Nowhere in the spell description does it say it's super noisy. A bolt of lightning, even a small one, should produce a thunderclap.
Would you rule the sound is more audible than typical combat noise (cannon fire, gunfire(?)), about the same as combat noise (shouts, gunfire(?), maces on shields), or no more noisy than the most verbal spellcasting
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Typical combat noise is DC 5 for the purpose of automatically waking up. Mechanically speaking, it usually doesn't get louder than that.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Loud enough that it is audible but no so loud that it cause (temporary) deafness (which a thunderclap originating in close proximity probably would).
I realize that still gives a wide berth to how loud it is.
If it mattered, I would probably rule it to be similar to gunfire, although as far as I know (off-hand) gunfire isn't stated to be extra loud in a mechanical way, but I could be off. I think it would just fall under the DC of "typical combat noises" but I wouldn't be upset if someone gave a -2/-4 to the DC to represent it being extra loud.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
A normal lightning bolt thunder is 165–200+ decibels. Electrical arcs range from 140-160 decibels. Gun shots are from 140-190. So, IMO, it's solidly in the 'gunfire' sound range.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The spell is likely closer to the sound of a large tesla coil than actual atmospheric lightning.
The spell is likely closer to the sound of a large tesla coil than actual atmospheric lightning.
Spark gap tesla coils are quite loud as they are electric arcs and require ear protection when in use.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
The spell is likely closer to the sound of a large tesla coil than actual atmospheric lightning.Spark gap tesla coils are quite loud as they are electric arcs and require ear protection when in use.
Firearms are also quite loud. And require ear protection at most reputable practice ranges.
So I'm in agreement and think that 'as loud as gunfire' is an accurate representation.
And how that translates to game mechanics is that the sound is definitely audible. Probably louder than the audible parts of casting of the spell itself. But not so loud that it interferes with other actions or causes damage - because the rules don't say that it does.