Tabal'ard

Tabal'ard, the elemental plane, serves as both the cradle and prison of the primordial elements—Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. It is the birthplace of all elementals, where their essence was forged and shaped by the chaotic energies of the plane. Created after the material plane, Tabal'ard exists as a containment for the ancient beings governing the elements, preventing them from unleashing catastrophic destruction on the material plane. These primordial forces, known as Boros of Water, Shendri of Fire, Aarglan of Earth, and Yageid of Air, each preside over their domains within the largest zones of their respective elements. Some take the form of powerful avatars, while others diffuse their essence throughout the very element they embody, becoming one with their surroundings.

Despite the presence of civilizations within Tabal'ard, the plane lacks a unified governing body, as the inherent discord between the elements ensures no lasting alliance can be formed. These civilizations are scattered and diverse, adapting to the extreme conditions of their environment. The plane's chaotic nature reflects the tumultuous relationship between its rulers, whose eternal conflict prevents any semblance of order or unity. Tabal'ard's existence is a testament to the raw power and unyielding nature of the primordial elements, a realm where harmony and balance are fleeting concepts.

Societies

Fire

Civilization in Tabal'ard defies simple categorization, as each type of elemental approaches society with philosophies and cultural habits unique not only to their element but often differing significantly within their kind. Fire elementals, for instance, embody a duality that reflects the extremes of their nature—expansion and fervor. These societies often manifest in two primary forms: one focused on conquest and growth, and the other on unbridled celebration and joy.

The expansionist fire civilizations revolve around dominance and control. These elementals relentlessly strive to extend their influence over their elemental zones, often subjugating weaker elementals or integrating them into a system of servitude to fuel their ambition. This drive for expansion leads to conquests and civil wars, igniting massive elemental influxes and frequently resulting in the collapse of their own civilizations. Noble fire elementals rule these societies through sheer energy output, their towering flames a visible testament to their superiority. The ethos of such civilizations can be summarized as "expand until destruction."

Conversely, the fervor-driven fire civilizations prioritize smaller, vibrant communities where the focus lies on enjoyment and creative expression. These societies celebrate their existence through games, competitions, and artistic displays of heat and light. Fire elementals in these groups invent games specific to their fiery terrains or ride elemental influxes purely for joy. Their cities, often constructed atop rivers of lava, are hubs of ecstatic energy and celebration, where communal bonds form through shared revelry rather than conquest.

Among the fire elementals, two notable societies stand out: the Immortal Machine and the Field of Colors. The Immortal Machine is the largest fire elemental civilization, a towering city designed for sustainability and internal growth rather than outward expansion. Functioning like a massive, self-sustaining machine, every elemental within its borders works toward the city’s survival, either willingly or under compulsion. In contrast, the Field of Colors is a smaller, fervor-driven community defined by its unique aesthetic. Situated within an earth elemental boundary, its fire elementals burn in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, fueled by minerals harvested from their surroundings. Known for its hospitality, the Field of Colors is the only fire elemental society that actively sustains visitors from other planes, balancing their fiery exuberance with careful consideration for outsiders.

Earth

Earth civilizations in Tabal'ard are divided into two distinct realms: the above-ground and the subterranean. Each reflects the duality of their element—steadfastness and adaptability—manifesting in vastly different societal structures and values.

Above-ground societies are often dominated by noble earth elementals, who serve as architects of vast, enduring cities carved directly into mountains or the very surface of their domain. These cities are designed to last for eternity, with intricate mosaics, sculptures, and carvings adorning their monumental structures. The artistry of these elementals frequently incorporates rare gemstones and metals, not only as a display of wealth but as a testament to their mastery over the earth. Structures like bridges spanning immense canyons and fortresses perched precariously on mountain peaks are built to inspire awe and symbolize their creators' honor and resilience. Elder elementals, such as Zaratan, often embody this principle by serving as living cities, their immense forms becoming both home and foundation for smaller elementals. These societies place immense value on documentation, preserving their legacy through their artistic creations and the enduring grandeur of their architectural feats.

In contrast, below-ground societies consist of tunnel-dwelling earth elementals who thrive in a culture of mining, collecting, and trading rare gemstones and metals. Here, an individual’s status is intrinsically tied to their "hoard"—a collection of rare and beautiful treasures they have accumulated. These treasures are often displayed as a measure of worth, and the crafting of intricate patterns and shapes from their finds is a common artistic pursuit. However, such crafted items are not considered part of a hoard but rather a testament to their creators’ skill. Subterranean societies differ in their valuation of beauty, quantity, and rarity, with some emphasizing the aesthetic appeal of gemstones while others prioritize their uniqueness or abundance. Outsiders who wander into these underground realms are often treated with surprising hospitality, as earth elementals value the admiration of their work and the opportunity to share their discoveries. However, any attempt to take from an elemental’s hoard without proper trade is met with swift and overwhelming retaliation, as they unite to drive out intruders.

Notable among these civilizations is the Endless Vault, a sprawling city carved into a mountain range. Its halls and galleries stretch for hundreds of miles, serving as a vast repository of treasures and knowledge accumulated over ages, with contributions from across the planes. The Gilded Mouth, another prominent city, exists within a grand cavern where every surface glimmers with gold veins and embedded gemstones. This settlement functions as both a cultural center and a trading hub, where elementals barter treasures and share the secrets of the underground. Of all the earth elemental societies, the Gilded Mouth is the most welcoming to outsiders, offering opportunities for trade and exchange with non-elemental visitors. These cities stand as shining examples of the earth elementals' enduring strength, their meticulous artistry, and their deep connection to the treasures of their domain.

Water

Water civilizations in Tabal'ard are fundamentally divided between two distinct states of existence: the Flow State and the Stasis State. These states are not merely geographic distinctions but philosophical ones, embodying movement and stillness, exploration and preservation, respectively. This dichotomy reflects the dual nature of water itself—ever-changing and yet eternal.

The Flow State represents movement, exploration, and connection. Water elementals in this state are the navigators and cartographers of the water zones, continuously mapping their ever-shifting environment. These elementals see all waters—oceans, rivers, currents, and even rainfall—as interconnected and take great pride in exploring and understanding these connections. Flow elementals often travel in tightly bonded pods, fluid groups that merge and separate as needed. These pods serve both as families and exploratory teams, working together to chart currents, maelstroms, and even passover points to other planes. Communication among Flow elementals is a unique art form called Flow Singing, where resonant vibrations create "songs" that travel through the water, carrying stories and knowledge across vast distances. These songs are passed from pod to pod, forming a network of shared wisdom. Flow State elementals rarely settle in one place, preferring to traverse the ever-changing zone they reside in. Their societies resemble massive waves, appearing as a single entity but composed of countless individuals moving with purpose. When their explorations are complete, many Flow elementals ascend to the frozen glaciers, transitioning into the Stasis State.

The Stasis State represents stillness, endurance, and reflection. Elementals in this state inhabit the icy regions of Tabal'ard's water zones, such as glaciers and frozen zones, where they dedicate themselves to preserving knowledge and maintaining the eternal nature of their environment. Stasis elementals view themselves as archivists of the elemental plane, storing tales, artifacts, and histories within the glaciers they inhabit. These frozen repositories act as vast libraries, preserving the legacy of their kind. Many Stasis elementals undertake glacial pilgrimages, wandering across their icy domains in search of deeper understanding and communion with the stillness of the ice. These journeys can span decades or even centuries, with some returning to the Flow State enriched by their experiences. Stasis elementals often serve as guardians, protecting the elemental zone's borders and sacred sites from incursion or disturbance. Noble water elementals in the Stasis State may even leave Tabal'ard entirely, venturing into other planes to bring back knowledge of distant oceans and realms.

A notable site that bridges both states is the Icepool, a colossal whirlpool that suspends four fragmented glaciers in perpetual orbit. This unique location serves as a meeting ground for Flow and Stasis elementals, where they exchange knowledge and experiences. The Icepool is one of the rare places where other elements are welcomed, though few can endure the harsh conditions of this settling.

Air

Air elemental societies in Tabal'ard embody freedom, fluidity, and a lack of permanence. Unlike other elements, air elementals rarely form traditional settlements, instead favoring dynamic, ever-changing communities that adapt to the flow of their environment. The most common societal form among air elementals is their reliance on the vast currents created by Elder Tempests. These currents act as invisible highways, facilitating efficient travel across the zones. Air elementals ride these currents as mobile homes, often joined by other elementals who take advantage of their swiftness and reach. Some elementals remain on these highways for centuries, forming temporary alliances or groupings, while others stay only briefly before diverging to pursue their own paths. These currents rarely halt unless disrupted by an elemental Influx or a powerful presence within the zone.

A unique and chaotic aspect of air elemental society is the phenomenon of Tempest Swarms. These are gatherings of air elementals united by a shared intent or mood, often engaging in bursts of chaotic activity. These swarms have no long-term goals and typically form to achieve a single objective. For instance, they might disrupt a fire elemental society by dropping water elementals into their domain or carry embers to wreak havoc in earth zones. While their actions often stem from playful mischief, such as creating storm clouds to extinguish flames, the unintended consequences of their chaos can lead to widespread destruction. Entire civilizations—most often fire or water—can collapse in the wake of a swarm’s activity. Earth elementals, however, remain largely unaffected by these antics due to their stoic and unyielding nature.

Floating islands represent the closest air elementals come to permanent settlements. These islands, often suspended by Elder Tempests or powerful elemental Influxes, serve as sanctuaries for rest and reflection. The islands themselves may feature structures formed from clouds, vapor, or solidified wind, all of which are functional but impermanent, disappearing as quickly as they are formed. Some islands function as meeting places where air elementals from various regions gather to exchange tales, trade artifacts—whether stolen or crafted—and participate in competitions of agility or creativity. These gatherings emphasize the air elementals’ love for freedom and expression, fostering a sense of camaraderie without rigid societal structures.

Skyspire Haven stands as the most notable location among air elementals, a massive floating mountain surrounded by perpetual storms. This haven hosts both Noble Air Elementals and wandering groups, acting as a central hub or "capital" for their kind, though few air elementals would ever admit to recognizing such authority. Skyspire Haven is shrouded in mystery, accessible only to travelers capable of flight and willing to be guided by a noble elemental through its tempestuous storms. Within the storm lies the Cloud Ring, a series of concentric clouds that serve as festive grounds for the denizens of Skyspire Haven. Here, air elementals celebrate their existence through aerial displays, storytelling, and exchanges of knowledge, reinforcing their shared connection while embracing the fleeting, ever-changing nature of their lives.

Geography

Geography of Tabal'ard

Tabal'ard is home to the four primordial elements: Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. These elements define the elemental domains of the plane, creating vast landscapes where their influence prevails. While each zone is dominated by one element, the coexistence of others is evident, albeit dulled by the prevailing force. This dynamic interplay of elements forms a volatile, ever-changing environment.

Fire-Prevailing Zones

Blazing ever-burning expanses dominate the Fire-Prevailing Zones of Tabal'ard. Here, the skies are filled with embers and glowing red lightning, casting a perpetual orange glow over the land. Intense heat radiates in waves, while flame storms rage with an almost sentient fury. Periodic eruptions of fire create volatile landscapes that shift with every explosion. Elemental water manifests in these zones as hissing steam vents and dense, warm mist that lingers in the air. Earth takes the form of flowing magma, volcanic mountain ranges, and fields of sharp, glassy obsidian. Air feeds the flames with roaring whirlwinds and storms, snapping with lightning bolts that illuminate the fiery chaos below.

Earth-Prevailing Zones

The Earth-Prevailing Zones of Tabal'ard are a testament to the unyielding and immutable nature of this element. Endless mountain ranges stretch toward the heavens, their peaks piercing the sky. Plains of unbroken stone span vast distances, occasionally broken by jagged rock formations and craterous openings that seem bottomless and filled with sparkling gemstones. The ground shifts and trembles, with earthquakes, landslides, and cave-ins reshaping the terrain on rare occasions. Fire manifests here as subterranean volcanoes and molten heat vents, creating veins of magma that snake through the rock. Water flows through the cracks and chasms, carving intricate cave systems and cascading waterfalls that emerge from unseen sources. Air sweeps through valleys and canyons, its carving force sculpting the jagged landscape with precision and relentlessness.

Water-Prevailing Zones

In the Water-Prevailing Zones, Tabal'ard becomes a boundless expanse of liquid power. Oceans stretch endlessly, their surfaces broken by colossal tidal waves and whirlpools of immeasurable depth. Waterfalls cascade into vast basins, their descent creating an ever-present thunder. Gargantuan glaciers of ice rise from the seas, their silhouettes dominating the horizon. Fire influences these waters, heating them to create boiling seas and geysers that errupt below the surface. Earth contributes floating islands and the dark depths of underwater trenches. Air fuels rolling storms that churn across the waterscape, creating chaos where these elements collide.

Air-Prevailing Zones

The Air-Prevailing Zones of Tabal'ard are an endless expanse of sky, filled with perpetual storms and winds that never cease. Powerful currents twist and turn, reshaping the clouds into mesmerizing formations. Lightning flashes while tornados tear through the skies, their sheer force capable of displacing entire sections of terrain. Fire interacts with these zones by creating firestorms and updrafts so intense they can lift boulders and flames from below high into the atmosphere. Water manifests as torrential downpours and streams carried along the powerful air currents. Earth appears as drifting rocky islands and belts of airborne debris that traverse the skies in endless motion.

Shared and Harmonized Zones

In some areas of Tabal'ard, multiple elements coexist, creating hybrid zones such as steam valleys formed by the interplay of fire and water. These regions are volatile and often fleeting, but they exemplify the rare balance of the zones. Even rarer are the oases where all four elements meet in harmony. These locations are often temporary havens where life could thrive if stability were maintained. For any outer planer navigating Tabal'ard, seeking such an oasis would be paramount to survival. These rare spots are moments of calm amidst the plane’s otherwise overwhelming chaos, providing a brief respite before the elemental forces shift again.

Localized Phenomena

Elemental Influxes

Elemental Influxes are chaotic, violent manifestations of the primordial elements, overwhelming all other forces within their reach. These phenomena are dynamic, often behaving as living, intelligent entities. For example, a sea of fire miles wide may roll across water, earth, or even through the air, devouring everything in its path. Influxes are not restricted to their native zones; Fire Influxes can create superheated water in oceans, producing immense bubbles that burst into steam clouds, generating dense fog that spans hundreds of miles. Similarly, Earth Influxes in Water Zones form jagged landmasses or islands that shoot across the endless seas, leaving towering waves and cascading torrents in their wake, sometimes colliding violently with glaciers or other landmasses. Water Influxes on Earth Zones appear as mountainous torrents of water mixed with rock, sediment, and crystals, reshaping the terrain they traverse. Air Influxes within Fire Zones manifest as black ash clouds capable of blotting out the skies for hundreds of miles, raining down lightning and fire with great effect.

Influxes can vary in scale, ranging from localized phenomena, such as a single raging volcano, to colossal zone-spanning events, like a tidal wave of magma. Some Influxes are stable, becoming centers for civilizations of elementals who thrive in these specific circumstances. Others are transient, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, leaving chaos and reshaped elemental scapes in their wake. Persistent Influxes often act as focal points for creating elemental domains or shifting entire zones from one element to another. Some influxes in this realm of stability form into powerful elementals like Phoenixes or Leviathans

Elemental Amplification

The plane of Tabal'ard significantly amplifies elemental magic and the strength of elementals themselves. Elemental spells cast in this plane experience heightened effects, with their power directly influenced by the prevailing zones. A fire spell in a Fire Zone may erupt into an inferno of unprecedented magnitude, while a water spell in a Water Zone could generate explosive torrents far beyond its usual capabilities. The amplification of magic in these zones is unpredictable and volatile, especially for non-native beings who may struggle to harness such overwhelming forces.

Elementals within their native zones are likewise empowered, becoming stronger and more dangerous. Their abilities and resilience are enhanced by the concentrated presence of their elemental essence, making them formidable opponents or allies within Tabal'ard. This heightened strength is universal for all elementals on the plane, ensuring that they are a dominant force wherever they reside.

Type

Plane of Existence