Astral Sea
The Astral Sea can be reached from almost any point in the Prime Material plane or the first layer of any Outer plane by spell, psionic ability, or device. It is described as a barren place of other-dimensional nothingness extending in all directions. What little solid substance that floats in the bright, gray void is typically chunks of matter broken off from their original plane. The Astral has no gravity but objects do retain their mass so you can throw small items or push off from large objects to move in the weightless environment.
Time in the Astral flows at the same rate on the Prime Material plane but the effects of time are slowed almost to a stop―a thousand years in the Astral plane feels like only a day to the traveler. Creatures do not go hungry or age while in the Astral plane. For that reason, its mortal inhabitants need to return to the Material Plane in order to have children or to reach adulthood.
Entering the Astral plane can be accomplished in one of two ways: projecting your astral form into the plane via the astral projection spell, or by physically entering the plane. Astral projection is the safest way to travel but still involves risk because you leave your physical body behind on your plane of origin. The astral body will be accompanied by the astral forms of any items and clothing that are magical or radiate a magic aura. While projecting, your astral self is connected to your physical body by a silver cord that stretches out behind you for about 10 ft (3 m), or 1 ft (30 cm) depending on the version of the spell, and then becomes invisible and intangible. Very few things can sever this silver cord: a powerful psychic wind, a githyanki silver sword, or the will of gods. The physical body left behind appears alive but does not require food, water, or air and does not age. It can be moved and is vulnerable to damage and death. If the traveler's physical body is slain, death follows the projection some minutes later. If the astral self is slain, the traveler then returns to his or her physical body in a coma.
Physically entering the Astral plane requires a spell such as plane shift and brings the traveler wholly into the Astral with no silver cord to anchor them to their plane of origin.
Alternative Name(s)
Astral Plane
Type
Dimensional plane
Location under
Included Locations
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