Casting magic while holding two handed objects

[Killer Cyborg]

The hand gestures aren't strictly necessary; they're just for show.
He'd still need to make them, but he might be able to do it while holding the sword, since he can't really screw them up.

Vocalization is necessary in most cases, but as per Rifts: Underseas, it's possible to learn to cast a spell without them.

[JuliusCreed]

The hand gestures used in magic are usually just for show, giving an illusion of the caster "weaving" the mystic energy around him as he chants his mystic gobbledy gook to make the spell happen. Even most of the "mystic gobbledy gook" he's reciting is for show, the actual words of power neccessary for casting the spell often being whispered under the caster's breath as he goes through the motions of casting a spell. So yes, your caster is quite capable of casting any spell he wants while wielding a 2-handed weapon. He just can't do both at once. (ie attack with the weapon while casting a spell)

[dragonfett]

I seem to recall having seen one spell in particular that, when cast, basically remove anything that was binding the spell caster's hands or something along those lines. I will get back to you after I find it.

[Jorel]

I'd say, if the spell caster believes he needs to use his hands and speak the words to make the spell work, then indeed he must do those things to cast spells. If a spell caster is trained from the beginning that those aren't necessary parts of the ritual or casting, then they aren't necessary, and he can do them while holding a sword with both hands.

[dragonfett]

The spell I was thinking of earlier is the 5th Level Spell Escape, and it specifically mentions that the spell caster can cast it to escape from hand cuffs or being tied up, in a straight jacket, in a prison cell, etc.

[cornholioprime]

Since one of the EFFECTIVE measures used by the CS is to physically hobble/restrain the Mage in addition to silencing him, one could argue that while not every spell needs the movement of your whole body in addition to the spoken word, you probably shouldn't be able to have BOTH hands occupied and still be able to sling spells.

Even if we're only speaking from a strictly Game Balance Issue (Mage with shield/off-hand weapon in one hand, sword/laser pistol in the other, but still firing off magic spells at will seems a little 'unfair' to me at least).

[cornholioprime]

Since one of the EFFECTIVE measures used by the CS is to physically hobble/restrain the Mage in addition to silencing him, one could argue that while not every spell needs the movement of your whole body in addition to the spoken word, you probably shouldn't be able to have BOTH hands occupied and still be able to sling spells.

Even if we're only speaking from a strictly Game Balance Issue (Mage with shield/off-hand weapon in one hand, sword/laser pistol in the other, but still firing off magic spells at will seems a little 'unfair' to me at least).

I hadn't tought about that.
That's one hell of a good point.

But yeah, I think it'd make sense if the character would at least need one hand, thus leaning his two handed sword on the ground while casting his spells. Thus, he wouldn't be able to parry while casting, leaving him open.
Additionally, perhaps something in the lines of spells of your character's level/2 can be casted without hand movements. Thus a 15th level ley line walker could casts spells up to level 6 without them.

I think it'd make up for said balance issue, don't you think?

Even BEFORE I saw the concept explained in the miniseries from a few years back called "Merlin" (the one with Sam Neill as the title character), I always liked the idea that the further a Mage got (or a character wielding Psionics, for that matter), and the more attuned they got in their understanding of magic, the less actual motion they had to perform.

(For those who hadn't seen the series, Merlin despite his vast mastery of powers, still had to use his hands and body, while the even more magically-adept Mab [his teacher and one of The Fey Folk] barely had to do anything besides speak and gesture with a nod of her head.)

Maybe the best Grandmasters could easily escape from even the best Coalition magical restraints by just thinking about the magics they wanted to cast!!

[The Dark Elf]

The hands movements help to focus on the casting.

If I wish to meditate or slow my breathing down (I used to do this between rounds when competing in martial arts) I put my hands together and slowly move them up and down infront of my chest. I can then synchronise my breathing to the speed my hands are moving.

I dont NEED to move my hands but it helps and I havent got time try it without.