Can I cast shadow Blade as a sword and board paladin / sorcerer multi class? I have a ruby of the war mage attached to my sword to cast sorcerer spells. However, when I sheath my sword to pick up shadow Blade does it stay out? Also, if it does can I no longer cast shield or absorb elements since my ruby is sheathed? Thank you.
If you are a Sorceror (including via multiclass), yes, you can cast it.
If you sheath your focus, (which you would unless you have the TWF perk that allows you to dual wield twonweapons ao long as they're not heavy) then yes, the ruby goes away. You keep the shadowblade, but you do put your real sword away.
Yes, you can cast those spells because they don't need physical components. The focus only does one thing - it removes the need for physical components. You will not be able to cast spells that require physical components without drawing the sword or using your holy symbol or holding the correct components. If the spell doesn't require physical components, your focus is superfluous.
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So, one detail about Shadow Blade is that, if you drop it, you can resummon it to your hands as a bonus action. So you could, theoretically, drop the Shadow Blade in order to cast Shield, then just resummon it when your next turn comes.
Can I cast shadow Blade as a sword and board paladin / sorcerer multi class? I have a ruby of the war mage attached to my sword to cast sorcerer spells. However, when I sheath my sword to pick up shadow Blade does it stay out? Also, if it does can I no longer cast shield or absorb elements since my ruby is sheathed? Thank you.
If you are a Sorceror (including via multiclass), yes, you can cast it.
If you sheath your focus, (which you would unless you have the TWF perk that allows you to dual wield twonweapons ao long as they're not heavy) then yes, the ruby goes away. You keep the shadowblade, but you do put your real sword away.
Yes, you can cast those spells because they don't need physical components. The focus only does one thing - it removes the need for physical components. You will not be able to cast spells that require physical components without drawing the sword or using your holy symbol or holding the correct components. If the spell doesn't require physical components, your focus is superfluous.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Thank you for the clarification
So, one detail about Shadow Blade is that, if you drop it, you can resummon it to your hands as a bonus action. So you could, theoretically, drop the Shadow Blade in order to cast Shield, then just resummon it when your next turn comes.
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