Clerics with shields

General topics, including off-topic discussion, goes here.
Post Reply
birnebarna
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:28 pm

Clerics with shields

Post by birnebarna »

Hi!
Can clerics/druids cast spells while having a shield?

The rule book says:
"Spellcasters must have at least one hand free, and be able to speak, in order to cast spells..."
We apply this rule only in prison scenarios when the player is captured and tied up. Otherwise, the character can cast spells when he or she is completely unrestricted.
User avatar
Dimirag
Posts: 3613
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 1:24 pm
Location: Buenos Aires (C.A.B.A.), Argentina
Contact:

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Dimirag »

Unless the GM says otherwise, a shield prohibits the character from casting spells with that hand.
A hand must not be carrying anything to be considered free.
Sorry for any misspelling or writing error, I am not a native English speaker
Drawing portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/m.serena_dimirag/
User avatar
Solomoriah
Site Admin
Posts: 12453
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:15 pm
Location: LaBelle, Missouri
Contact:

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Solomoriah »

If you're using Equipment Emporium and allow a buckler, it doesn't count as it's attached to the user's arm.
My personal site: www.gonnerman.org
birnebarna
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:28 pm

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by birnebarna »

Thank you guys!
Seven
Posts: 836
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:17 am

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Seven »

Generally, I'd expect a Cleric to use his weapon hand to cast spells since he can't make any other attacks in the round anyway.

It's like throwing daggers, oil, holy water, etc.
I don't require extra rounds to put the weapon away and ready it again.
User avatar
rredmond
Posts: 808
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2008 6:10 am
Location: South Jersey
Contact:

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by rredmond »

Seven wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 9:10 am Generally, I'd expect a Cleric to use his weapon hand to cast spells since he can't make any other attacks in the round anyway.

It's like throwing daggers, oil, holy water, etc.
I don't require extra rounds to put the weapon away and ready it again.
This is how I rule it as well.
Player of Will Thornton in Dirigible of Doom!
Unseen Servant PbP Forums!
CptClyde: I predict a TPK at the hands of a blind, lame goblin.
teaman: She'll break your heart. And your wrist.
User avatar
Tazer_The_Yoot
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2019 6:24 pm

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Tazer_The_Yoot »

I've always allowed a Cleric to get a holy symbol painted, engraved or molded onto their shield with the understanding that it's susceptible to wear and tear and might eventually have to make an equipment saving throw to remain functional without repairs.
Seven
Posts: 836
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:17 am

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Seven »

Most of the time, it's simply hung around the character's neck.
Like a crucifix.
User avatar
Tazer_The_Yoot
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2019 6:24 pm

Re: Clerics with shields

Post by Tazer_The_Yoot »

Seven wrote: Sat May 22, 2021 2:31 pm Most of the time, it's simply hung around the character's neck.
Like a crucifix.
Yeah. A lot of how Game Masters handle holy symbols is in how they interpret "strongly presenting" the symbol. For my game world that involves thrusting it in the direction of the entity the Cleric wants to Turn.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 31 guests