Exploring Unique Tricks with an Oversized Trunk in Magical Acts

The oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation is a fascinating object that has amazed and captivated audiences for centuries. This magical trunk is not only an ordinary storage container but holds secrets and illusionary tricks that make it a marvel to behold. One of the most intriguing aspects of the oversized trunk is its ability to seemingly hold an infinite number of objects. When the trunk is opened, it appears to be just a regular wooden box. However, as objects are placed inside, the trunk expands to accommodate them, defying the laws of physics. The trunk's ability to store objects is not the only magical aspect.

From Tome & Blood's article 'Fun with Prestidigitation':

Its existence isn t long enough to do anything productive with it, except awe villagers or if your Sleight of Hand is good make someone think you possess a real item by flashing it briefly, when it s really just a trick. I played in a game once where a necromancer kept his non magic-using underlings in line via a dread curse that would strike them dead instantly were they disloyal.

The trunk's ability to store objects is not the only magical aspect. It also possesses the power of transformation. A simple item placed in the trunk can be transformed into something entirely different when removed.

Prestidigitation: What is it good for?

anyone remember an article from dragon mag during 2nd ed which expanded on the usefulness of the cantrip spell?

i believe that prestidigitation is the 3rd equivalent of cantrip, so has anyone found any useful uses for it?

i'm thinking that it lasts for 1 hour, so imagine the kind of interesting things you could do during a dungeon crawl, tavern encounter, etc. thing is, i haven't really thought or seen any interesting uses for this spell. the irony is that i believe this is one of the more useful 0-level spells since it has such a "general" application.

Hygric

First Post

A great little spell. The only better 0th is good old detect magic.

I'm going to badger my DM tomorrow to let my wizard permanency it on himself. Somehow, the idea of a 12th level wizard that can only do minor cantrips for 4 hours each day just doesn't feel right.

Bauglir

First Post

The key to prestidigitation's power is in it's application on non-spellcasting opponents.

Anyone with no spellcraft skill won't be able to tell a prestidigitation from a Power Word: Kill.

I played in a game once where a necromancer kept his (non magic-using) underlings in line via a 'dread curse' that would strike them dead instantly were they disloyal. Prestidigitation ofc, not that they knew that.

Darklone

Registered User

Fenes 2

First Post

In my campaigns prestidigitation is most often used to clean clothes etc. after the party got dirty in an adventure.

GuardianLurker

Explorer

How to use Prestidigitation:

1) Buy/Find a copy of the old Unearther Arcana from the days of 1.5e, read the cantrips.
2) Anything that isn't covered by the current 0-level spells is now under Prestidigitation (like Clean, Untie, Bee)
3) Practice how to say "Prestidigitation" so your tongue doesn't trip over itself.

Option: Use Presti-digit-ation to Bluff your GM into allowing wild in game effects.

bret

First Post

Most useful thing I've done with it: Use the 'Dry' ability on someone who was fighting a Delver. Acid is a liquid, I just dried all the acid off them.

Normal uses: Cleaning clothes, drying off, quickly removing signs of a battle (such as blood stains).

It can be a very useful spell.

Victim

First Post

In general, most of the time you see new cantrips printed, the effects could be done with prestidigitation. My bard uses it to keep clean herself up after fighting or marching, repel non-threatening bugs, and stay dry in the rain.

rexartur

Explorer

(Sorry, actually it gets used a lot in my games. I just couldn't resist)

Celtavian

Dragon Lord

My arcane casters usually use Prestidigitation to clean clothes, mend clothes, groom myself, clean my room, turn pages, and any other small mundane task not covered by other spells.

Ziggy

First Post

IMC the sorceror used it to nullify the scent of some creatures inside a room.

ThorneMD

First Post

There are many great uses, but in the campain I play in it is house ruled. We ruled it so that any magic user with it on their spell list can cast it spontanisly(sp?). This way a 11th level wizard can cast does 3 fireballs and still be able to dry himself quickly when wet.

Uses
1. Dry the wizard after falling into a lake.
2. Clean oneself after getting something dirty.
3. Create a small light(candle)

Well these are my main uses, but there are tons of others that escape me at the moment.

Al

First Post

From Tome & Blood's article 'Fun with Prestidigitation':

Change - Transform an object of Fine size into another one.
e.g. Change a piece of paper into a rose.

Chill - Reduce an object's temperature by 40F (but not below freezing)

Firefinger - Ignite combustile materials, can light a torch as a standard action (rather than a full-round), light campfires etc.

Gather - Pick up e.g. coins from a selected area

Sketch - Self-explanatory. Very useful when trying to make artistic impressions of people when you have no ranks in Craft (painting)!

Tie - Self-explanatory. Counts as taking 10 on Use Rope, but far quicker and can be done at distance.

Warm - Increase temperature of object by 40F, but not above 140F.

Presumably the reverse of these are also possible (e.g. Untie).

They are remarkably handy at low-levels. I remember once we had to infiltrate a bar which we thought was a front for a thieves' guild, so the party wizard got a job 'flavouring' the food (using Prestidigitation) for the customers. It enabled him to talk to the owners, and get plenty of gossip. Handy spell, if used intelligently.

Oni

First Post

Not sure how useful but the most memorable use I've gotten out of prestidigitation was when one party member tricked another one into eating an extremely hot pepper. The one who was tricked lost his temper and not knowing who did it tried to force feed the thing to the tavern manager. Using a stilled, silenced prestidigitation my sorcerer made the pepper taste bland.

Well I guess thats not all that useful in a dungeon, I think in that kind of environment the only really helpful thing I've done with it was clearing a path up some treacherously slick, blood covered steps (they where edged on one side by quite a drop).

dreaded_beast

First Post

Ferret

Explorer

"My god that dragon exploded!"
Casts Presti-gather
"Coins, scales the lot!"

High level appeal!

jerichothebard

First Post

Prestidigitation actually saved my character's life once. We were in a large dwarvin underground city, and (to make a long story short) I wound up seperated from the party. I used prestidigitation's 'color' application to leave (bright purple) directions for my party on where to come rescue me.

Rescue is, by the way, the correct word to use for that particular situation.

my gnome is reckless enough to qualify as an honorary halfling.

Olive

Explorer

Henry

Autoexreginated

I'm going to badger my DM tomorrow to let my wizard permanency it on himself. Somehow, the idea of a 12th level wizard that can only do minor cantrips for 4 hours each day just doesn't feel right.

You know, if you REALLY wanted it for longer, you could spend some of your other spell slots on preparing it.

MarauderX

First Post

For my bard, it's gonna have some uses in entertaining his way out of some situations soon. I think of it also as the 'pull the rabbit from the hat trick' to "teleport" an item out of sight, ie Willow.

It also makes you look super-cool when you can light your finger on fire to ignite something and then blow it out western-style while winking at the ladies.

I think it could also easily lend to a +2 circumstance bonus to diplomancy (that guy with the cool magic, I wish I was his friend!) or bluff ("I know you can't read the language, but this signature at the bottom is from the high elf Lotisymal")

The disappearing coin trick didn't work too well in stopping an inter-party fight (confusion) with the party fighter & cleric yesterday, but at least they both had a common dislike that brought them together - the new bard.

Prestidigitation School universal; Level arcanist 0, bard 0, magus 0, medium 0, mesmerist 0, psychic 0, skald 0, sorcerer 0, wizard 0
Casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Effect
Range 10 ft.
Target, Effect, or Area see text
Duration 1 hour
Saving Throw see text; Spell Resistance no
Description
Prestidigitations are minor tricks that novice spellcasters use for practice. Once cast, a prestidigitation spell enables you to perform simple magical effects for 1 hour. The effects are minor and have severe limitations. A prestidigitation can slowly lift 1 pound of material. It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round. It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material. It cannot deal damage or affect the concentration of spellcasters. Prestidigitation can create small objects, but they look crude and artificial. The materials created by a prestidigitation spell are extremely fragile, and they cannot be used as tools, weapons, or spell components. Finally, prestidigitation lacks the power to duplicate any other spell effects. Any actual change to an object (beyond just moving, cleaning, or soiling it) persists only 1 hour.

For example, a paperclip can be put inside the trunk, and when taken out, it has magically transformed into a bouquet of flowers. Audiences are often left in awe as they witness these transformations, unable to comprehend how such feats are possible. Through expert sleight of hand and clever illusions, the magician is able to manipulate the objects inside the trunk, creating a spectacle that dazzles and astonishes. The oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation is not just a prop; it is an essential tool in the art of illusion. Magicians spend years perfecting their craft and mastering the intricacies of the trunk's capabilities. It requires a level of skill and craftsmanship to seamlessly execute the tricks without revealing the secrets behind them. In addition to its illusionary qualities, the oversized trunk also adds an element of suspense and mystery to magic performances. Audiences eagerly anticipate what surprises may emerge from within the trunk, adding to the overall excitement and wonder of the show. In conclusion, the oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation is an extraordinary object that has been an integral part of magic performances throughout history. Its ability to store objects and transform them creates an enchanting spectacle that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Through skillful manipulation and expert artistry, magicians bring the trunk to life, leaving audiences astounded and amazed..

Reviews for "The Science of Perception: Playing with Scale Using an Oversized Trunk"

- John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation". The whole show felt amateur and poorly executed. The tricks were predictable and lacked any true magic. The performers seemed unengaged and the props were cheap. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.

- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation" but unfortunately, it fell short. The illusions were underwhelming and there were technical difficulties throughout the show that really disrupted the flow. The performers seemed unpolished and lacked the charisma and showmanship that I expected from a magic show. It just didn't live up to the hype.

- Michael - 2 stars - "Oversized trunk of magical prestidigitation" promised a night of wonder and excitement, but it failed to deliver. The tricks were cliché and lacked any innovation. It felt like I've seen them all before. The pacing of the show was off, with moments of awkward silence. The overall production value was lacking and it just left me feeling unimpressed.

The Evolution of the Oversized Trunk in Prestidigitation Throughout History