skill trick from complete scoundrel?

[krupintupple]

there's one called 'conceal spellcasting' i'd like to use against my PCs, but it confuses me. the flavour text seems to indicate that it alters your somatic components so you don't look like you're casting, yet i know spellcasting requires a firmly spoken voice. furthermore, this trick doesn't say it silences you, just that if you make your slight of hand, people don't know you're casting. even with hidden somatic components, people will most likely deduce that you're casting from your voice. i'm confused with this one.

i also realize it's 1 use per encounter, so it's not overpowering, but probably good for a surprise round or three.

how would you guys rule this one?

 

[blargney the second]

As written the spell is effectively stilled and silented.

It'd probably be a reasonable house ruling to say that the caster must be otherwise vocalising and gesticulating in some obvious fashion (ie talking animatedly, singing, etc) in order to hide the fact that spell components are being performed. It's like a 1/encounter stage magician trick: "Look at my left hand!" *right hand does something else*
-blarg

 

[krupintupple]

As written the spell is effectively stilled and silented.

It'd probably be a reasonable house ruling to say that the caster must be otherwise vocalising and gesticulating in some obvious fashion (ie talking animatedly, singing, etc) in order to hide the fact that spell components are being performed. It's like a 1/encounter stage magician trick: "Look at my left hand!" *right hand does something else*
-blarg

yeah, i was thinking that he'd basically yawn and wave his hands around in exaggerated stretch while softly intoning the spell, or like what you said. still, that's not bad for 1/encounter, especially if they don't see it coming.