Glimpse beyond the mortal veil.
The Planes
These are the dimensional planes of existence that are known to man in the world of Planarist. Given the difficulty of learning or understanding them, scholastic knowledge is slim and theories vary greatly.
Though only six planes are currently known, there is limitless potential for variety and variability within them. And who knows, there may be more that have yet to be discovered.
The Materium
The Plane of man. Its origins and place within the planar order is hotly debated by scholars, philosophers, and clergy alike. What is understood is that the Materium is bound by a balance of order and entropy.
Time shackles the essence of the Materium, unlike the other planes, gravity is constant, and consistent patterns can be found everywhere, perhaps hintng at a greater design by a higher power.
“A believer takes thrill in the afterlife. A doubter fears it. A planarist knows it.”
Elysium
Elysium was the second plane discovered by man, after Death. Or rather, it made itself known to man. Civilizations from across the realms have connected with higher powers that, generally, are seen and understood as benevolent.
Different faiths interpret Elysium in their own way. From polytheism to monotheism, Elysium is revered by many. All concur that the structure, and operations of Elysium are supremely mysterious and unquestionably followed by its denizens. This plane can appear dormant for centuries, only to return to the mortal realm with a thunderous clash.
“Do not gaze upon the angel, but rejoice in its coming and in your future role in the plans of the heavens.”
Perdition
Barren and feral, Perdition is a harsh, unwelcoming dimension of demons and fiends. As with Elysium, Perdition has been known by man for millennia, though its distinct, separate classification took scholars ages to uncover.
Its denizens seem to be highly independent, with their own ambitions, plans, desires, and sources of power. Thus, unlike Elysium, the plane of Perdition is theorized to be a plane of disorder and chaos. Perdition’s entities often revel in their chaotic nature and enjoy spreading it to the mortal world. They are so opposite of Elysium’s entities that their planes are viewed as inverse dimensions of each other.
“Denizens of Perdition speak often and softly into the ears of the vulnerable and the corrupt.”
The Vortex
Twisting and contorting, The Vortex is believed to be the home of all energy that constitutes the multiverse as we know it, from which mana is extracted by mages for their spells and sorceries. In this dimension, energy based entities perpetually form and fall apart, feeding off of each other.
Seeking to maintain themselves, the beings of The Vortex are attracted to stable forms and planes, often making pacts with great mages for the chance to consume or possess their bodies and souls. Magic, when uncontrolled, can cause tears in the fabric of reality, opening dangerous portals through which Vortexian beings pour out, desperate to find stability before they quickly evaporate away.
“Modern mages shall never forget the fate of the Iryns. Magically advanced, careless, and proud, they were suddenly and instantly consumed by the ravenous maw of The Vortex.”
Death
The Hallow, Limbo, The Void. Death is known by many names and by all who call the Materium home. Astrodivinologists theorize Death was created for the Materium, not as a punishing demise, but as gentle transition to and powerful protective barrier against the immortal planes. The time bound plane of the Materium slowly unravels the closer one gets to the other side, making Death the best plane to study time magic as well as necromancy.
Some believe this plane protects the Materium through its powerful magical void, that strengths as one nears the immortal realms. Thus explaining the extremely rarity of self summoning planar entities. They almost always need a foolish mortal to assist in their crossing.
However, Death is not a empty plane like most expect. Trapped beings, lost celestials, and other semi-planar creatures lurk in its shadows, making the journey to the immortal realms potentially hazardous.
“Death is but the start of the greatest of journies.”
The Beyond
While the immortal realms are thrilling and, for some, anxiety inducing, man’s own Material Plane is deep with magic and intricacy. What men know as their universe, the Materium, is theorized to be but a sliver of the endless parallel universes that may exist. These universes generally resemble our own, but often with warped physical laws, strange beings, or wild magic.
Alternative timelines that parallel our own, hidden worlds governed by demigods, and places unfathomably far that twist reality and science itself, all fall under the umbrella of what scholars call “The Beyond.” Planarists that practice and research this plane learn to manipulate matter and forces seemingly miraculously.
“I often ponder the powerful potential of our kind; to unlock true planar enlightenment, and take our place as the next race of celestials.”