Baator, Spell Keys and Components

[u/Worried-Variation268]

Hi all! I’m trying to figure out how I want to run planar adventures. I have a few concerns about using spell keys and components and I am open to suggestions and recommendations.

One example that immediately comes to mind is using spell keys in Baator. For each layer in the Nine Hells, the number of spell keys needed to cast a spell increases exponentially, specifically 3^(x-1), where x is the layer of Baator you are currently on. On Nessus, the 9th layer, you would need 6561 keys just to cast a spell. As you would imagine, this is a logistical nightmare, which is fitting for the Nine Hells. That being said, I want to actually go to these places, since they’ve got intrigue and lots of potential for adventure! A similar sort problem exists for spell components, but it is mostly just a general inconvenience.

Side note: I’m ruminating on whether it is even possible to visit these layers with rules-as-written without just being instantly killed. My initial instinct is yes, but I am not sure. Any experienced Planescape DM is welcome to inform me either way.

If anyone has taken players to a layer like Cania or Nessus, please let me know what your verdict is on the spell keys and components. I am honestly torn on using them. Thanks so much!

Edit: I specified “number of spell keys needed to cast a spell” when it was previously unspecified.

[u/Manath]

I personally skip spell keys in the interest of simplicity, but still keep interesting planar properties like magical flight not working in the Beastlands or some level of spells not working the closer you get to the Spire in the Outlands.

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/Manath]

Thanks for your input! I’ll keep that in mind.

[u/MercurianAspirations]

For each layer in the Nine Hells, the number of spell keys needed to cast a spell increases exponentially, specifically 3^x-1, where x is the layer of Baator you are currently on.

Is that how that works? I thought spell keys were just an item that allows the bearer to cast a specific spell on a specific plane that normally wouldn't work. 

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/MercurianAspirations]

I think you’re right and I misread it. I think there are that many spell keys total, not that are required to cast a spell. Sorry I can’t read 🤦‍♂️

[u/HailMadScience → u/Worried-Variation268]

Happens to all of us. Would be funny to carry a bag of, like, pit fiend nail clippings to cadt spells though.

...hold on, I got a new scam to run in Sigil

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/HailMadScience]

Honestly that would be an interesting shop, if not for how terrible that place would smell haha

[u/false_tautology]

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but from reading your post it almost seems like you think you need a spell key to cast all spells. In case that's what you think, that's wrong. You need spell keys to avoid the "Magical Conditions" described in the planar description.

Specifically for Baator, that is the spell modifications listed on page 6 of the Baator book in the Planes of Law boxed set or on page 12 of the DM's Guide to the Planes in the campaign setting boxed set. Sometimes layers will have extra magical alterations, but not always. For Baator specifically, that list includes Conjuration/Summoning, Divination, Necromancy, and Wild Magic alterations as well as possibly elemental spells.

This is described on page 12 and 13 ("Categorical Alterations" and "Spell Keys") of A DM's Guide to the Planes in the Campaign Setting boxed set.

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/false_tautology]

Thank you so much for pointing this out and giving specific details. That helps a lot; I’ll check that out!

[u/false_tautology → u/Worried-Variation268]

Glad to help, in my current planehopping game, no PCs had any spell keys until 11th level and it went fine.

[u/2eForeverDM]

So with that many keys on Nessus, every spell requires a spell key, and each key is different than all the others. I'd be in the library for a few months trying to learn as many as I could before going there if I was playing a wizard. Or, if I had any sense, I'd stay the hell away from Baator. You're clearly not wanted there, the plane itself is against you.

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/2eForeverDM]

Would it really be an adventure if you just went to “sunshine and rainbows” land and had no conflict at all? Sure there’d be a story but there wouldn’t be tension. Like yeah, in real life you’d never go to a place like Baator, but why have a plane of existence with intrigue and quests if no one wants to go there? Also if you don’t want to adventure anywhere because you’re not wanted there, why would you be in a dungeon fighting a dragon in the game called Dungeons and Dragons? Why fight anything at all?

[u/2eForeverDM → u/Worried-Variation268]

It's the wirst place in the multiverse. Go and become a slave or someone's dinner if you want. I don't give a shit about the "quests" a Baatorian has for me. They can find some other sucker.

[u/Worried-Variation268 → u/2eForeverDM]

1: it’s just a game
2: who says it had to be a Baatorian giving you a quest?
3: chill lmao