D&D (2024) Should shields, like Simple weapons be available to all characters?

[Horwath]

Only because of how abstract D&D's combat system is. You should lose your shield bonus and "armed" status until the start of your next turn. Otherwise there's no point in even having mechanics for somatic components.

Only if casting time is longer than an Action, or that 3.5e 1 round action casting time.

 

[Reynard]

Only if casting time is longer than an Action, or that 3.5e 1 round action casting time.

My point is that the mechanics as they are designed means it is essentially meaningless to require a free hand for somatic components if that includes doing what is in the image with no consequence. It is much easier and actually requires real choices if the mechanic is "you cannot hold both a weapon and a shield while casting."

 

[Horwath]

My point is that the mechanics as they are designed means it is essentially meaningless to require a free hand for somatic components if that includes doing what is in the image with no consequence. It is much easier and actually requires real choices if the mechanic is "you cannot hold both a weapon and a shield while casting."

I see S component as:
you cannot cast spells while pinned
you cannot cast spells in manacles or similar bindings
your S components are obvious to anyone nearby if you do not try Stealth check
you cannot cast spells if you need to hold something 100% of the time, I.E. carrying a chest that you cannot let down for any reason.
or hanging from cliff edge with one hand and holding another character with other hand.

 

[Reynard]

I see S component as:
you cannot cast spells while pinned
you cannot cast spells in manacles or similar bindings
your S components are obvious to anyone nearby if you do not try Stealth check
you cannot cast spells if you need to hold something 100% of the time, I.E. carrying a chest that you cannot let down for any reason.
or hanging from cliff edge with one hand and holding another character with other hand.

So all the same things that would stop you from fighting?

 

[Horwath]

So all the same things that would stop you from fighting?

yes.
but in some of those situations, you can still kick.

 

[Reynard]

yes.
but in some of those situations, you can still kick.

So what is the point of a somatic components mechanic? Why not a rule that states "when pinned, character may not take the attack, move or cast a spell actions."?

 

[Horwath]

So what is the point of a somatic components mechanic? Why not a rule that states "when pinned, character may not take the attack, move or cast a spell actions."?

beats me, probably some legacy sacred cow they are too scared to mercy kill already.

but with subtle spell you can cast while pinned or silenced or gagged or hanging for your life with a friend off a cliff.

 

[Vaalingrade]

At least give everyone Tower Shield.

How much learning does it take to stand behind a wall?

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

I don't think more classes should, but I do think more ancestries should (dragonborn and orcs), and the armor feats need to be way better to be worth picking.

Something like human's militia training in BG3 seems more worthy of a feat: +1 stat, proficiency in light armor, shields, and 3 martial/simple weapons.

It's not like anyone is taking weapon training anyways, and I'd prefer to improve the noob traps just because someone wants their wizard to swing a longsword.

 

[Neonchameleon]

I'm in camp "there should be a reason that wizards and sorcerers don't normally carry shields". Don't care if you tie it to somatic components, proficiency, or what - but it feels as if carrying a shield is against the archetype and so there should be a reason for this.