Difference between revisions of "Whistle (cantrip)"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[File:Whistle (cantrip).jpg|right|420px|thumb|A metaphorical representation.]]
+
[[File:Whistle (cantrip).jpg|right|560px|thumb|]]
 +
'''Whistle''' is a cantrip that creates a brief but enchanting whistling sound that emanates from the caster's location.  The sound can mimic the melodious tunes of various birds or be a simple, attention-catching whistle, with the latter able to be clearly heard to a distance of 180 ft., half-again further than the range of a shout.
 +
 
 
{{Spelltable
 
{{Spelltable
 
| name = Whistle
 
| name = Whistle
 
| range = 30 ft.
 
| range = 30 ft.
−
| duration = 2 rounds
+
| duration = 2 [[Combat Round|rounds]]
 
| area of effect = 1 creature
 
| area of effect = 1 creature
 
| casting time = 2 [[Action Points|action points]]
 
| casting time = 2 [[Action Points|action points]]
 
| save = negates
 
| save = negates
−
| level = cantrip
+
| level = [[Cantrip|cantrip]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
__TOC__
 +
The cantrip possesses the unique ability to penetrate wooden doors and barriers with its audible resonance, and can overcome the ambient noise that exists in a tavern or a busy street.  Thus it reliably attracts the attention of those in proximity, as a tool to either obtain a moment of silence or guide an audience's gaze towards some matter of significance.
  
−
'''Whistle''' produces a sustained whistling sound, similar to that which is made by the wind, with an inconsistent rise and fall in tone.  Indoors, it suggests the presence of something unnatural, or that a window must be open; the former is sure to be more certain if it is the dead of night.
+
Whistle also serves as an effective means of capturing the notice of allies or diverting the focus of adversaries, which the caster can employ creatively.  
−
 
 
−
The caster can impress a message of up to six words into the sound, which a single predetermined creature will be able to consciously understand, though the creature's actual hearing of the message will be instantly doubted.  This six word message will have no influence on the creature ''by itself'' ... however, if the creature has been carefully primed, so that they have other reasons to believe the truth of the message, then the whistling words may very well be that which pushes the creature over the edge.
 
−
 
 
−
For example, if the creature were guilty of something, and the caster knew; and there already existed a threat of the creature being exposed for the crime; then the message to "flee and never return" might be seen as a reasonable course of action, one to be taken up immediately.
 
  
−
== Distraction ==
+
Additionally, use of the cantrip could agreed upon ahead of time for a signal to turn and break combat, change tactics, or perhaps come and give support for the caster.  Likewise, should the caster be lost and seeking to attract the attention of searchers, the whistle could serve as means of providing one's approximate location.
−
As with all haunting sounds, '''whistle''' serves as a distraction, to urge a creature to go investigate, or be distracted for a moment.  A character hearing the whistling words should make a [[Ability Checks|wisdom check]] if the message and the sound are heard just at the moment when the listener is attacked, and needs to make a [[Surprise (combat)|surprise]] roll. A failed check would indicate the attacker has a +1 bonus to surprise that creature.
 
  
−
This distraction could only occur when all was quiet, and attended by no more than two other persons.  A loud, crackling fire would be noisy enough to counteract the cantrip's effect, but a smouldering fire would not.
+
== Scare ==
 +
Creatures with 4 or less [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] are liable to be startled by the sharp and piercing sound of the whistle, deterring them from approaching or attacking.  Likewise, it could be used to drive off herbivorous livestock should there be a predator nearby, even initiating a [[Cattle (domestic)|cattle]] stampede in some cases.  A strong whistle can be used to ward off birds and prevent them from feasting on crops.
  
−
== Bringing the Cantrip into Play ==
 
−
An assassin would benefit from being able to make their rush to attack at the moment the whistling sound, and the message, was heard.  This would be a matter of timing, of course; but a single guard on a street corner at night could be effectively surprised upon hearing the sound and effectively dragged out of sight.
 
  
 +
See also,<br>
 +
[[Haunting Sound Cantrips]]<br>
 +
[[Scare (spell)]]
  
−
See [[Haunting Sound Cantrips]]
+
[[Category: Cantrips]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:48, 19 February 2024

Whistle (cantrip).jpg

Whistle is a cantrip that creates a brief but enchanting whistling sound that emanates from the caster's location. The sound can mimic the melodious tunes of various birds or be a simple, attention-catching whistle, with the latter able to be clearly heard to a distance of 180 ft., half-again further than the range of a shout.

Whistle
Range 30 ft.
Duration 2 rounds
Area of Effect 1 creature
Casting Time 2 action points
Saving Throw negates
Level cantrip

Contents

The cantrip possesses the unique ability to penetrate wooden doors and barriers with its audible resonance, and can overcome the ambient noise that exists in a tavern or a busy street. Thus it reliably attracts the attention of those in proximity, as a tool to either obtain a moment of silence or guide an audience's gaze towards some matter of significance.

Whistle also serves as an effective means of capturing the notice of allies or diverting the focus of adversaries, which the caster can employ creatively.

Additionally, use of the cantrip could agreed upon ahead of time for a signal to turn and break combat, change tactics, or perhaps come and give support for the caster. Likewise, should the caster be lost and seeking to attract the attention of searchers, the whistle could serve as means of providing one's approximate location.

Scare

Creatures with 4 or less intelligence are liable to be startled by the sharp and piercing sound of the whistle, deterring them from approaching or attacking. Likewise, it could be used to drive off herbivorous livestock should there be a predator nearby, even initiating a cattle stampede in some cases. A strong whistle can be used to ward off birds and prevent them from feasting on crops.


See also,
Haunting Sound Cantrips
Scare (spell)

Retrieved from "http://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php?title=Whistle_(cantrip)&oldid=26150"