So, Silent Table is on the witch spell list.
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Area 5-ft.-diameter emanation centered on an object or a point in space
Duration 1 minute/level (D)
Saving Throw none (object); Spell Resistance no (object)DESCRIPTION
You protect an area against casual eavesdropping. Sounds and sonic effects that originate inside the area are muffled for anyone outside the area; Perception DCs to hear or understand sounds leaving the area increase by 20, and any saving throw DCs of these effects decrease by 2. The spell does not affect sounds that enter the area or the Perception checks of creatures inside it.
At first I thought I had found away around all those consequences that GMs like to drop on witches who cackle all the time. Then I remembered my geometry and the distinction between radius and diameter. Is this spell seriously only good for personal sneaking around?
Also, are there any similar spells that affect larger areas? It seems like a little much to take a +3 level metamagic hit to Widen the thing.
I think the writer confused radius and diameter too, and it should affect a larger area - if only because to catch the people sitting around a table you'd need that.
Anyway, as written you can cast it on your witches hat and it should conceal your cackling nicely. If you need a larger area talk your party cleric into casting silence on a spare dagger or something.
Does cackling extend hexes if the target can't hear it? For some reason I thought the party members had to hear you to get fortune extended. I guess if all it needs is line of effect then it will work. Kind of a funny mental image.
Seems like RAW this covers one 5' square, so it should cover a cackle.
Not sure it is possible to stealth cackle.
FAQ You need to actually make sufficient sound to be heard by the target and the target has to actually hear you. If either of those conditions fails the ability fails.
Not sure it is possible to stealth cackle.
FAQ You need to actually make sufficient sound to be heard by the target and the target has to actually hear you. If either of those conditions fails the ability fails.
The linked FAQ disallows the silence spell, but doesn't impose either of the two conditions you name. It just says you have to cackle in a strong voice, akin to a verbal spell component.
See, that's why I like silent table (5 foot radius version). Everybody clusters around you so they get the cackle, but the bad guys don't hear you coming.
It's also one of the few spells I think I know the incantation for ("Muffliato!").