Plane of Earth

The Elemental Plane of Earth was the domain of the Elder Elemental Terra. It is an infinite expanse of solid matter pockmarked by bubbles of other elements and riddled with fissures and tunnels created by burrowing creatures or the occasional small mining operation. Ensconced in a few of these pockets are trading outposts and the rare hidden wizard fortress. Solid does not imply stationary: the substances of Terra are constantly moving in a slow, grinding motion punctuated by earthquakes from small tremors to massively violent upheavals. Open spaces are gradually filled by the relentless shifting unless action is taken to prevent it. Air can be found in scattered pockets but unbreathable gasses are also present; unprepared travellers lucky enough to arrive in a cavern might slowly asphyxiate while the unlucky quickly suffocated by being buried alive. Other pockets of magma, water, ooze, dust, or ash are particularly dangerous for miners on Terra if they accidentally breach one of these. No light exists in the Plane of Earth except for rare luminous gems buried in the crushing darkness. Travellers able to pass through stone are effectively blind unless they have access to magical items, or until their ocular organs reach an open space where darkvision can operate or a source of light could be produced. However, hearing is actually enhanced while encased in earth, to the point where travellers can detect any movement through the rock within a certain radius of their position.

"It is a place of hidden riches. It is a wall against all foes. It is a grave for the greedy."
- Manual of the Planes

The Elemental Plane of Earth can be reached via an adjacent elemental plane, through the Ethereal Plane, or by an elemental vortex. A vortex called the Pale River leads to the Elemental Plane of Water and a vortex called the Iron Crucible is connected to the Elemental Plane of Fire. If one is travelling through the Deep Ethereal, a brown curtain of vaporous colour indicates the boundary of the Plane of Earth's Border Ethereal region. Temporary planar gates may also be created by those with with the knowledge to do so.

Alternative Name(s)

Terra

Type

Dimensional plane

Location under

Elemental Planes