Casting,how many hands do i need?

According to the rules, sorcery does require the caster gesture with his hands while casting but there is no similar comment in the section on casting common magic. I suppose it would depend partially on the setting but in Glorantha, at least in my Glorantha game when it begins (come on Pavis Rises!) I will not require empty hands for casting Common Magic.
 
If you look at the Common Magic situational modifiers chart, you'll see that Being Restrained gives a -30% penalty to the casting chance. This means that having freedom of movement, including some capability to gesture, is beneficial. If you're restrained - because your hands are tied or arms in a deadlock - then its going to be harder, but not impossible.

If someone is armed with a pair of weapons and decides to cast a spell whilst in combat, I'd impose a similar casting penalty or perhaps a -15%, because those gestures can still be made to an extent and the caster has to deal with constraint rather than restraint.
 
Its important for roleplaying reasons. Prisioners would have to be blindfolded and restrained. Everyone since common magic at least is,well... common.

I'm going to house rule common magic: Vocal. Sorcery: Vocal and Gestures. Only one hand needed.(so the wizard can hold his staff,or a sword).

This is the only rules that let you play Sauron or Gandalf. Sword swinging,heavy armor wearing arch-wizards!.
 
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