D&D 5E Shields and Somatic Components: Will you play it "as is?"

[Kobold Stew]

Bottom line: If you're worried enough to gripe about bards casting with an instrument 1 handed during a 6 second combat round, the problem is in your phronema, not the mechanics of the game.

So it sounds to me like we agree? (source)

I find it hard to believe that anyone really likes the final implementation of the whole focus issue (including the interaction with tool proficiencies, etc.) as it is, but what we have is a safe and relatively unchallenging rule that allows flavourful play without taxing players in any real way, and which has some options that are mechanically better for some users than others.

 

[mcbobbo]

So wait. All I can find, and I mean ALL that seems to be in the rules is saving on materials through the use of a focus item. It's in the same phrase as the component pouch, and performs essentially the same function. So, yes, bards can sing, and do not require any instrument at all, as far as I can tell.

I was under the impression that bards were somehow disadvantaged...