D&D 5E (2024) Thoughts on New Bladesinger?

[FrogReaver]

One problem with Eldritch Knight, both in D&D 2014 and D&D 2024, is that they have to use a regular arcane focus. Their bonded weapon should be an arcane focus. Otherwise, you get item-in-hand shuffling silliness to use the arcane focus, e.g., holding two-handed weapon in one hand while using the arcane focus which is say hanging on a chain around your neck, then releasing the arcane focus to hold the weapon two-handed again on the same turn (seems potentially dodgy, as more than one free object interaction on a turn). Many groups will probably ignore this limitation, as it is silly in my opinion.

Component pouch + greatsword solves this, no?

 

[Zardnaar]

One problem with Eldritch Knight, both in D&D 2014 and D&D 2024, is that they have to use a regular arcane focus. Their bonded weapon should be an arcane focus. Otherwise, you get item-in-hand shuffling silliness to use the arcane focus, e.g., holding two-handed weapon in one hand while using the arcane focus which is say hanging on a chain around your neck, then releasing the arcane focus to hold the weapon two-handed again on the same turn (seems potentially dodgy, as more than one free object interaction on a turn). Many groups will probably ignore this limitation, as it is silly in my opinion.

Same problem dual wielding bladesinger?

I basically ignore it on appropriate subclasses. Valor Vards, Bladesinger, EKs. Bladelocks

 

[Kurotowa]

One problem with Eldritch Knight, both in D&D 2014 and D&D 2024, is that they have to use a regular arcane focus. Their bonded weapon should be an arcane focus. Otherwise, you get item-in-hand shuffling silliness to use the arcane focus, e.g., holding two-handed weapon in one hand while using the arcane focus which is say hanging on a chain around your neck, then releasing the arcane focus to hold the weapon two-handed again on the same turn (seems potentially dodgy, as more than one free object interaction on a turn). Many groups will probably ignore this limitation, as it is silly in my opinion.

Let's remember: Unless you're an Artificer, a Focus is optional. It substitutes for Material components. No M component to the spell, no Focus required. Or just, you know, use the M component from a traditional Component Pouch. All that requires is a temporarily free hand, which is no issue if you're using a two-handed weapon.

The bigger issue, in my mind, is that if you want an EK who goes sword & board or two-weapon style, War Caster is mandatory to get around the Somatic component issue. There's no other way to be casting without a free hand. Well, I guess Thri-kreen also works. But that's a pretty specific case.

 

[Tessarael]

To make your weapon a focus, you want Ruby of the Warmage, which is a common magic item in D&D 2024, so it should be accessible and cheap at low levels. The hassle is that it costs an attunement slot.

 

[Tessarael]

Same problem dual wielding bladesinger?

I basically ignore it on appropriate subclasses. Valor Vards, Bladesinger, EKs. Bladelocks

Bladesinger doesn't have the same problem as Eldritch Knight, because of this for Bladesinger, "You gain proficiency with all Melee Martial weapons that don't have the Two-Handed or Heavy property. You can use a melee weapon with which you have proficiency as a spell casting focus for your Wizard spells."

 

[Tessarael]

Component pouch + greatsword solves this, no?

Using material components is the same issue as using an arcane focus. You need a free hand temporarily. The exception to this is if you're using something like a quarterstaff both as your weapon and as your arcane focus.

As a DM, I would permit a rod to be used as both a focus and as a weapon (same statistics as a Club), if designed properly to fulfill both roles; similarly for a scepter (use Mace statistics); club, sickle, or great-club for Druid; sling-staff as an alternative to staff too. That's because I think this limitation is overly restrictive and unnecessary, not something that I want to micromanage as a DM.