Vangaia

Vangaia is a plane of unparalleled natural beauty and harmony, crafted by Teiva, Goddess of Nature. Designed as a divergence from the material plane, it mirrors the primal essence of Lazayus, reflecting what the world might have been without the hand of unnatural intervention. Every river flows as intended, every forest grows unimpeded, and every creature thrives in its most unadulterated state. This plane is not merely a sanctuary for the spirits of deceased animals but a symbol to Teiva's divine commitment to preserving the natural order.

Unlike many planes within the cosmology, Vangaia is uniquely inaccessible. It cannot be reached through conventional planar travel, such as magical gates or portals, nor does it have any documented means of entry. Its existence remains shrouded in mystery to most mortals, spoken of only in cryptic legends as the Great Grove. This inaccessibility is not merely a barrier but a safeguard, ensuring that Vangaia remains untouched and unspoiled by external influences. Within its expanse, extinct creatures from the material plane continue to roam freely, and there are instances where flora or fauna absent in Vangaia still persist in the material plane, emphasizing the plane’s divergence and unique evolutionary trajectory.

At the heart of Vangaia lies the Great Grove, Teiva’s sacred dwelling and the nexus of the plane’s spiritual and natural energy. It is here that the Protectors of Vangaia—the primal guardians of the plane—slumber, awaiting their call to action should the sanctity of this realm ever be threatened. Additionally, the Great Grove is home to the only conscious mortal in all of Vangaia, a being whose presence is tightly bound to Teiva’s will and who is forbidden from venturing beyond the grove’s boundaries. This mortal stands as both a custodian and a living witness to the untouched splendor of Teiva’s creation, bound to their role within this divine masterpiece of nature.

Geography

In Vangaia forests stretch endlessly, their canopies unbroken by roads or settlements. Towering ancient trees dominate the landscape, their roots weaving intricate patterns through untouched soil. Plains remain vast and uninterrupted, dotted with wildflowers and grasses swaying undisturbed by the plows of agriculture. Rivers carve natural paths across the land, their waters clear and unpolluted, meandering gently or cascading into pristine waterfalls. In the mountains, no mines scar the surface, leaving jagged peaks and lush valleys in their original majesty. The deserts are vast seas of unbroken dunes, their patterns unaltered by the burrowing of purple worms or the destructive storms brought by draconic creatures. Coastal cliffs and beaches are home only to the natural ebb and flow of tides, free from harbors and fortresses.

This plane also lacks invasive species, preserving ecosystems as they were meant to be. Species that have migrated unnaturally on Lazayus, driven by humanoid activities or deific reshaping, are confined to their original regions in Vangaia. Predator-prey dynamics are perfectly balanced, unhindered by overhunting or environmental changes wrought by unnatural forces. The absence of creatures like dragons ensures that storms do not perpetuate indefinitely, and the lack of humanoid-induced deforestation prevents flooding and soil erosion. Mountains stand tall without quarries, and underground caves remain the domain of naturally occurring creatures, untouched by miners or treasure seekers.

Vangaia’s geography is a snapshot of potential—a look at what Lazayus might have been without the influence of intelligent beings. Every element of the plane reflects a world where time and nature alone shape the land. Its beauty is raw and untouched, its dangers born only of the natural order. It is a realm of eternal equilibrium, guided solely by the instincts of its inhabitants and the will of Teiva, the Goddess of Nature.

History

Vangaia, known to its few aware mortals as the "Great Grove," was created by Teiva, Goddess of Nature, countless eons ago. It serves as a sanctuary for the spirits of deceased animals, providing them with a refuge where they may live out one unfettered life, free from the disruptions of civilization and the constraints of mortality. This plane is Teiva's ultimate act of preservation.

Though unknown to most mortals, whispers of the Great Grove persist among the most devout followers of Teiva. These tales speak of a realm untouched by humanoid interference. Many believe the Great Grove to be a paradise, a realm of unspoiled beauty and balance, though few can fathom its true nature or purpose.

At the heart of Vangaia lies the Great Grove itself—a magnificent, sprawling expanse that serves as Teiva’s residence within this untouched domain. While the plane as a whole is her creation, the Great Grove is her sanctuary, a place of unparalleled natural splendor where Teiva governs the cycles of life, death, and renewal. Here, the spirits of animals are shaped anew, given forms that reflect their true essence, allowing them to continue their existence in harmony with the untouched beauty of Vangaia.

Alternative Name(s)

Great Grove Teiva's Realm

Type

Plane of Existence

Included Locations

• Great Grove

Owner/Ruler

Teiva, Goddess of Nature