A-M vs. Dead Magic (?)

[nonsi256]

Is there really any difference between A-M and Dead Magic?

As far as I can tell, both suppress magical effects and deny spellcasting.
So, is Dead Magic simply a naturally occurring A-M, or something entirely different ?

 

[Dandu]

Dead Magic zones are places where the Weave ceases to exist. They are Faerun specific, I believe.

Now, I think you have the gist of it, but I'm sure someone with more Faerun street cred than I will come along to correct me soon.

 

[Sekhmet]

I tend to agree with Dandu here. Dead Magic is an area where the Weave does not permeate - magic does not exist in that area. Anti-Magic only suppresses it.
Nothing short of the will of a deity can remove a dead magic zone, whereas an anti magic zone will eventually dissipate on it's own.

 

[nonsi256]

Thanks, that's all I needed.
In FrCS there's a more detailed description (where the weave doesn't exist).

I'll use it for my tweaked A-M & Dead Magic rules.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

In an Anti-Magic field, as I understand it, you could still cast a spell that has a duration and once you leave the field, the spell is active. Mage Armor cast in an AMF is still cast, just suppressed. It could even be a handy way to stack buffs if you could be subtle (Still/silent metamagic feats), then exit the field as a buffed monsta!

Dead magic areas, you can't do anything like that. A minor distinction, but a usable one.

 

[James the Newbie]

Only thing I have to add is from the Initiate of Mystra feat

It lets you cast in dead magic zones and anti-magic fields and the DC's are different

Dead magic zone - you make a caster level check against a DC equal to 20 + spell level
antimagic field - you make a caster level check against a DC equal to 11 + the caster level of the antimagic field.

So a dead magic zone has a set 'lack of magic' while an anti magic field varies in power due to the spell caster themselves. Plenty of fluff reasons for you to intemperate here.

 

[Greenfield]

The SRD mentions areas of dead magic, in fact entire planes where magic doesn't work.

Since these are described in the same section that covers anti-magic, I'd tend to say they were the same.

As for casting things like Mage Armor on yourself while in an A-M effect: There was a long and drawn out argument over things like this not that long ago, and there are varying opinions on it.

My own changed during that argument. The rules for A-M say that you can't "cast into" an A-M effect. To me, if the target is inside the A-M field or effect, the spell doesn't go off.

YMMV, of course.

 

[Jimlock]

Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (3.0 - Usable with 3.5) page 55:

Effects of Dead MAgic

A dead magic zone functions in most respects as an antimagic field spell, except that it does not impede the spells or spell-like abilities of Shadow Weave users, nor does interfere with the operation of Shadow Weave magic items. Divination spells cannot detect subjects that are within dead magic zones. Finally, it isn't possible to use a teleportation effect to move into or out of a dead magic zone. A dead magic area cannot temporarily be returned to normal function. A wish or miracle spell permanently repairs all dead magic zones in a 30-foot radius area (or a 30-foot radius portion of a larger dead magic zone).

Detecting Dead Magic

Spellcasters and creatures with spell-like or supernatural abilities immediately notice when they enter a zone of dead magic. Spellcasters are attuned to the Weave and they feel uneasy and uncomfortable in dead magic zones. A Weave user can take a move equivalent action to note the exact boundary of a dead magic zone. Shadow Weave users are not attuned to the Weave and experience no such unusual sensations in regions of dead magic.
Any spell caster, Weave or Shadow Weave, can use a detect magic spell to delineate the extent of any dead magic within the spell's range. Naturally, a Weave user must be outside the affected area in order to employ the tactic.

hmmmm... come to think of it now, some lines could easily reignite the antimagic field endless debate

 

[Greenfield]

Only thing I have to add is from the Initiate of Mystra feat

It lets you cast in dead magic zones and anti-magic fields and the DC's are different

Dead magic zone - you make a caster level check against a DC equal to 20 + spell level
antimagic field - you make a caster level check against a DC equal to 11 + the caster level of the antimagic field.

So a dead magic zone has a set 'lack of magic' while an anti magic field varies in power due to the spell caster themselves. Plenty of fluff reasons for you to intemperate here.

Did a bit of quick Google-Fu on Initiate of Mystra.

It lets you cast spells in an anti-magic or dead magic zone, based on a caster level check against the caster of the A-M effect.

So, how do you determine the caster level of a dead magic plane, or a permanent dead-magic zone on a plane?

 

[James the Newbie]

Did a bit of quick Google-Fu on Initiate of Mystra.

It lets you cast spells in an anti-magic or dead magic zone, based on a caster level check against the caster of the A-M effect.

So, how do you determine the caster level of a dead magic plane, or a permanent dead-magic zone on a plane?

A dead magic zone is overcome with a caster level check of DC 20 + the level of the spell you want to cast. So you determine it that way.