When I can't source the answers to my questions, I turn to the world...
Looking for clarity on Bag of Holding spec's. Yes, I know the form and function, don't need a re-cap on what's written or trying to debate, as I'm also aware that most questions like these are DM discretion.
My question comes from watching Critical Role, primarily an episode regarding Jester's cupcakes and decomposing bodies (odd combo topic, I know). So, with the specifications of limited O2 within a BOH only being approx 10 mins of breathability for a living creature, how is it cupcakes go stale and bodies decompose/rot?
Since the literal and technical definitions of decomp and "going stale" require O2 as an environmental contribution, would not a BOH essentially be a vacuum sealed container, or a "Ziplock of Holding", thus negating decomp, items becoming stale or other factors that require oxygen?
Every time they open the bag they would essentially refresh the air supply. We can't be sure exactly how often they open the bag, but it would probably be often enough to make the preservation process negligible.
There is also the matter of "There are spells to preserve bodies" so if your standard storage solution also is the best preservation device that ,for me, is a bit reductive of the spells that are designed for that specific thing.
Vacuums don't kill/deactivate all forms of bacteria. Vacuum packing can suck the bacteria out, along with moisture, preventing new bacteria from being introduced, but a lot of bacteria can survive in low-atmosphere conditions
Bacteria don't need a lot of oxygen to function; ever seen a sandwich go moldy in a tupperware container? Ten minutes of oxygen for a creature (even a tiny one) is more than enough for some bacteria
As mentioned, some bacteria reproduce anaerobically. This is a similar process to anaerobic respiration that occurs in your muscles, producing lactic acid that causes muscle cramp.
Food going stale isn't a function of bacteria, but change in moisture. Food can go stale because it gains or loses too much moisture
As also mentioned, every time the bag is opened the air inside would be refreshed.
Ultimately the DM may just decide that things go moldy in a bag of holding because magic
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When I can't source the answers to my questions, I turn to the world...
Looking for clarity on Bag of Holding spec's. Yes, I know the form and function, don't need a re-cap on what's written or trying to debate, as I'm also aware that most questions like these are DM discretion.
My question comes from watching Critical Role, primarily an episode regarding Jester's cupcakes and decomposing bodies (odd combo topic, I know). So, with the specifications of limited O2 within a BOH only being approx 10 mins of breathability for a living creature, how is it cupcakes go stale and bodies decompose/rot?
Since the literal and technical definitions of decomp and "going stale" require O2 as an environmental contribution, would not a BOH essentially be a vacuum sealed container, or a "Ziplock of Holding", thus negating decomp, items becoming stale or other factors that require oxygen?
I can understand that. I think the bodies would still rot, albeit slower due to anaerobic bacteria. Someone else please correct me if I am wrong.
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Every time they open the bag they would essentially refresh the air supply. We can't be sure exactly how often they open the bag, but it would probably be often enough to make the preservation process negligible.
There is also the matter of "There are spells to preserve bodies" so if your standard storage solution also is the best preservation device that ,for me, is a bit reductive of the spells that are designed for that specific thing.
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Valid points all around! Did not take into account the refreshing of the air each time its opened. Thank you all.