In DnD 5E, magic items can make all the difference between success and failure in an adventure. One of the most iconic magic items is the Bag of Holding (PHB, p. 153) , a portable storage container that can hold an impressive amount of weight and volume. However, as with any magical item, it’s important to understand its mechanics and limitations to use it effectively. In this article, we will explore the Bag of Holding in depth, discussing its benefits and drawbacks, and providing tips on how to use it effectively in your DnD games.
What is the Bag of Holding?
The Bag of Holding is a magical item that can hold an enormous amount of weight and volume, up to 500 pounds and 64 cubic feet, respectively. It is essentially a portable storage unit that players can carry with them to transport and store items. The Bag of Holding is lightweight and easy to carry, making it an excellent tool for adventurers who need to carry a lot of gear with them.
How does the Bag of Holding work?
The Bag of Holding is a portable storage container that can be opened by reaching inside and retrieving any item stored within it. It can be closed by pulling on the drawstring at the top. The Bag of Holding is a magical item and can be destroyed under certain circumstances, such as being punctured or torn. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the weight limit of the bag, as exceeding it can cause the bag to rupture. If the Bag of Holding is destroyed by puncture, tear, or overload, all of its contents spill out into the Astral Plane, lost forever.
What are the benefits of the Bag of Holding?
One of the most significant advantages of the Bag of Holding is its capacity to hold a vast amount of items, including large or bulky objects that might be difficult to transport otherwise. This makes it an excellent tool for adventurers who need to carry a lot of gear with them, such as treasure, weapons, armor, and supplies. The Bag of Holding is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a perfect choice for adventurers who need to travel long distances on foot or horseback.
However, it is important to note that the Bag of Holding is not without its drawbacks. One of the most significant drawbacks is that it is a magical item and can be destroyed under certain circumstances, such as being punctured or torn. If the Bag of Holding is destroyed, all of its contents spill out into the Astral Plane, lost forever. Additionally, it is essential to be mindful of the weight limit of the bag, as exceeding it can cause the bag to rupture, also causing all of its contents to spill out.
How can the Bag of Holding be used effectively?
To use the Bag of Holding effectively, it is essential to be organized and strategic about what items are stored within it. Players should prioritize storing items that are important and valuable, such as magic items, precious gems, and quest-related items, rather than mundane items that can be easily replaced. It is also a good idea to keep a separate inventory list of what items are stored in the Bag of Holding, making it easier to keep track of what is inside and avoid overloading it.
To avoid the Bag of Holding becoming overloaded, players should keep track of the weight of the items they are placing inside the bag. The Bag of Holding can hold up to 500 pounds of weight, so players should be careful not to exceed this limit. A good way to keep track of the weight is to have a running tally of the weight of each item as it is added to the bag.
To prevent the Bag of Holding from being pierced or torn, players should be careful when handling it and avoid exposing it to sharp objects or rough surfaces. Players can also take precautions to protect the Bag of Holding, such as placing it in a sturdy container or wrapping it in a protective material. Additionally, players should be cautious when using the Bag of Holding in combat or other hazardous situations, as it can be damaged or destroyed if not handled carefully.
What happens if you turn a Bag of Holding inside out?
Turning a Bag of Holding inside out causes all of the contents to spill out onto the ground unharmed. To be used again though, the Bag of Holding must be put right first. This means that players should exercise caution when handling the Bag of Holding, as actions like turning it inside out can be time-consuming and potentially hazardous if the contents are spilled in an inconvenient or dangerous location.
What happens if you put a Bag of Holding in a Bag of Holding?
Putting a Bag of Holding inside another Bag of Holding is generally considered a bad idea. This is because both items are considered to be magical containers that create extra-dimensional spaces for storage.
When two such containers are placed inside each other, it creates an infinite loop of space resulting in both bags being destroyed, along with all the contents inside them, and a portal opened into the Astral Plane.
Portable Hole vs Bag of Holding
Both the Portable Hole and the Bag of Holding are magical containers that allow players to store items in an extra-dimensional space. However, there are some key differences between the two that can affect their usefulness and value in different situations.
The Portable Hole is larger than the Bag of Holding, with a diameter of 6 feet and a depth of 10 feet. As such the Portable Hole can be used as a trap or a weapon in certain situations. When laid flat on a surface, it appears as a simple piece of black cloth as a hole. This can be used to trap enemies or create a pitfall trap for unsuspecting foes.
The rules do not specifically mention how much weight or volume can fit inside the Portable Hole though some players have inferred this from the diameter and depth. The exact capacity of the Portable Hole may ultimately be up to the discretion of the Dungeon Master, as they have the final say in how the item functions in their game.
