Is it possible to use the bluff skill to disguise spellcasting as something else entirely, like a rhyme (for vocal components) or playing with a cat's cradle (for somatic component)? If it is possible, would there be any penalties or bonuses associated with the check?
It would probably be up to the individual GM, frankly. The exact edges of verbal, somatic, and material components have always been a bit fuzzy.
However, I would probably say no. Half of the use of Spellsong is being able to disguise spellcasting, after all. It seems like, if you could do it anyway, there wouldn't be much need to spell it out in a feat.
Dunno, there's always doing Silent and Still Spell for +2 to casting level (unless there's something that prevents that.)
I was going to mention Fake Casting (some other feat, not sure on exact name.), but I think you don't need because it's only for those that actually CANNOT cast magic, but rather use wands, scrolls, etc.
I was just very recently wondering this same thing. It seems that, under certain circumstances, it *must* be possible.
A couple of fighter types get into a drinking contest, and a low-level wizard wished to tip the odds with a Resistance cantrip...how would the non-magical fighter types know it without successful Spellcraft checks? Or, if you're playing Skull & Shackles, perhaps your friend is in for a keelhauling - could a Witch hit him with a waterlung hex without anyone the wiser?
The question, for me, isn't *whether* it can be done, but what kind of mechanic isn't going to accidentally break something else? A Spellcraft check, for a caster, would be too easy...Stealth check, perhaps? I like the Bluff idea...
Worse than that, how do you ever get away with suggestion on that guard if he can clearly see you casting a spell on him? No suggestion will seem reasonable after an apparent attack (except maybe "How's about you stick me with that pike?")
Similarly, detect thoughts.
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There is a feat to do this in the Inner Sea Guide, though it requires the spell to be Silent (or naturally not have somatic components.) Deaf Oracles with this feat are awesome.
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Worse than that, how do you ever get away with suggestion on that guard if he can clearly see you casting a spell on him? No suggestion will seem reasonable after an apparent attack (except maybe "How's about you stick me with that pike?")
Similarly, detect thoughts.
It is this and other similar scenarios that concern me as well. There needs to be a way to disguise spellcasting. The Dark Sun campaign had rules for this as it was virtually death for any wizard to cast spells in the open.
I think the better option is using Bluff to convince someone you're casting something innocuous.
"Hrr-rrk. Ahem, excuse me, I have just a touch of Bog Rot. Do you mind if I cast Remove Sickness on myself?"
Apparently Malagant is a cleric with access to Resurrection spells :P
Interestingly enough, there is a PFS scenario that has an NPC do exactly this.
On the throaty mermaid. The woman in the captain's quarters (IIRC) disguises her spell as "singing and dancing" before bluffing the PCs (if she's the murderer).
It's possible I'm misremembering exactly where it occurred though.[