Zardnaar
Legend
Artificers should have no problem casting shield. Either they are using a tool focus or an Infusion in hand as a focus to cast all their spells. If they want to cast with their hands full of weapon and shield they just have to infuse one of them and use that as a focus. Since all spells are considered to have the M component for Artificers they don't have the same issues with casting Shield as others wanting to do so in combat. They don't need to have warcaster as long as the infuse their weapon of choice.
Except shield is VS not VM. Oops.