The rule in the handbook states that a spellcasting focus may be held in the same hand used for somatic components, but it doesn’t state that this only works if the spellcasting focus itself is being used as a material component for the spell being cast.
Do I need components to cast spells?
No components at all. The general rule is: “The spell is cast at the lowest possible spell and caster level, doesn’t expend any of the user’s spell slots, and requires no components unless the item’s description says otherwise.
What do you need to know about somatic casting?
Somatic: Must be able to move one hand freely, which is holding either nothing or a valid focus. Cannot cast if hands are tied or both holding non-focus objects. Material: Must have the source of power in your possession (focus/pouch and/or $Ingredients) and must have one hand empty or holding a focus to access/channel that power.
Do you need a free hand to cast a somatic spell?
“A spellcaster must have a hand free to access a spell’s material components — or to hold a spellcasting focus — but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.” The ruling goes that if a spell is ONLY somatic you need a free hand.
Can a spell focus without a somatic component?
There is no good way to roleplay that a spell without material components needs a hand free, while spells with a material component don’t. I really wish they would have made it so, that a spell focus in a hand can also do the somatic components all the time.
Can you use arcane focus to perform somatic components?
An arcane focus can take the place of (non-valued, non-consumed) material components. You need a hand free to wield your arcane focus, but it can be the same hand you use to perform somatic components of spells. That leads me to believe that you CAN perform somatic components of any spell while holding your arcane focus.
