.

Interesting. I don't think any of the DMs I know do. I definitely don't.

As for the duskblade and channeling, as written I'd say you do need a free hand for somatic components. Peronally, I'd allow the spell to be cast without a free hand by letting the weapon movement fill in the somatic components, but that's a house rule.

 

[Troll Bait]

All the DMs I know do.

Yeah, mine too.

 

[Corsair]

Yeah, mine too.

Mine does not. One of the few reasons to actually USE a light shield. I guess I'll stick with a two handed weapon and/or quickdraw.