Sharn's Manifest Zone [Archive] - Wizards Community

Sharn's Manifest Zone [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DrOfDemonology
03-07-07, 10:51 PM I was just wondering if anyone knows the *specific* game effect the manifest zone in Sharn has. I've read the Sharn and Eberron setting books cover-to-cover, and I can't seem to find what the zone does in Sharn. It talks in generalities, that it "enhances" flying.... but how? Longer duration of spells/magic items? What's the exact effect?

Oh, and although I'm new to this forum, I've been playing D&D longer than many of you have probably been alive ;) I remember when D&D *first* came out almost 30 years ago, with that first soft-cover blue book :dice: :dice:

Thanks for the help :coolcthul
DyloniusFunk
03-07-07, 11:13 PM I was just wondering if anyone knows the *specific* game effect the manifest zone in Sharn has. I've read the Sharn and Eberron setting books cover-to-cover, and I can't seem to find what the zone does in Sharn. It talks in generalities, that it "enhances" flying.... but how? Longer duration of spells/magic items? What's the exact effect?

Oh, and although I'm new to this forum, I've been playing D&D longer than many of you have probably been alive ;) I remember when D&D *first* came out almost 30 years ago, with that first soft-cover blue book :dice: :dice:

Thanks for the help :coolcthul

I belive it's more a plot device to explain why Sharn can be the way it is, and to allow for flying vehicles. It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines. I don't belive there are any actual mechanics for manifest zones thouhg there are for when the planes are cotermenous or remote. That's in the ECS
Shady314
03-08-07, 04:57 AM I belive it's more a plot device to explain why Sharn can be the way it is, and to allow for flying vehicles. It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines. I don't belive there are any actual mechanics for manifest zones thouhg there are for when the planes are cotermenous or remote. That's in the ECS
Actually Dylonius .... you're close in that the Sharn manifest zone obviously has some eldritch properties but there are mechanics for manifest zones and the mechanics have a clear answer for why it's easier to use flight spells in Sharn. And thus create flying items to take advantage of it.
I just used the ECS index and saw manifest zones, pages 94 and 271. 271 while talking about the Orrery of the Planes has the answers the OP seeks. :) Enjoy OP!
Sereno
03-08-07, 09:03 AM In addition, there's the abilities of the Sharn Skymage Prestige Class.

Most of the effects of the zone are to (metamagically) Extend air- and flight-type spells....

BTW, DnD came in a white booklet before it came in a blue one.... ;)
goblin_pride
03-08-07, 09:25 AM BTW, DnD came in a white booklet before it came in a blue one.... ;)

I could've sworn that book was gray not white, but you could very well be right, it's been quite a few years, hasn't it?
Sereno
03-08-07, 09:36 AM I could've sworn that book was gray not white, but you could very well be right, it's been quite a few years, hasn't it?

I seem to remember white (with the same font for the Dungeons & Dragons) as the blue book, but it HAS been a long time!

Similar to this (http://cgi.ebay.com/DUNGEONS-AND-DRAGONS-BASIC-SET-1980-RARE-BEAUTY_W0QQitemZ330095593981QQcategoryZ4 4113QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIte m), but white, not blue. I could be wrong.

Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it!
goblin_pride
03-08-07, 09:54 AM Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it!

I was still in diapers when Chainmail first came out.
Sereno
03-08-07, 10:31 AM I was still in diapers when Chainmail first came out.

I was in Elementary school. :)
Glenn D.
03-08-07, 01:17 PM Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it!

I seem to remember that the Chainmail book was silver, bound with plastic coil/comb style binding.

http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/chainmail.html

Ah, yes, 3rd edition, 3rd printing is what I remember.

My first books were those in the three booklet boxed set, plus the brand new Greyhawk accessory book. Didn't the large single book come after?

Glenn D.
Sereno
03-08-07, 03:00 PM I seem to remember that the Chainmail book was silver, bound with plastic coil/comb style binding.

http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/chainmail.html

Ah, yes, 3rd edition, 3rd printing is what I remember.

Not that any of this has to do with manifest zones, but the 3rd/3rd one was the one I remember ... we didn't actually *play* it, we were playing DnD.

However, thanks to that site, the DnD set I started with must have been (to the best of my memory) the 5th or 6th printing; that white box/parchment books rings a bell! Also, I'm certain *I* purchased the Basic Set 8th printing -- probably by saving up allowance or birthday money!
DrOfDemonology
03-08-07, 06:33 PM Actually Dylonius .... you're close in that the Sharn manifest zone obviously has some eldritch properties but there are mechanics for manifest zones and the mechanics have a clear answer for why it's easier to use flight spells in Sharn. And thus create flying items to take advantage of it.
I just used the ECS index and saw manifest zones, pages 94 and 271. 271 while talking about the Orrery of the Planes has the answers the OP seeks. :) Enjoy OP!

Thanks very much! That's what I was after! :D
The_Robot
03-08-07, 07:05 PM It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines.

That's something I've been curious about since I started reading Eberron material. Are there mechanics for eldricth machines at all, or are they just for flavor and up to DM discretion?
DyloniusFunk
03-09-07, 01:50 AM That's something I've been curious about since I started reading Eberron material. Are there mechanics for eldricth machines at all, or are they just for flavor and up to DM discretion?

They are plot devices, so that you can have low level villains do world shattering things. There's another thread around ehre that goes into details on Eldritch Machines and the things you can do with them.
goblin_pride
03-09-07, 08:24 AM Eldritch machines are the Eberron Deus Ex Machina, they do whatever you as DM want them to in order to further your storyline and there are absolutely no rules whatsoever to hinder what they do. If you can dream it up, they can do it. However it's a pretty good idea to make them cease functioning just as the PCs gain control of them, just for safety's sake.
Sereno
03-09-07, 08:35 AM Bringing this discussion back around to manifest zones; according to the ECS, most Eldritch Machines are classed as "wondrous locations" and the most common requirement is a manifest zone tied to the desire of the effect.

The fact that most Eldritch Machines can't be moved helps to cut down on the difficulties if the PCs try to take the machine for themselves instead of just stopping or destroying it.

For the DM's convenience, they only work in certain locations at certain times! :)
androkguz
03-10-07, 09:45 PM I think there is no mechanical effect for the manifest zone, but I house ruled that in Sharn things are a little bit lighter. I like to imagine that in Sharn it's posible to walk for two o three seconds on a wall (like the Prince of Persia), to jump a bit higher. But that's just me.
The_Robot
03-10-07, 10:53 PM I think there is no mechanical effect for the manifest zone, but I house ruled that in Sharn things are a little bit lighter. I like to imagine that in Sharn it's posible to walk for two o three seconds on a wall (like the Prince of Persia), to jump a bit higher. But that's just me.

*house rule'd* smaller DC for all jump and tumble checks involving jumping, falling, and things like running up walls...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DrOfDemonology 03-07-07, 10:51 PM	I was just wondering if anyone knows the specific game effect the manifest zone in Sharn has. I've read the Sharn and Eberron setting books cover-to-cover, and I can't seem to find what the zone does in Sharn. It talks in generalities, that it "enhances" flying.... but how? Longer duration of spells/magic items? What's the exact effect? Oh, and although I'm new to this forum, I've been playing D&D longer than many of you have probably been alive ;) I remember when D&D first came out almost 30 years ago, with that first soft-cover blue book :dice: :dice: Thanks for the help :coolcthul
DyloniusFunk 03-07-07, 11:13 PM	I was just wondering if anyone knows the specific game effect the manifest zone in Sharn has. I've read the Sharn and Eberron setting books cover-to-cover, and I can't seem to find what the zone does in Sharn. It talks in generalities, that it "enhances" flying.... but how? Longer duration of spells/magic items? What's the exact effect? Oh, and although I'm new to this forum, I've been playing D&D longer than many of you have probably been alive ;) I remember when D&D first came out almost 30 years ago, with that first soft-cover blue book :dice: :dice: Thanks for the help :coolcthul I belive it's more a plot device to explain why Sharn can be the way it is, and to allow for flying vehicles. It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines. I don't belive there are any actual mechanics for manifest zones thouhg there are for when the planes are cotermenous or remote. That's in the ECS
Shady314 03-08-07, 04:57 AM	I belive it's more a plot device to explain why Sharn can be the way it is, and to allow for flying vehicles. It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines. I don't belive there are any actual mechanics for manifest zones thouhg there are for when the planes are cotermenous or remote. That's in the ECS Actually Dylonius .... you're close in that the Sharn manifest zone obviously has some eldritch properties but there are mechanics for manifest zones and the mechanics have a clear answer for why it's easier to use flight spells in Sharn. And thus create flying items to take advantage of it. I just used the ECS index and saw manifest zones, pages 94 and 271. 271 while talking about the Orrery of the Planes has the answers the OP seeks. :) Enjoy OP!
Sereno 03-08-07, 09:03 AM	In addition, there's the abilities of the Sharn Skymage Prestige Class. Most of the effects of the zone are to (metamagically) Extend air- and flight-type spells.... BTW, DnD came in a white booklet before it came in a blue one.... ;)
goblin_pride 03-08-07, 09:25 AM	BTW, DnD came in a white booklet before it came in a blue one.... ;) I could've sworn that book was gray not white, but you could very well be right, it's been quite a few years, hasn't it?
Sereno 03-08-07, 09:36 AM	I could've sworn that book was gray not white, but you could very well be right, it's been quite a few years, hasn't it? I seem to remember white (with the same font for the Dungeons & Dragons) as the blue book, but it HAS been a long time! Similar to this (http://cgi.ebay.com/DUNGEONS-AND-DRAGONS-BASIC-SET-1980-RARE-BEAUTY_W0QQitemZ330095593981QQcategoryZ4 4113QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIte m), but white, not blue. I could be wrong. Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it!
goblin_pride 03-08-07, 09:54 AM	Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it! I was still in diapers when Chainmail first came out.
Sereno 03-08-07, 10:31 AM	I was still in diapers when Chainmail first came out. I was in Elementary school. :)
Glenn D. 03-08-07, 01:17 PM	Do you remember what the Chainmail! booklet looked like? I'm pretty sure my first group had one, but I can barely remember it! I seem to remember that the Chainmail book was silver, bound with plastic coil/comb style binding. http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/chainmail.html Ah, yes, 3rd edition, 3rd printing is what I remember. My first books were those in the three booklet boxed set, plus the brand new Greyhawk accessory book. Didn't the large single book come after? Glenn D.
Sereno 03-08-07, 03:00 PM	I seem to remember that the Chainmail book was silver, bound with plastic coil/comb style binding. http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/chainmail.html Ah, yes, 3rd edition, 3rd printing is what I remember. Not that any of this has to do with manifest zones, but the 3rd/3rd one was the one I remember ... we didn't actually play it, we were playing DnD. However, thanks to that site, the DnD set I started with must have been (to the best of my memory) the 5th or 6th printing; that white box/parchment books rings a bell! Also, I'm certain I purchased the Basic Set 8th printing -- probably by saving up allowance or birthday money!
DrOfDemonology 03-08-07, 06:33 PM	Actually Dylonius .... you're close in that the Sharn manifest zone obviously has some eldritch properties but there are mechanics for manifest zones and the mechanics have a clear answer for why it's easier to use flight spells in Sharn. And thus create flying items to take advantage of it. I just used the ECS index and saw manifest zones, pages 94 and 271. 271 while talking about the Orrery of the Planes has the answers the OP seeks. :) Enjoy OP! Thanks very much! That's what I was after! :D
The_Robot 03-08-07, 07:05 PM	It's just easier than having actual mechanics, similar to eldricth machines. That's something I've been curious about since I started reading Eberron material. Are there mechanics for eldricth machines at all, or are they just for flavor and up to DM discretion?
DyloniusFunk 03-09-07, 01:50 AM	That's something I've been curious about since I started reading Eberron material. Are there mechanics for eldricth machines at all, or are they just for flavor and up to DM discretion? They are plot devices, so that you can have low level villains do world shattering things. There's another thread around ehre that goes into details on Eldritch Machines and the things you can do with them.
goblin_pride 03-09-07, 08:24 AM	Eldritch machines are the Eberron Deus Ex Machina, they do whatever you as DM want them to in order to further your storyline and there are absolutely no rules whatsoever to hinder what they do. If you can dream it up, they can do it. However it's a pretty good idea to make them cease functioning just as the PCs gain control of them, just for safety's sake.
Sereno 03-09-07, 08:35 AM	Bringing this discussion back around to manifest zones; according to the ECS, most Eldritch Machines are classed as "wondrous locations" and the most common requirement is a manifest zone tied to the desire of the effect. The fact that most Eldritch Machines can't be moved helps to cut down on the difficulties if the PCs try to take the machine for themselves instead of just stopping or destroying it. For the DM's convenience, they only work in certain locations at certain times! :)
androkguz 03-10-07, 09:45 PM	I think there is no mechanical effect for the manifest zone, but I house ruled that in Sharn things are a little bit lighter. I like to imagine that in Sharn it's posible to walk for two o three seconds on a wall (like the Prince of Persia), to jump a bit higher. But that's just me.
The_Robot 03-10-07, 10:53 PM	I think there is no mechanical effect for the manifest zone, but I house ruled that in Sharn things are a little bit lighter. I like to imagine that in Sharn it's posible to walk for two o three seconds on a wall (like the Prince of Persia), to jump a bit higher. But that's just me. house rule'd smaller DC for all jump and tumble checks involving jumping, falling, and things like running up walls...