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<blockquote data-quote="jgsugden" data-source="post: 7627432" data-attributes="member: 2629">That is a bit of a question mark, even after Xanathar's guidance.&nbsp; Per the PHB, the combination of sounds, specifically including pitch and resonance - but not specifically including volume - are what is necessary for a verbal component.Somatic components are forceful gestures or intricate gestures.&nbsp; That creates a broad spectrum of possible motions required to cast a spell.Xanathar's reminds us that spellcasting is perceptible, but being perceptible does not inherently mean automatically perceived.&nbsp; It means there is something there to be seen and/or heard.&nbsp; There is still the chance, as determined by the DM, that it is seen or heard.&nbsp; Generally, under the rules this would be a DC that is compared to passive perception, although the DM might allow the perceiving entity to roll to try to improve their check above the passive score. In my game, I interpret these rules to mean that there needs to be spoken word at a normal speaking voice volume, and gestures similar to those seen on The Magicians (Syfy).However, those can be disguised, covered, drowned out, blocked, etc...&nbsp; A wizard might perform the gestures beneath his robes, or hold something just in front of his face to muffle the sound of spellcasting.&nbsp; If a spellcaster has the tools to hide spellcasting and wishes to do so, I allow a stealth check, opposed by perception checks (usually just passive unless someone is trying to be perceptive), to do so.&nbsp; Advantage or disadvantage may apply based upon circumstances.Also, the caster's reputation may impact how people consider the spellcasting.&nbsp; A respected local priest that makes gestures and blesses his follower with guidance before an athletic event might not raise an eyebrow ... while a well known adventuring wizard that goes to the tavern, raises a hand and calls out for the check might see the entire bar reach for their weapons.With Guidance, I treat i as commonplace and widely accepted as reasonable behavior.&nbsp; However, that would not stop from someone noting that it took place and in a particular circumstance, objecting or raising a concern.&nbsp; It is subjective.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="jgsugden, post: 7627432, member: 2629"] That is a bit of a question mark, even after Xanathar's guidance. Per the PHB, the combination of sounds, specifically including pitch and resonance - but not specifically including volume - are what is necessary for a verbal component. Somatic components are forceful gestures or intricate gestures. That creates a broad spectrum of possible motions required to cast a spell. Xanathar's reminds us that spellcasting is perceptible, but being perceptible does not inherently mean automatically perceived. It means there is something there to be seen and/or heard. There is still the chance, as determined by the DM, that it is seen or heard. Generally, under the rules this would be a DC that is compared to passive perception, although the DM might allow the perceiving entity to roll to try to improve their check above the passive score. In my game, I interpret these rules to mean that there needs to be spoken word at a normal speaking voice volume, and gestures similar to those seen on The Magicians (Syfy). However, those can be disguised, covered, drowned out, blocked, etc... A wizard might perform the gestures beneath his robes, or hold something just in front of his face to muffle the sound of spellcasting. If a spellcaster has the tools to hide spellcasting and wishes to do so, I allow a stealth check, opposed by perception checks (usually just passive unless someone is trying to be perceptive), to do so. Advantage or disadvantage may apply based upon circumstances. Also, the caster's reputation may impact how people consider the spellcasting. A respected local priest that makes gestures and blesses his follower with guidance before an athletic event might not raise an eyebrow ... while a well known adventuring wizard that goes to the tavern, raises a hand and calls out for the check might see the entire bar reach for their weapons. With Guidance, I treat i as commonplace and widely accepted as reasonable behavior. However, that would not stop from someone noting that it took place and in a particular circumstance, objecting or raising a concern. It is subjective. [/QUOTE]

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