Maya Ellison
The existence of plastic in the D&D universe is a topic of discussion among players and fans. Some argue that plastic, as we know it today, would not exist in a standard pseudo-medieval setting, as it was only invented in the mid-1800s and requires oil, which was not widely used until the late 19th century. However, others suggest that certain materials within the D&D universe, such as shellac or natural resins, could be considered early forms of plastic. Additionally, in the context of an alchemist creating new substances, players have introduced plastic into their D&D campaigns, bringing it to places like Neverwinter. Ultimately, the inclusion of plastic in the D&D universe is up to the interpretation and creative choices of the players and dungeon master.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in D&D Universe | Unlikely to exist in large quantities due to the pseudo-medieval setting |
| Plastic Definition | Moldable semi-synthetic organic compounds |
| Plastic Composition | Chemically created polymers derived from oil |
| Oil Availability | Oil likely exists, as it is the main source of tar |
| Natural Alternatives | Shellac, a natural polymer used over 3000 years ago |
| Lantan Plastic | A manufactured substance from the island of Lantan in the 15th century DR |
| Plastic Quality | Varies; better detail retention leads to more brittle plastic |
| Plastic Acronyms | PVC, ABS, HIPS, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic explosives
The existence of plastic in the D&D universe is a topic of discussion among players and Dungeon Masters (DMs). Some argue that plastic, as we know it, being a chemically created polymer derived from oil, did not exist in the medieval fantasy world of D&D. The widespread commercial use of plastic only became common in the twentieth century.
However, some players have argued for the existence of plastic in the D&D universe, citing examples of natural resins and shellac, a semi-synthetic compound, that could qualify as primitive forms of plastic. Additionally, in the Eberron setting, warforged creatures are described as being made of plastic, according to its broadest definition as moulded living trees shaped into sentient or semi-sentient creatures.
Now, when it comes to plastic explosives in the D&D universe, it is important to note that while there is no explicit mention of plastic explosives in the core rulebooks, homebrew content has been created by players to include them in their campaigns. Plastic explosives, also called "plastique", are high explosives mixed with plasticizing agents, resulting in a pliable and shapeable explosive substance. The most famous variety is C4, known for its stability and ease of use, making it a common choice for military demolition jobs and terrorist bombings.
In a D&D campaign, the use of plastic explosives could be incorporated as an action, similar to other explosives like dynamite or grenades. Each creature within a certain radius of a detonated plastic explosive would be required to make a Dexterity saving throw, taking bludgeoning damage based on the number of blocks of explosives used. The damage and radius of the explosion can be increased by adding additional blocks of explosives.
It is worth noting that the inclusion of plastic explosives in a D&D campaign is entirely up to the DM's discretion, and they may choose to allow or disallow their use based on the setting and narrative of the game.
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Plastic in Neverwinter
Neverwinter is a bustling, cultured, and cosmopolitan city-state in northwest Faerûn, known for its craftsfolk and gardeners. It is also known as the City of Skilled Hands and the Jewel of the North. The city was a member in good standing of the Lords' Alliance and was regarded by Volo as the most cosmopolitan and civilized city in all of Faerûn. The city's multi-coloured glass lamps, precision water clocks, exquisite jewellery, and magnificent gardens ensured the warm winters were colourful and the summers were rich with fresh fruit.
The city was founded in the late years of the 14th century DR, after which the Neverwintans became a very patriotic people, proud of their leaders and their city. In 1372 DR, a disease known as the Wailing Death laid low most of the city's inhabitants. In 1385 DR, the Spellplague struck both Neverwinter and all of Faerûn. The city was almost destroyed by a Primordial Fire Elemental, as seen in the novel Gauntlgrym. The remaining citizens formed factions and struggled for power over the populace as the dead began to rise and attack the city. Lord Nasher ensured the city was well defended, both physically and magically, against attacks or infiltration from Luskan, Neverwinter's warlike rival.
In the game based on the city, players can choose one of eight Dungeons & Dragons character classes and form groups of up to five player characters. Players can also create their own stories and quests. In the game, there is an artefact called the Forgehammer of Gond, which lets players craft any item in the game.
In one instance of the game, a player brought plastic to Neverwinter. This was done by pouring a melted substance into a pipe and leaving it to cool. This is similar to the real-world process of creating plastic, which involves moulding semi-synthetic organic compounds. However, the creation of plastic as we know it requires oil, which was not commonly used until the late 1800s. As such, it is unlikely that plastic would be a common material in a late-medieval fantasy world like Neverwinter.
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Lantan plastic
The existence of plastic in the D&D universe is a subject of discussion among players and enthusiasts. Some argue that plastic, as we know it today, was only invented in the mid-1800s and widely used in the 1900s, which does not align with the typical pseudo-medieval setting of D&D. The creation of plastic requires oil, which was not commonly used until the late 19th century, making large-scale plastic production infeasible.
However, others argue that the D&D universe may have moldable semi-synthetic organic compounds that could be considered a form of plastic. These could be magically created or exist as an alchemical curiosity. Additionally, shellac, a natural substance modified with the addition of ethanol, may qualify as a more natural and less synthetic form of plastic.
In the D&D universe, players and dungeon masters have the creative freedom to introduce elements such as plastic. For example, a player with a 21 Intelligence alchemist character could attempt to create plastic through various means, bringing plastic to the world of Neverwinter.
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Shellac as a natural plastic
The D&D universe is typically set in a pseudo-medieval world, and plastics as we know them were only developed in the 19th century. Therefore, it is unlikely that plastic would be a common material in the D&D universe. However, some natural substances with plastic-like properties, such as shellac, might be present.
Shellac is a natural bioadhesive polymer secreted by the female lac bug on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. It has been used for centuries as a paint, varnish, glue, and moulding compound. With a melting point of 75°C, shellac can be classified as a thermoplastic and has been used to create small moulded goods such as picture frames, boxes, jewellery, and even dentures.
Shellac is processed and sold as dry flakes, which can be dissolved in alcohol to create liquid shellac. This liquid form can be used as a brush-on colourant, food glaze, or wood finish. Shellac was once widely used as a finish for wooden surfaces, providing a tough, durable, and high-gloss coating. However, it has been largely replaced by synthetic plastic lacquers and varnishes due to its labour-intensive application process and scratch susceptibility.
Shellac is a natural polymer that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in the food industry. It possesses advantages such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and good biocompatibility. These characteristics have led to its use in food processing and packaging, where it shows promising potential as a natural alternative to synthetic polymers.
In summary, while plastic in its modern form is unlikely to exist in the D&D universe, shellac, a natural substance with plastic-like properties, could be a suitable alternative for players and dungeon masters looking to incorporate similar materials into their campaigns.
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Plastic in a pseudo-medieval setting
The existence of plastic in a pseudo-medieval setting, such as the D&D universe, is a subject of discussion among players and enthusiasts. While plastic as we know it today—artificial polymers derived from oil—was first invented in the mid-1800s, the D&D universe is typically set in a pseudo-medieval period, where such advanced technology would be out of place.
However, this does not mean that plastic-like substances or early forms of plastic are entirely absent from a pseudo-medieval setting. Some players and enthusiasts have suggested that while plastic in its modern form may not exist, moldable semi-synthetic organic compounds and natural resins could be present. These substances, while not exactly the same as modern plastic, could serve similar functions and be utilized in various ways within the setting.
One example is shellac, a natural substance derived from flakes that can be modified into a polymer through the addition of ethanol. Shellac has been used for thousands of years, primarily as a paint or varnish coating, but there are also mentions of it being used to construct objects, such as a palace. This natural plastic-like substance could be a plausible inclusion in a pseudo-medieval setting, especially if it undergoes further alchemical or magical modifications.
Another possibility is the inclusion of plastic through magical means. In a fantasy setting like D&D, magic and alchemy play a significant role, and it is not unheard of for players to introduce unique substances or artifacts through magical creation. Plastic, or a plastic-like substance, could be introduced as a rare alchemical curiosity, a magical artifact, or the creation of a powerful alchemist or wizard. This inclusion adds an intriguing twist to the setting, providing players with access to a material that is otherwise uncommon or non-existent in their world.
Lastly, the presence of plastic in a pseudo-medieval setting can also depend on the specific narrative choices and world-building of the game master or author. In some fictional settings, a calamity might have wiped out modern technology, forcing humanity back to a medieval era, but with remnants of modern materials like plastic still in existence. In such cases, the existence of plastic may be justified, and the focus shifts to how it is perceived and named within the context of the new era, with terms like "waxglass," "weirdwood," or variations of "plastik" being suggested.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic as we know it in the real world was first invented in the mid-1800s, and widespread commercial use didn't occur until the twentieth century. The D&D universe is typically a pseudo-medieval setting, so plastic wouldn't exist unless an adventurer brought it from another world. However, some players have pointed out that certain natural substances, like shellac, could be considered a form of plastic and have existed for over 3000 years. Additionally, in the island of Lantan, a manufactured substance known as Lantan Plastic was discovered in the 15th century.
While plastic may not be commonly found in the D&D universe, you can still include it as an alchemical curiosity that is difficult to create in large quantities. Alternatively, you can introduce it as a material brought by adventurers from another world.
Lantan Plastic was a manufactured substance found on the island of Lantan in the 15th century. It was created by the Gondar population, who closely guarded the recipes for its creation.
Shellac, a natural substance created by adding ethanol to raw flakes, has been used as a polymer for over 3000 years. While it was primarily used as a paint or varnish coating, there are mentions of a palace made from this substance.
