D&D 5E (2014) [GUIDE] A Blast From the Past: Wizarding 101

[mortwatcher]

I was under the impression that unless you have Warcaster feat, you can't use shield and cast anyway

my 2cp

 

[Dessert Nomad]

I was under the impression that unless you have Warcaster feat, you can't use shield and cast anyway

No, it's using a shield and weapon that causes problems. If you have a shield in one hand, you can leave the other hand free or hold a focus/interact with a component pouch in it. Technically if you're casting a spell that has no material component you have to drop, then pick up the focus as RAW you can only use the hand holding a focus for somatic components if the spell has a material component, but I've never seen anyone enforce that, and the 'tie a string to your wand, drop it, pick it up' sequence is just silly, and can be completely bypassed by using a material component pouch or putting a crystal focus on a necklace.

You do need to be proficient with the shield to cast while holding it, though, and it's a full action to remove a shield, unlike dropping a weapon it's not a free action.

 

[Ashrym]

Proficiency with a shield isn't hard to add. It's easy with a splash and expensive with feats.

 

[Avalongod]

As with all things, if it works for your build, go for it!

 

[Avalongod]

BTW, if you enjoyed the wizard guide, I certainly wouldn't mind if you checked out some of my DMsGuild content:

Witch class (based on the classic 1e Dragon #114 Witch): https://www.dmsguild.com/product/182381/Witch-Class-DD-5e-inspired-by-Dragon-114-witch

Elven Cavalier class (also based on the 1e Dragon Magazine class): https://www.dmsguild.com/product/184157/Class-Elven-Cavalier?src=by_author_of_product

Wild Surge Feat and Table (to add a little splash to your arcane caster): https://www.dmsguild.com/product/230202/Wild-Surge-Feat-and-Table?src=by_author_of_product

Cheers!

 

[mp7times]

Dragon's Breath can cause absolute havoc when cast on a familiar. 3d6 elemental damage of your choice, for the fair price of your concentration, a second level spell slot, and (most importantly) no party members actions.

Might be worth reconsidering.