How do we know that is a sphere of annihilation?

[MarkB]

See title. How do we know it is a sphere of annihilation or some kind of portal?

If it's an ongoing campaign:

Examine your DM carefully. If he appears to be a complete bastard, it's probably a Sphere of Annihilation. If he doesn't, it's probably a portal.

If it's a 1-off, anything-goes game, you're on your own.

 

[werk]

See title. How do we know it is a sphere of annihilation or some kind of portal?

I believe there is an 'analyze portal' skill or use of a skill from manual of the planes. It would tell you if it's either not a portal or a portal far outside your expertise.

That, or lick it.

 

[vulcan_idic]

At least in my conception - admittedly highly biased - a "portal" connotes some sort of two dimensional area either against a wall or freestanding, perhaps rectangular, perhaps not, but two dimensional in any case. A sphere is, by definition, three dimensional. This would tell me a difference in my worlds. Should I be playing in someone else's world where shapes are not as predefined, my character, if lacking appropriate knowledge, would probably experiment and die. Time for a new character. Oh well - at least I served a useful purpose to the group in the meantime. Time to experiment with a new character with a new personality!!

Edit/P.S. - Perhaps a character with a deep, irrational fear of all things black and darkness as defining character traits, just for the heck of it! lol

 

[DanMcS]

Also, it will not detect as transmutation or any other sort of magic, as it is an artifact.

That's not a rule in 3e, at least for minor artifacts, which is what the sphere is classed as. The item listing has "Strong Transmutation" on purpose, you know.

 

[Piratecat]

Trust me on this one: DON'T lick it. Seriously.

 

[Ashrum the Black]

Trust me on this one: DON'T lick it. Seriously.

Peeing on it may not be the safest thing to do either Piratecat.


-Ashrum

 

[Canaan]

IMC, the players are looking for a SoA. I've had an ArchMage tell them they would know it was a SoA because looking directly at it would hurt their eyes. It's a giant ball of nothingness, absolute darkness. So, basically I flavor texted it.

 

[wmasters]

Trust me on this one: DON'T lick it. Seriously.

It's no good without chocolate sauce. And sprinkles. Or is that ice cream of annhialation?

 

[Question]

Text says that it looks like a inky black circle that you could reach your hand into.

 

[IcyCool]

Umbral blot : Wtf how to kill that thing?

An Archmages Arcane Fire ability will hurt it...