Can You Breathe in a Portable Hole 5e? The Ultimate Guide
Yes, you can breathe in a Portable Hole in 5e, but only for a limited time. The official description clearly states that a breathing creature within a closed Portable Hole can survive for up to 10 minutes, after which time it begins to suffocate. Therefore, while the Portable Hole offers temporary refuge, it is not a long-term solution for air supply.
Understanding the Portable Hole’s Mechanics
The Portable Hole, as described in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, is more than just a simple bag. It’s a fascinating item of arcane craftsmanship that bends the very fabric of space, creating an extradimensional space. This space, while incredibly useful for storage and even hiding, has limitations, especially regarding life support.
The key factor is the finite amount of air contained within the extradimensional space when the hole is closed. This air supports life for a short duration, allowing for quick escapes or ambushes. However, the space isn’t airtight and doesn’t generate its own oxygen. Once the air is depleted, the environment becomes hostile.
This limitation adds a layer of strategic consideration when using a Portable Hole. Players must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of entering the hole, considering the remaining time and the potential for escape or rescue. Smart players might carry items to extend breathable air, such as potions, scrolls, or other magical devices.
Risks and Limitations
Understanding the breathing limitation also brings to light the risks associated with trapping creatures inside a Portable Hole. A careless villain, or even an unknowing player, might inadvertently cause the suffocation of someone trapped within.
The rules surrounding the interaction of the Portable Hole with other extradimensional spaces, like a Bag of Holding, add another layer of complexity and potential danger. The catastrophic consequences of combining these items – immediate destruction and opening a gateway to the Astral Plane – highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of magical item interactions.
This inherent risk and the need for strategic planning make the Portable Hole a compelling item in any D&D campaign, adding depth and consequence to player decisions.
Portable Hole FAQs: Unlocking the Extradimensional Enigma
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Portable Hole in D&D 5e:
1. How much air is actually inside a Portable Hole?
The rules don’t quantify the precise volume of air. They only indicate that it is sufficient to support a breathing creature for up to 10 minutes. It’s up to the DM to adjudicate how many small creatures might survive for that duration.
2. Can you cast spells inside a Portable Hole?
Yes, you can cast spells inside a Portable Hole, provided you have the components and fulfill all other requirements. However, considerations must be given to somatic and verbal components – is there room to swing your arms? Can your voice be heard outside of the hole?
3. What happens if you vomit in a Portable Hole?
Realistically, the air quality would degrade faster if the Portable Hole is closed. This is not necessarily something specifically addressed in the rules, so the effects are at the DM’s discretion.
4. Can you close a Portable Hole from the inside?
Yes, according to the item description, a creature inside the Portable Hole can use an action to attempt to close it by folding the edges of the cloth. But this could be difficult, especially if the hole is already filled with items!
5. What happens if you put a Portable Hole inside a Bag of Holding?
Placing a Portable Hole inside a Bag of Holding, or vice versa, is a bad idea. It instantly destroys both items and opens a gate to the Astral Plane. Any creatures within a 10-foot radius are drawn into the Astral Plane.
6. Is a Portable Hole better than a Bag of Holding?
“Better” depends on the situation. A Bag of Holding is generally more convenient for everyday storage due to its easier accessibility. A Portable Hole is larger and can be used for hiding, but its interaction with other extradimensional spaces is hazardous.
7. How long can a creature survive in a Portable Hole with no air?
A creature can survive only until they run out of breath. After 10 minutes, suffocation begins, following the rules for suffocation as presented in the Player’s Handbook. It varies based on if the creature is holding its breath or actively attempting to avoid breathing.
8. How much weight can a Portable Hole hold?
A Portable Hole has no specified weight limit. However, its volume is limited to 1130 cubic feet.
9. Can you use a Portable Hole to travel through a wall?
While some interpretations allow for this (especially in other fictional contexts), the 5e rules don’t explicitly support it. The Portable Hole creates an extradimensional space, not a tunnel.
10. How many Medium-sized bodies can fit in a Portable Hole?
Given the dimensions (6 feet in diameter, 10 feet deep), you could potentially fit a significant number of Medium-sized bodies, maybe around 10-15 if packed efficiently (or inefficiently, depending on your motivations).
11. Can you throw a Portable Hole open like a grenade?
The description allows for opening if even a portion of the cloth is opened. In theory, yes, it could be thrown to open it.
12. Can an Artificer create a Portable Hole?
As it is a magic item, an Artificer could potentially create a Portable Hole through their Replicate Magic Item infusion, provided they meet the necessary level requirements and the DM allows it. This has important implications for limiting the “black hole” trick, as described in the introduction.
13. Does Plane Shift have anything to do with a Portable Hole?
While the Plane Shift spell might be relevant to accessing the extradimensional space, the rules don’t state it’s required to create a Portable Hole. The crafting process is usually left to the DM’s discretion.
14. How big is the opening to a Portable Hole?
When deployed, the opening of a Portable Hole is a circle that is six feet in diameter.
15. How much does a Portable Hole cost?
A Portable Hole is considered a rare magic item and typically costs around 20,000 gold pieces.
Mastering the Portable Hole
The Portable Hole is a versatile and intriguing item in D&D 5e. Understanding its limitations, especially regarding air supply, is crucial for both players and DMs. By considering the risks and exploring creative applications, the Portable Hole can add depth, strategy, and excitement to any campaign.
Remember to foster creative problem-solving, encourage exploration, and reward inventive uses of this extradimensional wonder. The Portable Hole, in the right hands (or perhaps the wrong ones!), can become a powerful tool for adventure and intrigue.
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