<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=261063.msg12884562#msg12884562">Quote from: Muse on 05-01-2017, 10:56:38</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">  May I switch the quarterstaff or dagger for a short sword?  <br/><br/>  A question about an Arcane Focus.  If my focus is a crystal, and I have a hand free to make somantic gestures, can I wear the crystal on a chord around my neck?  Or do i have to hold it?  <br/><br/>  Mostly just figuring things out.  :)<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote from: PHB p. 203</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">... A character can use a component pouch or a spellcasting focus in place of the components specified for a spell...<br/><br/>A spellcaster must have a hand free to access these components, but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>I'm guessing that you have to take hold of the arcane focus, but your hand(s) don't count as occupied for the purpose of casting the spell.  Devil's Advocate may have to give a more concrete ruling on it though.