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  • \$\begingroup\$ I agree that the first interpretation is mroe likely, but that doesn't preven the casting of Shield. "You can perform the somatic components of spells even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both hands.(rather than the default of being empty-handed") "You can hold a spellcasting focus, if that's a valid material component" and "you can hold a weapon, if you have the right feat" are different exceptions to that rule. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 5, 2019 at 20:59
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    \$\begingroup\$ @BenBarden Shield does not have a Material Component though. That's why Shield cannot be cast even with the War Caster feat. In the OP's scenario, they are holding objects in both hands, and even though one (or both!) qualify as Focuses, they both block Somatic Components for Material-free spells. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 5, 2019 at 21:05
  • \$\begingroup\$ no, that's the point. War Caster says nothing about Material components. If the rules about spell focii and material components were not in the game at all, it would be obvious that War Caster meant "you can use a weapon instead of an empty hand". Adding the rules about Material components doesn't necessarily change the behavior of War Caster, given that they're distinct exceptions that don't reference each other. If War caster had instead said "as a spell focus", that would be different, but it did not. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 5, 2019 at 21:08
  • \$\begingroup\$ @BenBarden You'll have to submit your own answer or ping me in chat; I'm afraid I don't understand your interpretation of the rules. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 5, 2019 at 21:22
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    \$\begingroup\$ I disagree with the former case as being more likely. In such a case, the rules would read, "You can cast WHEN you have a weapon or shield in your hands". \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 7, 2019 at 4:10