Should a court mage be able to use a war wand and a shield?

[Ommamar]

To me it seems odd to include weapons directly designed for casters yet have one path, the court wizard it works directly against. One of the huge features is that it gets defensive actions and benefits from using a shield. Yet it still needs that free hand for casting if utilizing any difficulty but custom. I like that sub class, disappointed though it can either be a better caster or use its class features. A focus that did the same thing as the wand that you can slot in a different slot would be a good addition.

[Second Batch]

War wand goes in your quick slot, not your hand. I took a Court Wizard from zero to palace of ice and almost always just had a shield and open hand. It worked.

[Ommamar]

Hmm I will look at that I thought it had to be held. Thanks.

[charles_watkins]

Of course, you can swap to your alternate weapon configuration for casting. If you play UB, the hand crossbow pairs well with a shield.