Relearning a few rules in 5e

Now that we have started playing D&D 5e over again I total forgot that you lose the ability to use a shield or weapon when you cast a spell that requires a (S) somantic component.

If you cast a spell you would have to choose if you lose a weapon or shield?
It is a simple choice? I would lose the weapon, as attacks of opportunities are few to often.

I will be adding levels to ghouls in the next session and reworking them to have a rogue levels to make the group have a harder time in the fight as they should be walking threw them pretty easily.





Bought a few books today.

last 4 books of Jade Regent
last 2 books of Winters Reign
last 3 books of Mummy's Mask
All 6 books of Wrath of the Righteous (this is a maybe)
last 3books of Iron Gods
last 3  2 books of Hells Rebels
book 5 of Ruins of Aslant

Map Folios,
Mummy's Mask
IronFang Invasion
Ruins of Aslant

Adventure Path Pawn sets,
Stranger Aeons
IronFang Invasion
Ruins of Aslant

17 13 Adventure Paths or 23 if I buy wrath of the Righteous?
3 map folios
3 Pawn sets