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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Guest 7037866" data-source="post: 9617216">I actually have pretty rigid rules when it comes to free-hand use and such in my games.This is mainly for 5E now since that is what I currently play. "FOI" = free object interaction. You can forego movement to gain an additional FOI on your turn (this allows someone to draw two weapons).<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">You can drop anything held in either or both hands (no action cost) at any time.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">You can give something held to another person on their turn using your reaction (otherwise you must "drop it"). They will either use a FOI to take the item or Use an Object action.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A two-handed weapon can be carried in one hand, but you must have the other hand free on your turn to attack. You must use a FOI to place your second hand on your weapon prior to attacking.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">You must have a hand free to cast any spell which requires a material or somatic component. If a spell requires both, you must have both hands free. The War Caster feat allows you the "use of one less hand" (so, no hands free for material or somatic, and only one hand free for both material and somantic components). If your material component or spell focus are not already in hand, you can use a FOI to get them in hand before casting.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Performing a Strength (Althetics) check to climb or swim (unless you have a climb or swim speed) with only one free hand is at disadvantage. The Athltete feat removes this restriction.</li> </ol>And there are probably others. I do whatever narratively makes the most sense in combat given (a) a round is only 6 seconds long and (b) a creature is likely under attack, defending itself, being on the lookout for danger, or whatever. Most people think about (a) but don't consider (b) as much as they should IMO. It is one reason why I will never allow the use of a healing potion (or any potion) as a bonus action. Of course, if you have the potion in hand, drinking it would simply be a FOI... However, most of the time the FOI is getting the potion "in hand" in the first place.NOTE: Using an FOI provokes Oppotunity Attacks when you are interacting with an object not on your person (i.e. picking something up, opening a door) at the DM's discretion (I warn players if it will).Other Notes (House-rules):<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sling has the loading property. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Crossbow Expert does not allow you to ignore the loading property. (Utter nonsense!)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A "hand-held" shield does not allow you to hold anything else in that hand, however can be equipped using your FOI instead of your action.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A "strapped" shield requires your action to equip, but allows you to hold another object while using it.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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