Cosmology of Shardfall
The College of Altruis' School of Ontology has spent many hours debating and researching the nature of reality, using both mundane and preternatural methods. Experimentation and exploration, along with examination of the myths and stories of other species were all considered in formulating the best possible model. Whilst some in the College saw this endeavour as a waste of time, it has proven itself useful, not least in helping create a calendar, predicting Shardfalls and their nature.
The Circle of Pnuema
At the very core of existence is the flow of energy, known as Pneuma. Pneuma flows from a place referred to as The Source and falls in a never-ending cascade to what is called The Void. Philosophers postulate that the Source and the Void are merely gateways, and the flow is a true circle, coming back around after passing through the Void to emerge from Source once more. The amount of Pneuma is fixed, and is merely cycled around, but the stream itself ebbs and flows in a consistent pattern of around 37 years between peaks.The Planes
The flow of Pneuma through reality is not smooth, and is often interceded by what are called The Planes. There are four Nature Planes, each one personifying the classical elements.- Incedis is the Plane of Fire
- Imperis is the Plane of Air
- Gravis is the Plane of Earth
- Aquaris is the Plane of Water
Strata
The final piece of reality are Strata, tangible, physical spaces, where flora and fauna exist, and features such as mountains, seas and plains occur. Sitting in 'bubbles' of physicality they can vary in size and features, and are connected to each other by gateways created by Gate Trees. These gateways vary in size and form, from tiny openings barely big enough to walk through, to openings entire ships can pass through. Those Strata that are 'up', nearer the Source, are typically warmer and those that are 'down', nearer the Void, are colder. Those further out towards the edges of the flow of Pneuma are rocky and arid, those more towards the middle are filled with life, and tend to have much less severe geography. Sitting in the 'middle' of reality is the Stratum of Altruis, although it has only occupied this place for the last 627 years, since it appeared there through causes as yet unknown. Altruism is not only blessed with a moderate climate, but also contains a large number of Gate Trees, leading to more other Strata than on any other. This gives it a strong position to trade and dominate the Stratum around it.Shardfall
The flow of Pneuma is essential for Strata, being the source of all life and energy. Whilst Pneuma is ever present, its flow is not consistent in volume for a given place, and where it flows thickly through the atmosphere of a Strata, there is the phenomena known as Shardfall. Looking like snow, but tempered in colour depending on the Nature Planes is has passed through, Shardfall bathes a Strata in concentrated Pneuma, leaving shards of Pneuma scattered across the landscape. Most of these Shards are quickly absorbed by the various living things on the Strata, to be used as food and fuel, but occasionally they sit undisturbed for long periods of time. Shards are vitally important to the ecosystems of Strata, granting living things the means to exists where they shouldn't. Allowing, for example, flight, magical abilities, or protection against adverse conditions. A downturn in the flow of Pneuma results in ecosystems that rely on regular Shards struggling, but a surge in Pneuma sees those ecosystems flourish. Humans also covet Shards, as they can be used to add power to magic, to fuel magical devices, and to grant abilities where otherwise they are lacking. Searching for untapped sources of Pneuma shards is an industry all in itself, and more than once the avarice of humanity has come into conflict with the needs of a Strata's ecosystem. In recent years, the ability to predict Shardfalls has seen an increase in the collection of shards, but some fear this will come at a cost to Strata that rely on this supply.
Type
Plane of Existence
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