Passage of Time within a Rope Trick spell

Question

My question is rather simple and has to do with the extra-dimensional space* created by a Rope Trick spell.

*Note: It is not clear to me whether this kind of space is a Demiplane or not, but should any solid source clarifying this also help with the actual question, it will be welcomed.

I would like to know how exactly time works in the aforementioned space. SRD describes 4 different ways for time to operate in a given plane: Normal, Timeless, Flowing and Erratic.

However I am not aware which one of these applies for a given demiplane or where I can find rules defining that. Any official sources would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, Rope Trick descriptions reads as follow:

The upper end is, in fact, fastened to an extradimensional space that is outside the multiverse of extradimensional spaces (“planes”).

Well, what is an "extradimensional space" then?

A number of spells and magic items utilize extradimensional spaces, such as rope trick, a bag of holding, a handy haversack, and a portable hole. These spells and magic items create a tiny pocket space that does not exist in any dimension.

Then, let's look at the planes that might have a different Time Flow:

• Astral Plane: Timeless
• Demiplanes: as they are mostly artificial, they can be created with a different Time Passage trait.
• In Pathfinder only: Limbo (Erratic Time), Plane of Time (Erratic Time), Purgatory (Timeless)

So, the only way for a Rope Trick to have a different Time Flow would be to belong to the Astral Plane, Limbo, or Plane of Time (obviously not the case), or to be a Demiplane.

However, as mentioned above, the extradimensional space created by a Rope Trick is specifically described as "outside the multiverse". And when we look at what the Planes are:

The planes of existence are different realities with interwoven connections. Except for rare linking points, each plane is effectively its own universe with its own natural laws. The planes break down into a number of general types: the Material Plane, the Transitive Planes, the Inner Planes, the Outer Planes, and the demiplanes.

So the Demiplanes belong to the Multiverse. A Rope Trick extradimensional space is outside of the Multiverse. (a short but interesting thread on the issue)

And if there were still a possibility that Rope Trick was considered as linking to a Demiplane (which would open an awful can of worms), you can just rely on the following:

Normal Time: This trait describes the way time passes on the Material Plane. One hour on a plane with normal time equals one hour on the Material Plane. Unless otherwise noted in a description, every plane has the normal time trait.

So as a conclusion:

• A Rope Trick space is different from a Demiplane.
• Passage of Time is normal in a Rope Trick space, as in a Bag of Holding or Portable Hole.

Answer 2

I think it's safe to assume Normal (or whatever the plane you're casting the Rope Trick in is doing) unless something explicitly says different - or the GM decides it would be fun to have it work another way.

Answer 3

I’ve never heard of anyone ruling that it flows any differently from Normal. Certainly, without an explicit statement that it does, it would be very odd to assume that it’s supposed to operate at a different speed.