Dead-magic zone

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.

Functions
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.

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.

Famous dead-magic zones
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. It became a haven to those who had offended vengeful mages.

There was also one on the isle of Caerwich. A blind, old hag lived in a cave within the dead-magic zone.

Dead-magic items
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.

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

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.