Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Novama Feb 26, 2015 11:58:38	Is there currently any class/race feature that enables a caster or user of spells to cast spells with a focus other than the equipment explicitly labeled focus in the equipments chapter of the phb?   I have players wanting to use weapons/shields and other items as their focuses. I imagine their end goal is to continue to benefit from the item in hand even while casting spells. Looking at the spell casting section, It's very clear a hand for gestures and components must be available and even classes like the eldritch knight don't seem to nullify this requirement.
#2 DM_HEEGZ Feb 26, 2015 16:19:34	It is common for groups to ignore that requirement. If it makes it easier for your table, and everyone agrees, you can house rule it that way.   I have played both ways and don't have a strong preference one way or the other. It doesn't seem to break game balance at all in my opinion.
#3 cannonfodder Feb 26, 2015 16:53:09	A spell Focus allows you to ignore the item of a spell unless the item is consumed. If the class doesn't specify a focus then you can use the Component bag item wich basically is a sack full of your miscellaneous spell items
#4 alienux Feb 26, 2015 17:15:09	The description of "holy symbol" in the rules does say that a holy symbol used as a focus can be an emblem on a shield.
#5 Novama Feb 27, 2015 6:28:00	but with the exception of the clerical/paladin spells that allow the holy symbol to be on your gear, all other classes seem to require a focus from the equipment chapter unless I'm missing something. While we could house rule to allow other items to take the place of a focus, I'm looking for game accepted means of achieving it.    If house ruling is the only way, I want to hear suggestions on how someone might go about it. I do believe there is imbalance created by allowing it. If you can stay fully equipped like a fighter and cast ranged and potentially powerful spell attacks without ever lowering your guard or losing the ability to swing your sword if the actions permit it, I feel that it would make regular melee types or regular caster types seem obsolete.   The only balance I could think of is that a person would probably have to spend a feat or multi class to achieve the use of both so the pure caster or pure fighter would have an edge in their given talent over the other, but would that be enough to outweigh the versatility of the other.
#6 Noctaem Feb 27, 2015 8:02:13	Novama wrote:
#7 Devils-Advocate Feb 27, 2015 9:14:57	I might be remembering incorrectly, but can't blade pact Warlocks use their pact weapon as a spellcasting focus?
#8 Oriet Feb 27, 2015 12:37:31	Staff spell focuses also function as quarterstaves, and you can hold a two handed weapon in one hand while you do something (like open a door) and then later attack with both hands on the weapon, so there's no reason a caster can't use a spell focus staff as a quarterstaff in both hands and cast a spell in the same turn (such as using their action to cast a spell and then using a reaction for an oportunity attack).  Such changing of holding a weapon doesn't count as manipulating an object for allowable actions in a round (else a fighter would have to change to holding their greataxe in one hand as their free object interaction, then open the door as their action, then the next round hold their greateaxe in two hands again, and not being able to make opportunity attacks between such) so is perfectly fine for spellcasters.
#9 Kayal Feb 27, 2015 13:31:33	Noctaem wrote:
#10 Kayal Feb 27, 2015 13:38:29	Devils-Advocate wrote:
#11 Hibiki54 Feb 27, 2015 17:41:35	Divine PCs can have their holy symbols emblazened on their weapon, their shield, or even their armor. A holy symbol can be anything from an amulet hanging from their neck to a rosary wrapped around their wrist.   Arcane PCs usually have a staff or something more specific depending on the spell being cast.