Ghost Sound: How complicated can the sound be?

[JesterPoet]

The spell description says that the sound can be people talking. Can the caster determine what those people are saying? In effect, does the caster determine a "script" beforehand? If not, how is it determined what the voices are saying if PCs decide to listen closely?

Also, can it target an object?

 

[JesterPoet]

Wow... guess this topic wasn't as simple as I thought....

 

[Li Shenron]

I cannot find more information from the SRD. For some reasons, I thought I remembered that it didn't allow to replicate intelligible speech, but the SRD doesn't say it, therefore it is probably possible...

 

[Pielorinho]

It's not in the spell listing--it's in the description of figments, under "Magic Overview":

Figment: A figment spell creates a false sensation. Those who perceive the figment perceive the same thing, not their own slightly different versions of the figment. (It is not a personalized mental impression.) Figments cannot make something seem to be something else. A figment that includes audible effects cannot duplicate intelligible speech unless the spell description specifically says it can. If intelligible speech is possible, it must be in a language you can speak. If you try to duplicate a language you cannot speak, the image produces gibberish. Likewise, you cannot make a visual copy of something unless you know what it looks like.

Because figments and glamers (see below) are unreal, they cannot produce real effects the way that other types of illusions can. They cannot cause damage to objects or creatures, support weight, provide nutrition, or provide protection from the elements. Consequently, these spells are useful for confounding or delaying foes, but useless for attacking them directly.

A figment’s AC is equal to 10 + its size modifier.

So, can it create intelligible speech? I'm inclined to say no: even though the spell's description says it can create "virtually any type of sound within the spell's limit" and that "talking, singing, shouting...sounds can be created," they never specifically mention that such sounds are intelligible. But I think an argument could be made on either side, and I might be persuaded to the opposite side.

If you do allow for intelligible speech, I'd say the entire script must be pre-written, since all decisions about a spell must be made when the spell is cast. There are some exceptions, such as call lightning, but the exceptions are detailed in the spell's description.

As for casting it on a target: definitely not. If you could, the spell would mention a target instead of (or maybe in addition to) an effect. Instead it says that you can create sound "that remains at a fixed place."

Daniel

 

[Li Shenron]

It's not in the spell listing--it's in the description of figments, under "Magic Overview":

Ah.. thanks

I may allow a single word, however.

As for casting it on a target: definitely not. If you could, the spell would mention a target instead of (or maybe in addition to) an effect. Instead it says that you can create sound "that remains at a fixed place."

I agree as well, probably it was made this way to prevent the sound to be moveable. It's a pity because it could have lead to more creative uses of it, such as casting it on a rat and have it reproduce the roaring of a lion

 

[Pielorinho]

I agree as well, probably it was made this way to prevent the sound to be moveable. It's a pity because it could have lead to more creative uses of it, such as casting it on a rat and have it reproduce the roaring of a lion

Very fun idea! That would make a great second level spell, I think: it'd be more powerful than ventriloquism, and could be very dangerous in political situations (imagine making it sound like the duke hisses, "treacherous ponce!" after the prince regent walks by), but isn't as good as major image.

Daniel