Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Kavrek Sep 03, 2014 19:28:21	Looking for some clarification on rules for casting spells with somatic and material components with a valor bard's class feature "Battle Magic".   Under the spell casting section of the phb, it says that in order to complete the somatic and material requirements of a spell, you need at least one hand free, though the free hand can also hold material comonents or, I am assuming, an arcane focus.   One of the features of the Valor bard subclass if that you gain proficiency with shields, and with "Battle Magic" when you cast a spell you can make 1 weapon attack as a bonus action.   My question is, in order to make use of both of these features do I have to take the feat "War Caster"? Further, How does the "War Caster" feat handle the material components to spells, can a person only use two weapons or a weapon and shield and cast spells with verbal and somatic components only?   Finally, can an arcane focus be worn rater then held, say as a pendant or necklace or does it have to be held in a hand of the caster?
#2 2Chlorobutanal Sep 03, 2014 22:08:04	Kavrek wrote:
#3 TKGB Sep 04, 2014 13:43:20	I've yet to complete read the bard spell list and check the components for each spell but as it seems war caster is proving to be a necessary feat for a Skald. Am I completely off or does this make sense?   I'm asking this as I'm planning on playing a Valor Bard and would like to go with a Half-elf but seeing the necessity of War Caster might make me change my plans and go variant human. Thoughts on this?   Thanks.
#4 mellored Sep 04, 2014 15:59:58	Not all spells have the S component.
#5 2Chlorobutanal Sep 04, 2014 17:47:49	I don't have my PHB right now, but historically Bards had a lot of V-only spells, at least Bard-specific spells, because of their emphasis on music/speaking.