Using Illusion Magic and Stealth

[Gareshra]

Hey all, I'm joining a new campaign pretty soon, and we're starting at level 1. My goal is to go pretty much straight into Arcane Trickster at level 7, with my first level in Wizard.

The thing is, I'm specializing in Illusion from level 1, and I'm wondering if it's possible to use illusions from level 1 without completely telegraphing my presence. Basically, to cast most spells requires speaking in a strong voice, which is counterproductive for a sneaky illusionist.

So, the questions:
Can I attempt to roll a stealth check on a spellcasting action?

If not, how far away would I have to be to reliably get off some illusion spells on an enemy without them being aware of my presence?

How does using an illusion spell to enhance another illusion spell work? Ghost Sounds says it can be used to enhance a Silent Image spell. Can I modify a Ghost Sound after I cast it, or does the exact sound pattern have to be specified on casting?

A lot of illusions have short ranges. Am I going to have to wait til I get silent spell and still spell to apply those shorter range spells?

Will Illusions work for a sneaky character trying to avoid detection while creating diversions at level 1, or do I need to wait and get a bunch of feats to do that?

Hypothetical example: PC's come across a few orcs milling about a farmhouse deep in the woods. Crouched in the underbrush say, 50 feet away. Could this sneaky wizard reliably cast a spell from that distance and get away with it? Could he back up to like 200 feet and use Silent Image to fake a dragon attack? What about going up to like 25 feet and creating a buzzing sound via ghost sounds, then having a silent image of a bees nest falling and bursting, releasing a swarm of angry bees?

My apologies for the massive post. It's just kind of a complex topic.

[VRMH]

Gareshra wrote:

Can I attempt to roll a stealth check on a spellcasting action?

No. But you can be hidden - usually you need line-of-effect to the area where the ilusion is to appear, and not to its intended audience. And a busy, noisy ambiance may hide your spellcasting too.

Quote:

If not, how far away would I have to be to reliably get off some illusion spells on an enemy without them being aware of my presence?

Depends on their Perception. But a Silent Image might be visible from a mile away - you'd be effectively undetectable then. And Illusions with a decent duration could be cast before entering a room.

Quote:

How does using an illusion spell to enhance another illusion spell work?

Poorly, probably. Why give the audience the chance to get two saves?

Quote:

Ghost Sounds says it can be used to enhance a Silent Image spell. Can I modify a Ghost Sound after I cast it, or does the exact sound pattern have to be specified on casting?

the rules wrote:

You choose what type of sound ghost sound creates when casting it and cannot thereafter change the sound's basic character

Quote:

Am I going to have to wait til I get silent spell and still spell to apply those shorter range spells?

No, but you'll have to be creative. Bluff, buy a metamagic rod, get behind someone...

Quote:

Will Illusions work for a sneaky character trying to avoid detection while creating diversions at level 1, or do I need to wait and get a bunch of feats to do that?

They might work. Not reliably though. As for feats... Apart from Still Spell, Silent Spell and Eschew Materials, there really aren't that many that will help you. The Rakshasa Bloodline is for Sorcerers (and not a feat) and Spellsong is for Bards.

Quote:

Crouched in the underbrush say, 50 feet away. Could this sneaky wizard reliably cast a spell from that distance and get away with it?

Well, the DC to hear him would be 5. So they'd have to be awfully deaf Orcs, or be making a ruckus themselves.

Quote:

Could he back up to like 200 feet and use Silent Image to fake a dragon attack?

The Dragon wouldn't move much, but that should work.

Quote:

What about going up to like 25 feet and creating a buzzing sound via ghost sounds, then having a silent image of a bees nest falling and bursting, releasing a swarm of angry bees?

Ooh, nice one. But they'd hear you casting the Ghost Sound at that range. I'd suggest starting with a tactical retreat and then cast Ventriloquism to get some more range between the Orcs and the sound of your incantations. Just because you have to speak in a clear voice, doesn't mean they have to hear you do it.

[blackbloodtroll]

Important note: Illusion magic can be awesome, or useless, depending on the DM.

[Gareshra]

Wow. Thanks for the reply, that answers pretty much everything. I've decided to just take Silent Spell at level 1, and use Silenced Ghost Sounds(Ironic eh?) at point blank range for my low level illusion trickery. It's not much, but I'd say it's probably playable for what I'm trying to go for. I'll need to position carefully using cover and whatnot, but it'll work from level 1, which is all I really care about.

I'm probably setting myself up for being suboptimal as all hell, but I'm going heavy into the controller/support/utility focus with my spells to dodge the craptastic entry area that Arcane Tricksters suffer from(mainly levels 5-9).

[VRMH]

Gareshra wrote:

I'm probably setting myself up for being suboptimal as all hell

You're an illusionist, you already did. But:

blackbloodtroll wrote:

Illusion magic can be awesome, or useless, depending on the DM.