Aether

The Aether is the domain of positive energy and is situated directly above the Material Plane. The entire area brims with so much positive energy that it can be physically seen with the naked eye, like gossamer strands blowing in the wind. The heavens of the Aether Gods are situated in the Aether, where each god spends much of their time.

Traveling to the Aether

Gods can easily move from the Aether and the Material Plane. The gods are capable of bringing mortals as they journey between domains. However, accessing the Aether independently is no small task for a mortal. In the Saga of Armantes, the hero Armantes begins the epic journey by traveling as far east as his boat could take him. The tale tells how sea monsters beset his vessel and killed many of his crew. However, as he traveled further east, the sun's power was too great and many of his crew were vaporized after drunkenly passing out above deck. Once he arrived at the Eastern Staircase, he faced an endless climb up the god-sized staircase. Many of his men were blown off of the staircase by fierce winds. It is said that the survivors were welcomed into the Aether, but that the gods placed a guardian at the top of the stairs to ensure that no people of ill intentions could repeat the journey. Many versions of the myth exist and none of them agree on the nature of this guardian.

Geography

Situated high above the clouds, the Aether is a series of floating islands, made of pure positive energy, connected by immense bridges. Many philosophers suppose that these structures are mostly for show or for use by the occasional mortal, as the gods are able to float between them at will. Glancing down at the Material Plane, you can see the sun and the moon as they pass below. Regardless of the seasons below, the Aether is held at a comfortable temperature.

Island Above the Clouds by Carthegian

Art Credit Carthegian (https://www.deviantart.com/carthegian)

Type

Dimensional plane