A dead-magic zone was an area of space in which magic ceased to function. They were one of the lasting effects of the Time of Troubles in 1358.^[1]

FunctionsEdit

A dead magic zone was a zone of anti-magic or null-magic that disabled enchantments or prevented spells from being maintained or cast. A dead magic zone could also be created from the use of items imbued with the dead-magic field.^{[citation needed]}

In the Year of the Gauntlet, 1369 DR, Calispar Delgorth, working at the Vipers' Nest zone, discovered that plants grown within it could retain magic-resistant properties. He hypothesized that such plants "soaked up" the essence of the dead-magic zone.^[2]

Famous dead-magic zonesEdit

The northern quarter of the city of Tantras was a single, huge dead-magic zone of some 400 acres. It was the site of a battle between the avatars of Bane and Torm during the Time of Troubles.^[3] It became a haven to those who had offended vengeful mages.^[4]

There was also one on the isle of Caerwich. A blind, old hag lived in a cave within the dead-magic zone.^{[citation needed]}

Dead-magic itemsEdit

A certain sapphire radiated an anti-magic field similar to a dead-magic zone. It was kept in a specially shielded box to block its effects. Errtu gave this sapphire to a demon summoned by Matron Mother Yvonnel Baenre. When exposed, the spells protecting Yvonnel disappeared and Drizzt's magical items temporarily lost their enchantments.^[5]

The same sapphire was again employed by Errtu when the powerful artifact, Crenshinibon, was exposed to the sapphire and was damaged, at least temporarily.^[6]

Using ingredients from plants grown with a dead-magic zone in 1369 DR, Calispar Delgorth was able to concoct poisons that were resistant or immune to magical cures.^[2]

ReferencesEdit