OSR Do Shadows make noise?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

On one hand, it's kind of a silly question: In real life, shadows don't make any sound (although maybe some physicist will tell us our instruments aren't just sensitive enough to hear it).

But how about in fantasy roleplaying games? Do shadows, the monsters, make noise? Can they make noise if they want to? Conversely, can they move with absolute silence if they want?

I'm thinking here of @Reynard's torch-extinguishing shadow idea here. Specifically, I'm thinking of having a mischievous/homicidal named shadow following PCs through a vampire's castle, and attempting to blow out the party's light source at inopportune moments. This, of course, requires them to not know the shadow is around until it's too late.

So, what to you think? Shadows: silent or not?

 

[Reynard]

What if they are audibly silent but can still be sensed? A wrongness in the area or a sensation of chill (classic ghost stuff)?That way you could still utilize "perception checks" to whatever degree you wanted, but not make them make noise.

 

[Brendan Byrd]

Inaudible, but visible would be my take on it.

 

[Reynard]

Inaudible, but visible would be my take on it.

Too literal. It's a fantasy game.

 

[Tonguez]

I always assume silent, they are ethereal beings without substance, they absorb vitality though so can be felt or seen as a movement amidst the darkness (because darkness isnt a single colour)

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Yeah, I’d say they’re silent. I’d have that ‘eerie feeling of being watched’ for people with high perception.

Even describing people’s own shadows moving weirdly won’t really be enough to trigger an actual combat because that sort of creepy description fits the setting.

 

[Scribe]

My wife and I have watched enough ghost shows.

1. Cold air.
2. A sensation.
3. Shadow figure, visible if there is a light source.

Is how I would do it.

 

[Brendan Byrd]

Too literal. It's a fantasy game.

I know this was not likely your intention, but I will thank you for the chuckle your response gave me.
—-
I was thinking in terms of the RC’s non-corporeal and not undead…so not really poltergeisting the place.

How is this for a fantastic alternative: a magic effect that causes a PC’s shadow to put out the torch?

 

[overgeeked]

The Shadow Demon from the D&D cartoon made a kind of wooshing-flying noise, so yes, shadows make noise.

 

[Reynard]

How is this for a fantastic alternative: a magic effect that causes a PC’s shadow to put out the torch?

That is a gloriously messed up idea.