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Message: <blockquote data-quote="agrelic" data-source="post: 5603814" data-attributes="member: 98110">If you're wielding a two-handed weapon, it should only be a free action to let go with one hand long enough to cast a spell, and a free action to grab it back.  Remember, it takes two hands to swing the weapon, not to hold it.I'm preparing a possible Runesmith build and had this same question.  I decided to avoid potential issues by using some of our house-rules to give myself unlimited shield spell, thus leaving a hand free for casting or wand work.If you'd like some extra info on it, look at the 'Somatic Weaponry' feat in Complete Mage.  The language strongly implies that a free hand is not necessary for manipulating a material component.In addition, the PHB/SRD clarification on spell descriptions notes under "Somatic (S)" that you need a hand free to cast a spell with a somatic component.  The Material component section does not say that.Sadly, neither of these are definitive.  However, they do point towards not needing a free hand for a material component.  I personally like your idea of inscribing the runes on your shield.. its always there, and a weapon is more likely to be disarmed.</blockquote>