The Planes

Breon    The Planes      The Planes

All of mortal reality is comprised of and bound in the planes. A plane is a vast dimension with various physical traits, such as gravity and chronology, and metaphysical traits, such as alignment and quintessential composition. Each plane in the Great Beyond represents a separate, concurrent, encapsulated universe that exists independently of each other, although most have connections linking them together. There are many ways to view the connections, overlay, boundaries, and transposition of planes with respect to each other though all share some fundemental truths. The Material Plane is the "center" of the Great Beyond with the most coterminus and coexistent planes (described below). Around The Material Plane, there are 13 prime planes which embody most of known existence. These prime planes can be divided into two groups, the Inner Sphere and the Outer Sphere. Where models vary is on the number, types, and even existence of lesser planes such as demiplanes and transitory planes with the exception of the Astral, Shadow, and Ethereal planes. There is also no concensus on whether the energy planes - Positive and Negative - are truly planes at all as they lack many properties common to most other planes.

Properties of Planes

Each plane is effectively a standalone infinite universe, differentiating them from demiplanes, which are finite and measurable. Planes are also often traversable via means of planar travel, while demiplanes are sometimes subject to more restrictive access.

Planar Connections

Coterminous planes Planes might intersect at specific coordinates of each plane's physical dimensions, making them coterminous with one another. Planar travel between the intersecting planes is possible at these points. Coexistent planes Planes that are coterminous at every point, resulting in a total overlap between one another, are considered to be coexistent planes. The Ethereal and Shadow planes, for example, are coexistent with The Material Plane. Layered planes Planes might be subdivided into layers, each having their own physical properties similar to distinct planes. These layered planes are interconnected in similar ways as coterminous planes, but might also have physical connections, gates, and fluid edges. Layers are usually traversed in a specific order most often visualized as a stack, with connections to other external planes occurring on the top or bottom layers. The levels of Hell represent the most prominently known example of layered planes in the Great Beyond.

General Properties

Almost all planes in known existence have proprties which can be defined under the following scheme

Gravity

Time

Realm

Structure

Essence

Alignment

Magic

The Material Plane

Material Plane

The Prime Planes

The Inner Sphere - or - Elemental Planes

Elemental Plane of Air Elemental Plane of Water Elemental Plane of Earth Elemental Plane of Fire

The Outer Sphere - or - The aligned Planes

While the Inner Sphere contains the elemental planes, the Outer Sphere contains nine planes, each with a strong link to a particular philosophy and alignment. These are the dwelling places of many of Breon's gods, along with the transformed souls of mortal beings. Often these planes are viewed as three bands which wrap around the Inner sphere one on top, one in the middle, and on around the bottom.

Middle Planes

Axis Boneyard Maelstrom

Lower Planes

Abaddon The Abyss Hell

Upper Planes

Elysium Heaven Nirvana

Lesser Planes, Transitory Planes, and Demiplanes

The astral Plane Shadow Plane ethereal Plane
Energy planes Positive Negative

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