Café de Nuit

Spell components are actually optional in AD&D 2E.


They are fun, and they make sense, but it can get fussy with details.

The simplest way is to assume all spells need a free hand and the ability to speak.

Going with my CORE is CORE, question mark over the rest, approach, let's clear up this point.

Okay, spellcaster do NOT have to worry about all those pesky vanishing material components.

Unless I rule that a specific spell requires some kind of ritual tools, you can ignore material components.

You need BOTH arms free and the ability to speak to cast spells.

A cleric with a shield could quickly set it down, sling it on his back, etc. No penalty. He can do that and still cast. He just won't get his shield bonus to AC when casting.


As a house rule, I am going to count a blessed, handheld holy symbol for a cleric or any magic wand for a wizard as a " free hand."


Wand (or fingers, or holy symbol)
Will
Word


Any material, perishing components are just color/fluff unless noted.