So I'm running a game and I've got a player with a druid/cleric of Chauntea with a staff in one hand and an engraved shield in the other. The produce flame cantrip states that you summon a flame in your hand, but in no way states that the hand must be free or even open. Indeed, the spell even goes out of its way to specify that it doesn't harm you OR your equipment, thus seeming to imply that the spell is designed to let you hold objects in said hand. Especially since holding an object isn't one of the conditions that ends the spell.
Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything; am I? I only ask because while dropping the staff or the shield isn't a big deal to get a free hand to cast, the loss of the shield in particular would result in AC loss. So I feel it's relevant.
As it stand I read it RAW as simply putting a flame in your hand, that you can throw at creatures, but doesn't stop you from doing anything else. Perhaps the flame could even be re flavored to float next to the druid?
Produce Flame requires Somatic, there a free hand to cast. So he cannot cast while holding the staff. Thats how I would argue unless I am also missing something that allows that. War Caster for example.
CHC999 wrote:
Phesian wrote:
CHC999 wrote:
Alynn wrote:
I'd allow it. Just look at Light. Light has a Touch range and can be used on anything, but Produce Flame is Personal. Light provides better, erm, light, but Produce flame can be used as an attack (though it costs an action). Light has V+M components, Produce Flame has V+S components. Light is an Hour, and Produce Flame is 10 minutes.
A lot of give-and-take. I know some spells are supposed to be lesser versions of other spells available to different classes (Prestidigitation>Thaumaturgy>the Druid one), but I don't find anything game breaking by allowing someone to cast Produce Flame and let the flame sit in the shield hand. Or, for more fun and flavor, it rests atop their druid staff!
CHC999 wrote:
Yes, overlooking that having a spell focus doesn't cover somatic is something I did up until recently. I think a lot of people did or do, for I have seen many questions similar to the op's question (as well the the op's question per se), and all the replies I've seen (up until recently) answered, "dm's call." Thus, I think that highlighting that spell focus doesn't work for somatic probably should be emphasized, for I see it as being a common mistake. And, hence, my redundant post 
MykeSchultz wrote: