Extra Dimentional vs. Non-Dimentional

[Lonely Tylenol]

Rope Trick
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: One touched piece of rope from 5 ft. to 30 ft. long
Duration: 1 hour/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

When this spell is cast upon a piece of rope from 5 to 30 feet long, one end of the rope rises into the air until the whole rope hangs perpendicular to the ground, as if affixed at the upper end. The upper end is, in fact, fastened to an extradimensional space that is outside the multiverse of extradimensional spaces (“planes”). Creatures in the extradimensional space are hidden, beyond the reach of spells (including divinations), unless those spells work across planes. The space holds as many as eight creatures (of any size). Creatures in the space can pull the rope up into the space, making the rope “disappear.” In that case, the rope counts as one of the eight creatures that can fit in the space. The rope can support up to 16,000 pounds. A weight greater than that can pull the rope free.

Spells cannot be cast across the extradimensional interface, nor can area effects cross it. Those in the extradimensional space can see out of it as if a 3-foot-by- 5-foot window were centered on the rope. The window is present on the Material Plane, but it’s invisible, and even creatures that can see the window can’t see through it. Anything inside the extradimensional space drops out when the spell ends. The rope can be climbed by only one person at a time. The rope trick spell enables climbers to reach a normal place if they do not climb all the way to the extradimensional space.

Note: It is hazardous to create an extradimensional space within an existing extradimensional space or to take an extradimensional space into an existing one.

Material Component: Powdered corn extract and a twisted loop of parchment.

It's a general rule for extradimensional spaces that it's 'hazardous' to combine them.

-Hyp.

FWIW, the Sage claims that you can take bags of holding inside Rope Tricks. I don't know why.

 

[TheEvil]

Well, you COULD in 3.0, could it be from that time period?

 

[Hypersmurf]

Well, you COULD in 3.0, could it be from that time period?

From the 3E PHB:
Note: Creating an extradimensional space within or taking an extradimensional space into an existing extradimensional space is hazardous.

It's the same note on the spell in 3E and 3.5.

-Hyp.

 

[TheEvil]

From the 3E PHB:
Note: Creating an extradimensional space within or taking an extradimensional space into an existing extradimensional space is hazardous.

It's the same note on the spell in 3E and 3.5.

-Hyp.

So I am either remembering the same Sage Advice or a GM's house rule.

 

[Krelios]

So I am either remembering the same Sage Advice or a GM's house rule.

Essentially the same thing. Skip has no problems with contradicting the rules, as he proves from time to time. You might very well be remembering Sage Advice.

 

[Felix]

It's a general rule for extradimensional spaces that it's 'hazardous' to combine them.

General, and perhaps the most vague rule in the PHB. Shoot, Adventuring is "hazardous", fisticuffs with felines is hazardous for commoners, and living in general ensures your death.

So this flavor text (for that's what it is without game mechanics) leaves it up to the DM to decide what happens in the event of a extra-dimensional overlap. If the DM lays out the mechanics for it, well done, but I've rarely seen that, more often seeing DMs arbitrarily applying the Bag of Holding + Portable Hole rule.

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[gripe]

The difference twixt extra- and non- dimensional needs to be clarified by the rules guys.

[/gripe]

 

[Hypersmurf]

The difference twixt extra- and non- dimensional needs to be clarified by the rules guys.

Difficult... since the space of a portable hole is defined both as extra-dimensional and non-dimensional.

-Hyp.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I believe the terms are used interchangeably. There are no RAW definitions in any 3.X book.

This is how I've always understood it as well. They're the same thing. Basically a space is created outside of planar boundaries--a tiny demiplane where all your stuff is stored. Hence, it's extra- or non-dimensional, i.e. a space that is not a part of your dimension.

I think the "hazardous" warning is merely there to give DMs a justification for adjudicating a disaster if their players start abusing extra-dimensional spaces. ("So let me get this straight, you want to buy a dozen bags of holding...and stow them in another bag of holding?")

So long as the players aren't abusing anything, the DM can leave be, under the assumption that the players have been lucky in any extra-dimensional shinannigans. If they start to push things too far...BAM! Blasted into the Astral Plane.

 

[Felix]

Difficult... since the space of a portable hole is defined both as extra-dimensional and non-dimensional.

Yep, that's part of the clarification they need to do.