Neft Plane
Geography
The Neft is defined by its perpetual twilight, an otherworldly red-tinged sky cast in an endless dusk. At its core lies a colossal, bleeding marshland whose crimson-hued waters ooze across the terrain, stretching towards the plane’s outermost borders. This marshland is not made of ordinary water, but a viscous, semi-living fluid that resonates with the Neft’s unsettling energy. Its soft banks blend into the surrounding terrain, forming the center of this expansive domain.
In the north, a towering obelisk dominates the horizon, visible from any direction as it pierces the dim sky. Its sheer scale is so immense that some regard it as a sacred or cursed node, a constant beacon of unknown power. Meanwhile, the southern edge is bordered by an infinite wall of bone, extending from east to west, beyond which seethes a corrosive mist that can dissolve nearly all materials except for the rare substance called Creatine. This wall, acting as a boundary, marks a point beyond which few dare venture.
To the west, the Black Sand Sea unfolds, a vast desert of obsidian grains that shift and swirl in unpredictable patterns. Rumors persist of hidden horrors lurking beneath the black dunes, stirring up violent storms whenever travelers disturb the silence for too long. Finally, the east is a place of tenuous hope, where the resilient E’talin, the enigmatic Jarakians, and the formidable Jrigori attempt to coexist or contest the land. Among the craggy outcrops and ravines, these groups eke out their survival, creating small enclaves and strongholds despite the Neft’s dangers.
Together, these regions form a plane caught in an uneasy balance. The environment’s extremities—towering obelisks, corrosive mists, bleak deserts, and living marshes—offer no real sense of safety. Adventurers often view the Neft as an endless labyrinth of shadows and nightmares. Locals, however, have learned to read the land’s subtle signals. Whether it’s the hush of sand underfoot or the flicker in the marsh’s crimson glow, there’s always a clue that might help them endure one more day in this hostile expanse.
Ecosystem
Life in the Neft revolves around a precarious food chain shaped by the plane’s lack of traditional natural resources and its oppressive environment. Most living creatures rely on magical or semimagical sustenance drawn from the plane’s ambient energies, such as the swirling pockets of darkness or the strange, ichor-like fluid found in the marshlands. The black “waters” in the west are rarely just water; their composition is a slurry of toxins and organic residue, supporting twisted and mutated forms of marine-like life. These creatures, in turn, serve as food sources for the local predators, perpetuating an intricate cycle.
Predators in the Neft vary in size and ferocity, from lesser beasts scavenging bone-littered plains to monstrosities lurking amid acidic fog or hidden quicksand. Some rely on stealth, camouflaging themselves in the shadows, while others harness Helix or Dark magic to confuse or ensnare their prey. Intelligent races such as the E’talin, Jarakians, and Jrigori adopt an active role in this ecosystem, hunting monstrous predators for sustenance or taming them as guard beasts, ensuring that no niche remains unoccupied for long.
Despite its grim appearance, cooperation exists in pockets of relative safety. Hardy species have adapted to share resources—certain mushrooms thrive in the cracks of old bones, providing nourishment for insects that in turn become prey for serpentine creatures. In the marshes, parasitic plants latch onto shallow creepers, extracting their essence while offering a protective canopy from the plane’s toxic rainfall. Over time, such interactions created a patchwork ecosystem where each species, no matter how small, contributes to the broader survival puzzle.
Sentient factions add another layer of complexity. Whether forging alliances or waging wars, they alter landscapes and shift local food webs. When the Jrigori cultivate patches of mutated crops in the gloom, they reduce a region’s biodiversity, whereas the E’talin’s nomadic lifestyle might redistribute seeds and pollens as they traverse the terrain. Consequently, the Neft’s ecosystem is in constant flux, shaped by a confluence of both natural adaptation and the purposeful interventions of its inhabitants.
Ecosystem Cycles
Unlike typical worlds where seasons rotate through predictable weather and temperature changes, the Neft’s cycles are defined by the intensity of its crimson twilight and the fluctuating presence of ambient magic. Periods of heightened arcane energy, often called “Swell Cycles,” bring about bursts of activity: monstrous plants can bloom overnight, and predatory creatures may roam more boldly in search of prey. On the other hand, “Gloom Cycles” see the plane’s energy wane, with creatures retreating into dens or temporarily hibernating until the flow of magic surges again.
During Swell Cycles, entire swaths of the marshland might ignite with strange phosphorescent blooms, luring unsuspecting travelers into tangles of ravenous vines. In the Black Sand Sea, massive sandstorms may erupt, carrying the residue of necrotic energy that can poison or mutate unprotected beings. This is also the period when Diadems—ghostly apparitions in the sky—glow more brightly, their flickering intensities mirrored by the creatures below who sense the heightened resonance of energy.
During Gloom Cycles, the Neft almost appears subdued, and many beasts enter a lethargic or dormancy-like state. Hunting parties of E’talin or Jarakians often use this window to harvest resources with minimal resistance. But the respite is short-lived. Storms or monstrous raids can still arise if triggered by outside forces like malicious mages or wandering monstrosities. Thus, while these cycles create a semblance of rhythm, danger still lurks at every turn.
Occasionally, a catastrophic phenomenon known as a “Diadem Descent” disrupts both cycles. Historical accounts suggest that when the Diadems fully converge and descend, entire civilizations vanish overnight. Most species can’t predict exactly when or why these descents happen, but their arrival signals a forced reset of the Neft’s entire ecology. It is during these devastating events that the ecosystem is purged and must reestablish from whatever remnants survive the night.
Localized Phenomena
The Neft experiences peculiar occurrences that both terrify and fascinate its denizens. One such feature is the corrosive mist blanketing the southern boundary. This mist, thick and pale green, rapidly dissolves flesh and equipment unless protected by arcane wards or the rare mineral known as Creatine. Many who dare cross the bone wall in search of secrets never return, their remains contributing to the unseen underlayers of the plane.
Another phenomenon is the appearance of “Shadow Cyclones” in the Black Sand Sea. These twisters form seemingly at random, whipping up spirals of obsidian sand. In addition to shredding anything caught in their path, Shadow Cyclones can twist local magic, causing bizarre effects like forced illusions or spontaneous curses. Some factions speculate these cyclones are triggered by old curses or unsettled spirits haunting the dunes.
Within the central bleeding marshland, eerie lights called “Marsh Phantoms” drift through the fog. These flickering blue-green orbs lure travelers off solid ground and deeper into the bog. In some tales, they’re said to be fragments of lost souls or leftover auras of those devoured by the plane’s hungering quagmires. Occasionally, a clever wizard or cunning E’talin might capture a Phantom, distilling its essence into potent magical reagents—if they can survive the process.
Finally, the northern Obelisk itself gives rise to “Obelisk Flares,” unpredictable surges of dark energy that ripple across the sky. The ground shudders during these flares, and in certain cases, entire sections of the plane might temporarily invert gravity or experience sudden illusions. Many see these events as tests of worth or omens of impending power shifts. Conquering the Obelisk has thus become a pursuit for those who crave dominion, though few survive to claim its rumored boons.
Climate
The Neft’s perpetual twilight and crimson sky create an illusion of unchanging climate, yet subtle, lingering shifts occur in temperature and humidity. The absence of a true sun or moon means that warmth and cold are dictated more by arcs of magical energy than by seasonal patterns. At times, a wave of spectral heat might emanate from the central marsh, giving the surrounding region a humid atmosphere thick with unearthly vapors.
In the north near the Obelisk, the air becomes stark and thin, reminiscent of high-altitude conditions. Gusts swirl around the towering structure, carrying dust and bone fragments that can slice through unprotected skin. Meanwhile, in the south, the corrosion-laden fog traps heat, creating a claustrophobic and stifling environment, especially along the infinite bone wall.
The Black Sand Sea is infamous for its sudden thermal extremes. During Gloom Cycles, it can drop to a chill so severe that the grains freeze, while at the height of Swell Cycles, superheated gusts turn the dunes into a scalding black tide. This unpredictability forces travelers to be constantly prepared, carrying protective gear or magical wards.
Overall, the climate in the Neft feels more like a collection of localized anomalies than a uniform weather system. Winds, storms, and temperature shifts might appear with little warning, shaped more by arcane interference or the quirks of the plane’s lifeblood than by meteorological patterns. This chaotic environment underlines the vulnerability of all who dwell here and cements the Neft’s reputation as a domain of ceaseless peril.
Fauna & Flora
The Neft’s flora and fauna are a study in adaptation and survival, each creature and plant twisted by the plane’s uncanny energies. Gnarled bone-trees sprout at the edge of the southern wall, their pale bark calcified into spines. Sanguine creepers cling to these trees, absorbing any residual moisture from the air and turning it into a crimson sap that local predators find irresistible. Small, skittering creatures, part insect and part reptile, have evolved to harvest the sap, introducing them to a precarious place in the food chain.
Deeper in the bleeding marsh, gargantuan leech-like creatures lurk beneath the murky surface, waiting to latch onto anything that dares wade through. Winged insects capable of slicing through flesh with razor appendages buzz above, thriving on the decaying remains the marsh regularly provides. Some are attracted to the Marsh Phantoms, swirling around the lights until they dissolve into the bog’s hungry depths.
In the Black Sand Sea, burrowing serpents camouflage themselves in the obsidian grains, surfacing only to ambush unsuspecting travelers. Strange cacti-like plants with translucent needles and glowing seeds dot the dunes, storing arcane energy to release in violent bursts when threatened. Meanwhile, monstrous avians soar overhead, scanning for prey with eyes adapted to the plane’s constant dusk.
Among these dangerous creatures roam the intelligent residents—E’talin, Jarakians, Jrigori, and other stragglers—each with their own domesticated or partnered species. Some rear swift-limbed beasts as mounts, while others tame spined canines for security. Yet, no matter how deeply a race entrenches itself into Neft’s ecology, it’s clear that nature here holds the final say. One misstep, and even the strongest denizen becomes a footnote in the plane’s ever-shifting tapestry of life and death.
Natural Resources
Traditional resources like timber or clean water are almost nonexistent in the Neft, forcing its inhabitants to turn to unconventional materials. One prized substance is Creatine, mined from the depths near the bone wall. Resistant to the plane’s corrosive fog, it’s highly valued for forging equipment and constructing shelters that won’t melt under the southern mist. Meanwhile, in the marshlands, certain spore clusters can be refined into potent alchemical concoctions, used for medicines or lethal poisons.
The black sand itself can be gathered and magically treated to create glass-like components or to craft armor plating with limited protective properties. Hunters may harvest the hardened shells or scales of large predators, turning them into trade goods or personal armor. Some wanderers even risk collecting the corrosive drizzle from the bone wall region, hoping to use it as a weapon of war or an ingredient in advanced spellcraft.
The Diadem apparitions overhead sometimes drop fragments of arcane residue when their patterns shift unexpectedly. These crystalline shards, known as “Diadem Sparks,” are fiercely contested, as they serve as high-grade catalysts for Helix magic. They can also be refined into powerful foci that enhance a caster’s ability to manipulate the plane’s energies.
Though not abundant in the conventional sense, these peculiar resources keep a thriving trade network alive among the plane’s inhabitants. Whether it’s forging the next unstoppable blade, brewing advanced potions, or fueling arcane experiments, these materials serve as the foundation of survival and competition in the Neft’s harrowing environment.
History
The origins of the Neft stretch into murky epochs, marked by cataclysmic cycles. Ancient runes carved into bone pillars hint at civilizations that once thrived here, only to be wiped out by Diadem Descents. Each downfall cleared the slate, leaving survivors to carve out new domains. Fragments of bone cities, toppled towers, and half-buried temples stand as silent relics of these repeated extinctions.
Over time, scattered tribes of E’talin, Jarakians (through the Joan’s influence), and Jrigori emerged, forging enclaves that rose and fell in a never-ending cycle of conflict and cooperation. Legends speak of monstrous alliances, joint ventures against unstoppable horrors, or betrayals that led to entire societies crumbling within the corrosive mists. In this shadow-laden land, new leaders have always stepped forward with fleeting authority.
Certain individuals—and even some monstrosities—became near-mythic figures, remembered for their roles in shaping the Neft’s evolution. Hu’tod, famed for forging an entire settlement through his mastery of Dark magic, or the obelisk’s many conquerors who lasted for one fleeting generation, only to be dethroned by another warlord or wizard. One constant remains: no power can truly halt the plane’s cyclical nature of devastation and rebirth.
Today, the Neft remains locked in a tense equilibrium. Many sense that a new Diadem Descent may be impending, each faction preparing for apocalypse or dominion—whichever scenario emerges first. Whether through the cunning of the Marshland Wizard, the brutality of the obelisk’s occupant, or the alliances of the plane’s lesser powers, history here is not a static record but a perpetual forging of legends amid relentless darkness.
Tourism
Tourists to the Neft are a rare breed—either thrill-seekers craving unimaginable danger or researchers seeking to unlock hidden mysteries about Helix magic and the plane’s cyclical nature. Some mages, for instance, come to observe local anomalies like Shadow Cyclones, the swirling Marsh Phantoms, or the elusive Diadem Sparks. Alchemists might risk the bone wall for a chance to gather corrosive droplets or harvest exotic fungal specimens, hoping to craft potent concoctions unseen elsewhere.
Those brave (or foolhardy) enough to enter typically stay within relatively safe enclaves run by E’talin or Jarakians. Simple shelters may provide a modicum of protection from roving beasts and harsh conditions. Crimsonhaven offers a more civilized, if oppressive, option for visitors with the right connections, though there’s an unspoken expectation of tribute paid to Alucard Bloodhaven and his intermediaries.
Guides or mercenary escorts can be hired for forays into deeper terrain, though their fees are astronomical. Most travelers come bearing relics or knowledge to barter, as local currency is worthless without corresponding favors or alliances. Surviving a single expedition into the Neft’s heart can establish someone’s reputation across other planes, attracting would-be adventurers chasing after legends of unstoppable hunts or unclaimed arcane treasures.
For the few who come purely to witness the Neft’s grim beauty, they find a stark grandeur unlike anywhere else—blood-slick marshes shimmering under an endless red horizon, wind-swept black dunes carved by monstrous serpents, and the towering obelisk acting as an ominous sentinel in the distance. Yet every glimpse of wonder is tempered by the constant threat of annihilation. In the Neft, even tourism is a precarious gamble.
Type
Plane of Existence
Included Locations
Additional Rulers/Owners
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
Inhabiting Species
Comments