Listen DC for hearing Spells

[joniboy]

Hi...

Would the Listen DC for hearing someone casting a spell be DC 0, or would it be something else. It's the "must be able to speak in a strong voice" part on page 151 of PHB that got me wondering. Does a strong voice mean a loud voice, or does it just mean the abilty to pronounce the words correctly? If so don't you think a spellcaster can be a little more subtle about, subtle meaning a higher Listen DC?

 

[Crothian]

DC 0 sounds about right if it's needed

 

[maddman75]

The DC is 0, with -1 per ten feet of distance and -5 for a closed door (IIRC). If you want to pinpoint an invisible spellcaster you must make it by 20.

If the spellcaster has the Silent Spell feat, he can be quite subtle indeed!

 

[Xarlen]

If the spellcaster has the Silent Spell feat, he can be quite subtle indeed!

But then you have to listen for his flapping arms.

 

[Aluvial]

I wonder if using the Bluff skill can be used in the casting of spells?

Aluvial

 

[Artoomis]

I wonder if using the Bluff skill can be used in the casting of spells?

Aluvial

I could see it being used to bluff that you are casting a spell, draw the AoO, and then cast the spell for real. I don't think you can bluff that you are casting a different spell from the one you cast, though, for that would mean using different words, getsures, etc. than those needed to cast the spell. I don't think you can add or subtract from spellcasting gestures, etc. and still cast the spell properly.

 

[hong]

If the spellcaster has the Silent Spell feat, he can be quite subtle indeed!

I would say that makes hearing the casting process practically impossible, which makes it DC 20. That "practically impossible" +20 modifier is way underused, IMO.

A silent, stilled spell would be even more impossible, or DC 40.