The character who triggers the basin must save versus spells or become soundless for 1 hour. On a successful save, the effect lasts 1 turn. The victim cannot speak above a whisper, make audible footsteps, or create normal noise with held objects. They suffer a -2 penalty to surprise checks and attempts to coordinate allies verbally. Spells requiring spoken words cannot be cast unless the referee rules that the character can substitute another method.

When the silence ends, all stolen sound erupts from the victim in a thunderous crack. Everyone within 30 feet must save versus breath weapons or be deafened for 1 turn and knocked prone. The triggering character takes 1d6 damage regardless of the save.

The stolen sound is not merely suppressed. It is stored in the basin. A character under Stolen Voice can still be heard by magical effects specifically designed to perceive thoughts or vibrations.

If multiple characters touch the basin simultaneously, all must save versus spells. On a failed save, each suffers Stolen Voice, and Returned Sound affects a 60-foot radius instead of 30 feet.

The basin cannot be destroyed while its four runes remain intact. If reduced to 0 hit points, it cracks, releases a thunderclap, and reforms after 1d6 days.