Whispering Sand

Whispering sand imbues a handful of sand with the ability to relate a message from the caster, aloud. At the time of casting, the caster must choose the sand that will “speak” (for example, a cupful in the bottom of a particular urn, or a small patch before an abandoned gate). He must also determine the conditions that will trigger the message-such as “when the one-armed barber appears before the gate” or “when the name of the sun-god is spoken before the urn. (In this way, the spell resembles magic mouth.)

The triggering event must occur within 30 yards of the talking sand. Finally, when casting the spell, the wizard must voice the message that the sand will repeat verbatim. The message may be up to five words for every level of the caster.

When the conditions are met, the sand “speaks.” Anyone within 20 feet can hear the words clearly. The voice of the sand is hoarse and throaty, either male or female (caster's choice). It resembles no one's voice in particular, although it mimics the pronunciation and tone that the wizard used during casting. Unlike magic mouth, no lips (or other visual features) appear to accompany the message.

Besides a simple spoken message, whispering sand can deliver a spell that has only a verbal component, provided the caster has that spell in his repertoire. For example, one of the power word spells can replace the message. When the conditions triggering the whispering sand occur, the power word will be cast. The effects of such spells are centered on the sand that speaks. Whispering sand in no way enables a wizard to cast spells that he could not otherwise use. Normal saving throws apply for spells released by the whispering sand.

Until the whispering sand is triggered, the sand enchanted by the wizard radiates a dim aura of alteration and phantasm magic. If a spell has been placed within the sand, the aura is extremely strong. In addition, the aura matches the school of magic to which the implanted spell belongs.

Moving the sand (including moving the container that holds it, or unduly disturbing the dust) destroys any spell placed within the whispering sand, though a normal message remains effective.