Strictly by RAW, do Focus/Material component need a free hand?

[Shin Okada]

Help me understandingng current RAW about this issue,

From SRD,

Material (M): A material component is one or more physical substances or objects that are annihilated by the spell energies in the casting process. Unless a cost is given for a material component, the cost is negligibleDon'tt bother to keep track of material components with negligible cost. Assume you have all you need as long as you have your spell component pouch.
Focus (F): A focus component is a prop of some sort. Unlike a material component, a focus is not consumed when the spell is cast and can be reused. As with material components, the cost for a focus is negligible unless a price is given. Assume that focus components of negligible cost are in your spell component pouch.

Those sections don't say anything about the need of free hand, so

Also from SRD

Grappling or Pinned: The only spells you can cast while grappling or pinned are those without somatic components and whose material components (if any) you have in hand. Even so, you must make a Concentration check (DC 20 + the level of the spellyou're casting) or lose the spell.

In my understanding, this is the only sentence in the core rule (though SRD is not strictly a core rule) which is vaguely suggesting the need of one free hand, right? Are there any others place which is stating it clearly?

 

[werk]

In the SRD under Casting Spells - Choosing a Spell:

To cast a spell, you must be able to speak (if the spell has a verbal component), gesture (if it has a somatic component), and manipulate the material components or focus (if any). Additionally, you must concentrate to cast a spell.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Then the important question becomes, "What does 'manipulate the material components' mean?"

Does it mean "touch it"? Does it mean "wave about appropriately"? Or, sometimes even, "eat"?

 

[Diirk]

Then the important question becomes, "What does 'manipulate the material components' mean?"

Does it mean "touch it"? Does it mean "wave about appropriately"? Or, sometimes even, "eat"?

I just assume that having one hand free is good enough to do both the gestures and any manipulating of components required.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

I just assume that having one hand free is good enough to do both the gestures and any manipulating of components required.

So what happens when you have a stilled spell? Or a V, F-only spell (like True Strike)?

 

[werk]

I believe the rule is 'one free hand' for somatic and/or material/focus.

That's how I play it.

 

[Diirk]

So what happens when you have a stilled spell? Or a V, F-only spell (like True Strike)?

I'd still assume the 1 free hand for manipulating the components is required (after all, you have to fetch them out of the component pouch somehow...)

This is supported (in an out of the way place) by the daggerspell mage PrC from Complete Adventurer: "A daggerspell mage can cast a spell with somatic and material components even when holding a dagger in each hand. If a daggerspell mage holds anything other than a dagger, he must have at least one hand free to cast a spell with somatic or material components."

I'd view focus items the same way as material components.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

I'd still assume the 1 free hand for manipulating the components is required (after all, you have to fetch them out of the component pouch somehow...)

In general, I'm ok with that. However, take the True Strike spell. The focus is a small wooden archery target. Would you allow a wizard to make a "signet" ring with the target as the device, and thereby always have it at hand?

I'd view focus items the same way as material components.

Oh, absolutely.

 

[Sil]

It is clear the SRD treats material component and Focui identicaly, except for annihilation.

 

[werk]

In general, I'm ok with that. However, take the True Strike spell. The focus is a small wooden archery target. Would you allow a wizard to make a "signet" ring with the target as the device, and thereby always have it at hand?

Yeah, I'd let that count as a focus, but I'd say they still need a free hand (probably the one with the ring). He still has to 'manipulate' the item.

Manipulate: To move, arrange, operate, or control by the hands or by mechanical means, especially in a skillful manner.

Even if it's a ring, it has to be fondled to function appropriately.