The universe contains many different planes of existence, each a fully-functioning three-dimensional world which does not
normally interact with any of the other planes. The planes divide into two groups: The inner planes, which contain
the physical planes of normal mortal existence; and the outer planes, which are the domains of gods, demons,
spirits, and other supernatural entities.
The Physical Plane (or Material Plane) is that which contains the normal universe, with stars, planets, and the land of
The Demesnes. Most mortal entities are born, live, and die on the physical plane without even knowing there are other
planes, let alone interacting with them in any way. It is, however, possible for mortals with the appropriate knowledge or
abilities to leave the Physical Plane, travelling through either the Ethereal or Astral Plane, to any of the other planes.
Such journeys can be fraught with danger from the physical environments and also the denizens of those planes.
The Ethereal Plane suffuses through and touches all parts of the inner planes. Suitable natural or magical effects can
cause material objects or creatures to become ethereal, which causes them to fade from material view. When in
an ethereal state, creatures are unable to sense or interact with material objects. They may sense and interact with other
ethereal objects however. Physically, the Ethereal Plane looks like an evenly lit void, in which objects float weightlessly.
Creatures can move merely by willing it. In this way, ethereal creatures can travel through the ether to visit other inner
planes, where they materialise if the ethereal state is inactivated. Ethereal travel is generally safe, unless hostile
ethereal creatures or intelligent beings are encountered.
The Plane of Life is a place of energy and light. It is a source of tangible goodness and vitality, supplying
life force in the form of life-aspected mana to the Physical Plane. Mortal beings who enter this plane can live
indefinitely without food or water, although there is little to do here. Undead beings will be destroyed instantly by
the overwhelming life force. Native creatures of light and energy exist here, and can be summoned on to the Physical Plane.
The Plane of Death is a place of cold and darkness. It is a source of ultimate evil and decay, draining life from
the Physical Plane by supplying it with death-aspected mana. Undead beings have a strong connection with this plane; the
magical influences which keep them animated emanate from here. Mortal beings venturing here without magical protection will
have the life force sucked out of them rapidly, leaving a lifeless husk floating through the black void. There are some
odd native creatures of negative energy who roam the plane.
This plane is an endless expanse of air, stretching infinitely in all directions. There is no gravity and movement is by
physical means such as pushing off other objects or with wings. There are occasional floating lumps of rock, water, and
fire which drift through the air, forming homes for the varied creatures of the air which are native to this place. The
plane is generally safe for most mortal travellers. It is the source of air-aspected mana on the Physical Plane, and of
the air elementals which can be summoned there.
This plane is an endless expanse of earth and solid rock, stretching infinitely in all directions. It contains some empty
areas filled with air, water, or fire, which form the only reasonably habitable places for mortal visitors from the
Physical Plane. Travel is through interconnected tunnels of other material, or by digging. The native creatures can of
course move through the solid earth with ease. This plane is the source of earth-aspected mana on the Physical Plane, and
of earth elemental beings.
This plane is an endless expanse of fire, stretching infinitely in all directions. In some places the endless flames are
displaced by lumps of earth or bubbles of water or air. Even these sanctuaries are unbearably hot, however, and any mortal
travellers in this realm will need protection. There is no gravity and beings can move by pushing against solid objects or
beating wings in the flames. This plane is the source of fire-aspected mana on the Physical Plane, and of the various
kinds of fire elementals.
This plane is an endless expanse of water, stretching infinitely in all directions. Great lumps of rock float amidst this
endless sea, as well as bubbles of air and even fire. Air bubbles are the only places an unprotected air-breathing visitor
can survive, but the water is not hostile in itself and can be swum through if a method of breathing is available.
Water-breathing travellers will be right at home. The plane is the source of water-aspected mana on the Physical Plane,
and of water elementals.
The Outer Planes
The outer planes are domains ruled by the gods. Each god is lord of one distinct plane, making 17 planes, plus the Astral
Plane, which is a neutral territory serving as the connecting conduit between them and the inner planes. It is possible
there are other outer planes, ruled by gods no longer known to men.
The Astral Plane overlaps the Physical Plane in a manner similar to the Ethereal, but none of the other inner planes. Instead,
it flows outwards to touch the outer planes. Becoming astral is similar to becoming ethereal, but astral
beings can sense and be sensed by material beings. This is the source of ghost-like entities; actual ghosts are spirits
of dead beings wandering the Astral Plane. The Astral Plane is itself featureless, but the sensations of the overlapping
Physical Plane make it appear to be a shadowy copy. Movement of untrained creatures follows the contours of the Physical
Plane by force of habit. Intelligent creatures who are aware of their state can however will themselves to move in other
directions, including traversing the distances to the outer planes, where they can again sense and be sensed by the denizens
dwelling therein.