Cosmology of Iskandria

Reality exists within a single universe, although one fragmented into different realms or planes of existence. Humans inhabit the Material Plane, and is all most people will ever experience, even though some magicians and creatures have the ability to travel between planes. Furthermore, it is possible for a plane to establish a foothold and encroach into other planes of existence. When this happens, a large conflict usually takes place between the creatures of each plane, but sometimes a new status quo is reached and reality solidifies, creating strange blends of different planes. This is why it is possible to encounter areas of the Material Plane in Iskandria that have been taken over by a different plane, such as Arus Mountain, famously inhabited by creatures from the Plane of Air, or several spots in the depths of the ocean that are now closely linked to the Plane of Water. This isn’t a phenomenon limited to the Material Plane, though, as it’s common to encounter areas in the Plane of Fire taken over by the Infernal Plane, for example.

• The Material Plane: This is the plane of physical reality, where most mortal creatures reside and interact. It's a diverse plane with a variety of environments, from lush forests and towering mountains to scorching deserts and icy tundras. Magic exists here thanks to the influx of aether, but its strength can vary depending on the location and the presence of aetheric sources.

• The Plane of Fire: A realm of eternal, consuming flame where life as mortals understand it cannot exist. Most of the plane is a swirling maelstrom of fire, offering no solid ground, and inhabited exclusively by creatures of flame. Fire magic is incredibly potent within this fiery domain.

• The Plane of Water: An endless, vast ocean with no landmasses. Creatures face immense hydrostatic pressure at great depths, and powerful currents, monstrous creatures, and the crushing weight of water pose constant dangers. Water magic is exceptionally strong within this watery realm.

• The Plane of Air: A realm of swirling winds and ever-changing currents, a permanent storm washing over everything. Creatures must constantly struggle against the winds to maintain their position, and violent storms, unpredictable gusts, and the danger of being swept away are ever-present. Air magic is highly potent here.

• The Plane of Earth: A realm of endless caverns, mountains, and shifting earth. Frequent and unpredictable earthquakes shake the very ground, and deep within the caverns, perpetual darkness reigns. Earth magic is strong here, as are spells related to the earth and its elements.

• The Infernal Plane: A realm of eternal torment ruled by powerful demons and devils. Agony and despair are the dominant emotions, and rivers of molten rock flow across the landscape. Infernal and necromantic magic are prevalent within this hellish domain.

• The Celestial Plane: A realm of pure light and divine power, home to some gods and their celestial servants. The plane is bathed in an intense, life-giving light, and an aura of peace and tranquility pervades. Holy magic is incredibly potent within this celestial realm.

• The Shadow Plane: A realm of shadows and illusions where reality is distorted and unreliable. Perpetual twilight shrouds the plane, and sight and other senses are unreliable due to the abundance of illusions. Illusion and shadow magic are prevalent within this shadowy domain.

• The Ethereal Plane: An in-between realm, a ghostly plane that separates the other planes from each other, and the source of all aether. It often overlaps with the Material Plane, but most creatures from the Material Plane cannot perceive the Ethereal Plane. Magicians use the Ethereal Plane as a way to travel between locations on the Material Plane instantaneously, and tapping into it to empower rituals by syphoning pure aether from it into the Material Plane.