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The '''Astral Plane''', sometimes referred to as '''The Ways''', abuts the [[Plane of Abiding]] and has a similar relationship to the [[Plane of Probability]]. It borders other, yet stranger planes of being, but none of these share a common border with the Plane of Abiding.


In its natural state, the Astral Plane would be just as hostile to life as the Plane of Probability is. It is a realm of thought and psychic magic, where our whim and our will shapes the landscape. Its true form is without even the concept of body, ground, light or shadow. It is without air and without the need of air. Lunar mana is one of the most powerful natural forces on the Astral Plane. Inside the plane Lunar mana is manifest energy and as deadly as fire to touch.
The Astral Plane is a realm of thought and psychic magic, where our whim and our will shapes the landscape. Its true form is without even the concept of body, ground, light or shadow. It is without air and without the need of air. Lunar mana is one of the most powerful natural forces on the Astral Plane. Inside the plane Lunar mana is manifest energy and as deadly as fire to touch. [[Moon Mages]] have the ability to access the Astral Plane and use it to very quickly [[Astral_Travel|travel]] great distances across the [[Plane of Abiding]]


==Cosmology of the Astral Plane==
[[Moon Mage]]s are able to [[Astral Travel|travel within this plane]], allowing them to cross great distances on the Plane of Abiding quickly.
The Astral Plane borders both the [[Plane of Abiding]] and the [[Plane of Probability]]. It has a similar relationship with other, yet stranger planes of being, but none of these share a common border with the Plane of Abiding.

==Grazhir==

[[Grazhir]] is, in a sense, still intact. Its magical pattern -- its essential quality -- still exists, connecting each little pebble of it in streams of mana and lines of sympathy. Somehow the shattered moon's mana is being channeled into the Astral Plane, maintaining itself as a single, holistic magical pattern.

Grazhir shards are highly prized artifacts capable of opening gateways into the Astral Plane through their connection to it. Their names are: [[Rolagi]], [[Taniendar]], [[Marendin]], [[Dinegavren]], [[Erekinzil]], [[Mintais]], [[Asharshpar'i]], [[Emalerje]], [[Dor'na'torna]], [[Tamigen]], [[Teloish]], [[Aliaes]], [[Auilusi]], [[Besoge]], [[Tabelrem]].

Until recently, [[Erekinzil]] was known as [[Undarverjah]], but has since undergone a strange transformation, concerning which little is currently known.

==Terms==

'''Axis:''' Axis is the name given to the largest Grazhir shard. At the center of the microcosm and below the pillars is a source of Grazhir mana so powerful that it dominates the entire system. It is unknown where Axis lies on Elanthia.

'''Microcosm:''' The microcosm is the system of mana within the Astral Plane. Each Grazhir shard is linked to all the others, mostly through Axis. Effectively all of Grazhir's mana is bound up into this system, every bit of it necessary to maintain the magical pattern of Grazhir. In a very real way, the microcosm is Grazhir.

'''Pillars:''' Between Axis and the other shards are [[Pillars of the Astral Plane|ten pillars]]. Each stream of Grazhir mana routes through one of the pillars before connecting to Axis. This provides a constant for navigation and lets Elanthians approach Axis far closer than would otherwise be safe.

==Symbolism==

Moon Mage cosmology depicts the Astral Plane as a soft grey sphere:


From the [[Planar Observatory]] the Astral Plane is seen as a uniformly grey shape of and indeterminate circular or spherical shape:<br/>
:''A sea of grey light floats in front of your eyes. The grey light is uniform and utterly still, without a sense of texture or even a faint shift in illumination along the horizon. It is impossible to tell if this is a sphere or simply a grey circle. A sense of quiet peace fills you as you look into grey light.
:''A sea of grey light floats in front of your eyes. The grey light is uniform and utterly still, without a sense of texture or even a faint shift in illumination along the horizon. It is impossible to tell if this is a sphere or simply a grey circle. A sense of quiet peace fills you as you look into grey light.


===Pillars===
==Known Locations==

Between Axis and the other shards are ten pillars. Each stream of Grazhir mana routes through one of the pillars before connecting to Axis. This provides a constant for navigation and lets Elanthians approach Axis far closer than would otherwise be safe. It is stated during the quest to learn about astral travel that the Pillars are not a natural occurrence, but neither are they a conscious creation; it is heavily implied that the collective Moon Mage consciousness caused the Pillars to form, and that each is symbolically associated with a different Moon Mage faction or ideal.

*Pillar of Nightmares
**Aligned with Rolagi (Crossing).
**Associated with the [[Prophets of G'nar Peth]].


====Microcosm====
*Pillar of Tradition
The microcosm is a small region of the astral plane which corresponds to the magic essence of the shattered moon [[Grazhir]]. [[Grazhir]] is, in a sense, still intact. Its magical pattern -- its essential quality -- still exists, connecting each little pebble of it in streams of mana and lines of sympathy. Somehow the shattered moon's mana is being channeled into the Astral Plane, maintaining itself as a single, holistic magical pattern. This has created a "safe bubble" which can be used by moon mages to [[Astral_Travel|travel]] between its' physical fragments in the [[Plane of Abiding]]<ref>[[Post:Power Perceive - 7/15/2009 - 4:12:23]]</ref>.
**Aligned with Dor'na'torna (Arid Steppes).
**Associated with [[Nomads of the Arid Steppe]].


=====Shards of Grazhir=====
*Pillar of Secrets
**Aligned with Marendin (Shard).
**Associated with the [[Progeny of Tezirah]].


Although [[Grazhir]] may be still intact within the Astral Plane, on the [[Plane of Abiding]] it has been shattered into numerous fragments. The [[Naming Ritual]] has imbued many of the shards with a magical pattern which imparts it with a unique name and allows them to be used as a conduit for [[astral travel]]. Essentially, each shard is able to cohabit one location and the Astral Plane and an unrelated position in the [[Plane of Abiding]]. This property can be used to allow a [[Moon Mage]] to take advantage of the shorter distances between shards in the Astral Plane to quickly cover great distances in the [[Plane of Abiding]]<ref>[[Post:New treasure system - 2/1/2009 - 14:57:10]]</ref>.
*Pillar of Unity
**Aligned with Dor'na'torna (Arid Steppes).
**Associated with [[Heritage House]].


*Pillar of the Shrew
**Aligned with Emalerje (Lesser Fist).
**Associated with the [[Children of Kalestraum]].


With the exception of [[#Axis|Axis]], each is associated with a [[#Pilars|Pillar]] that makes [[Astral Travel]] between the shards possible.
*Pillar of the Heavens
**Aligned with Asharshpar'i (Leth Deriel) and Undarverjah (Taisgath).
**Associated with the [[Celestial Compact]].


*Pillar of Introspection
**Aligned with Dinegavren (Therenborough).
**Associated with the [[Monks of the Crystal Hand]].


The currently known (and [[Naming_Ritual|named]] shards are: [[Grazhir#Rolagi|Rolagi]], [[Grazhir#Taniendar|Taniendar]], [[Grazhir#Marendin|Marendin]], [[Grazhir#Dinegavren|Dinegavren]], [[Grazhir#Erekinzil|Erekinzil]], [[Grazhir#Mintais|Mintais]], [[Grazhir#Asharshpar'i|Asharshpar'i]], [[Grazhir#Emalerje|Emalerje]], [[Grazhir#Dor'na'torna|Dor'na'torna]], [[Grazhir#Tamigen|Tamigen]], [[Grazhir#Teloish|Teloish]], [[Grazhir#Aliaes|Aliaes]], [[Grazhir#Auilusi|Auilusi]], [[Grazhir#Besoge|Besoge]], [[Grazhir#Tabelrem|Tabelrem]], and [[Grazhir#Vellano|Vellano]].
*Pillar of Fortune
**Aligned with Mintais (Throne City).
**Associated with the [[Followers of Fortune's Path]].


=====Axis=====
*Pillar of Convergence
**Aligned with Tamigen (Raven's Point).
**No sect association.


Axis is the name given to the largest [[Grazhir]] shard. At the center of the microcosm and below the pillars is a source of [[Grazhir]] mana so powerful that it dominates the entire system. It is unknown where lies on [[Elanthia]].
*Broken Pillar
**Aligned with Taniendar (Riverhaven).
**No sect association.


=====Pillars=====
Teloish (used in the astral travel quest) does not appear to be aligned with any of the pillars.


Between Axis and the other shards are ten pillars. Each stream of [[Grazhir]] mana routes through one of the pillars before connecting to [[#Axis|Axis]]. This provides a constant for navigation and lets Elanthians approach [[#Axis|Axis]] far closer than would otherwise be safe. It is stated during the quest to learn about [[astral travel]] that the Pillars are not a natural occurrence, but neither are they a conscious creation; it is heavily implied that the collective [[Moon Mage]] consciousness caused the Pillars to form, and that each is symbolically associated with a different [[Moon Mage]] [[sects|sect]], faction or ideal.<br/>
==Denizens==
Inhabitants of the Astral Plane are quite mysterious. At this time only the [[Pelag ai Aldam]] and the [[Cashek gand Aldam]] are known.


=====Map of the Microcosm=====
[[Image: Microcosm.gif]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Pillar
!Conduits
!Sect Association
|-
|A. Pillar of Nightmares
|[[Grazhir#Rolagi|Rolagi]] ([[Crossing]])
[[Grazhir#Tabelrem|Tabelrem]] ([[Muspar'i]])
|[[Prophets of G'nar Peth]]
|-
|B. Pillar of Tradition
|[[Grazhir#Auilusi|Auilusi]] ([[Aesry]])
[[Grazhir#Dor'na'torna|Dor'na'torna]] ([[Arid Steppes]])
|[[Nomads of the Arid Steppe]]
|-
|C. Pillar of Secrets
|[[Grazhir#Marendin|Marendin]] ([[Shard]])
[[Grazhir#Besoge|Besoge]] ([[Mer'Kresh]])
|[[Progeny of Tezirah]]
|-
|D. Pillar of Unity
|[[Grazhir#Vellano|Vellano]] ([[Fang Cove]])
|[[Heritage House]]
|-
|E. Pillar of the Shrew
|[[Grazhir#Emalerje|Emalerje]] ([[Lesser Fist]])
|[[Children of Kalestraum]]
|-
|F. Pillar of the Heavens
|[[Grazhir#Asharshpar'i|Asharshpar'i]] ([[Leth Deriel]])
[[Grazhir#Tamigen|Tamigen]] ([[Raven's Point]])
|[[Celestial Compact]]
|-
|G. Pillar of Introspection
|[[Grazhir#Dinegavren|Dinegavren]] ([[Therenborough]])
[[Grazhir#Taniendar|Taniendar]] ([[Riverhaven]])
|[[Monks of the Crystal Hand]]
|-
|H. Pillar of Fortune
|[[Grazhir#Mintais|Mintais]] ([[Throne City]])
[[Grazhir#Erekinzil|Erekinzil]] ([[Taisgath]]) [formerly named Undarverjah]
|[[Followers of Fortune's Path]]
|-
|I. Broken Pillar
|Not aligned to any known shards.
|No sect association.
|-
|J. Pillar of Convergence
|Not aligned to any known shards.
|No sect association.
|-
|Unknown - cannot be learned
|[[Grazhir#Teloish|Teloish]] ([[Planar Observatory]])
|Unknown - cannot be learned
|}


====[[Astral_Guide|Astral Guides]]====
'''Notes:'''
===Dor'na'torna===
The shard Dor'na'torna leads to the Trabe Plateau which is linked by a non-permanent moongate to Inner Hibarnhvidar. It will be in place when a moon is up, elsewise the plateau is isolated from elsewhere and can only be left via the shard.


Although [[Astral_Guide|Astral Guides]] also access the Astral Plane, they do not seem to require passage through the [[#microcosm|Microcosm]]<ref>[[Post:Boats - 11/08/2011 - 12:26]]</ref>.
===Pillar Locations===
It is uncertain whether the relative position of each pillars can be disrupted in the same manner the routes within each conduits can be, but as of 2/06/09 the relative location of each pillar appears to be static and in the order as presented as follows:


====The Grey Expanse====
The Pillar of Convergence is UP from pillars #1~8, while Broken Pillar is DOWN from pillars #1~8. From each of the other pillars, moving eastward will cycle through pillars #1~8 in an ascending order, and moving westward will cycle through pillars #1~8 in descending order.


Although often considered a defined region of the Astral Plane by [[Moon Mages]] it is, in reality, a description of how a mortal experiences the true nature of the Astral Plane outside of the [[#microcosm|Microcosm]]<ref>[[Post:Power Perceive - 7/15/2009 - 4:12:23]]</ref>.Within the Grey Expanse mana spell casting is essentially ineffective due to the lack of a physical universe<ref>[[Post:Some ideas - 09/08/2011 - 18:52]]</ref>. It is possible to become lost in the Grey Expanse during [[Astral Travel]]. The usual result is death from exposure to the alien nature of the Astral Plane. On occasion, however, a [[Moon Mage]] with great skill and exceptional luck is able to locate and return to the [[Microcosm]] through sheer force of will<ref>[[Post:Woah, for real? - 08/13/2011 - 00:27]]</ref><ref>[[Post:Astral Plane Updates - 8/20/2011 - 00:36]]</ref>.
From the Pillar of Convergence, #1 Nightmare is to the South, and the rest of #2~8 encircles the pillar in a COUNTER-clockwise manner along the 8 directions. I.e., #2 Tradition to the Southeast, #3 Secrets to the East, and so on.


==Denizens of the Astral Plane==
For the Broken Pillar, the reverse is true. That is, from the Broken Pillar, #1 Nightmare is to the North, and the rest of #2~8 encircles the pillar in a CLOCKWISE manner along the 8 directions. I.e., #2 Tradition to the Northeast, #3 Secrets to the East, and so on.


Inhabitants of the Astral Plane are quite mysterious; the only known inhabitants are forms of [[Plane_of_Probability#Conceptual_Life_-_Denizens_of_the_Plane_of_Probability|conceptual life]], possibly originating from the [[Plane of Probability]]. At this time only the [[Pelag ai Aldam]] and the [[Cashek gand Aldam]] are known.
==Also See==
*[[Astral Travel]]


{{RefAl|r=y|a=y}}
{{cat|Planes}}[[page type is::place| ]][[guild association is::moon mage| ]]
{{cat|Planes}}[[page type is::place| ]][[guild association is::Moon Mage| ]]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 1 February 2016


The Astral Plane is a realm of thought and psychic magic, where our whim and our will shapes the landscape. Its true form is without even the concept of body, ground, light or shadow. It is without air and without the need of air. Lunar mana is one of the most powerful natural forces on the Astral Plane. Inside the plane Lunar mana is manifest energy and as deadly as fire to touch. Moon Mages have the ability to access the Astral Plane and use it to very quickly travel great distances across the Plane of Abiding

Cosmology of the Astral Plane

The Astral Plane borders both the Plane of Abiding and the Plane of Probability. It has a similar relationship with other, yet stranger planes of being, but none of these share a common border with the Plane of Abiding.

From the Planar Observatory the Astral Plane is seen as a uniformly grey shape of and indeterminate circular or spherical shape:

A sea of grey light floats in front of your eyes. The grey light is uniform and utterly still, without a sense of texture or even a faint shift in illumination along the horizon. It is impossible to tell if this is a sphere or simply a grey circle. A sense of quiet peace fills you as you look into grey light.

Known Locations

Microcosm

The microcosm is a small region of the astral plane which corresponds to the magic essence of the shattered moon Grazhir. Grazhir is, in a sense, still intact. Its magical pattern -- its essential quality -- still exists, connecting each little pebble of it in streams of mana and lines of sympathy. Somehow the shattered moon's mana is being channeled into the Astral Plane, maintaining itself as a single, holistic magical pattern. This has created a "safe bubble" which can be used by moon mages to travel between its' physical fragments in the Plane of Abiding[1].

Shards of Grazhir

Although Grazhir may be still intact within the Astral Plane, on the Plane of Abiding it has been shattered into numerous fragments. The Naming Ritual has imbued many of the shards with a magical pattern which imparts it with a unique name and allows them to be used as a conduit for astral travel. Essentially, each shard is able to cohabit one location and the Astral Plane and an unrelated position in the Plane of Abiding. This property can be used to allow a Moon Mage to take advantage of the shorter distances between shards in the Astral Plane to quickly cover great distances in the Plane of Abiding[2].


With the exception of Axis, each is associated with a Pillar that makes Astral Travel between the shards possible.


The currently known (and named shards are: Rolagi, Taniendar, Marendin, Dinegavren, Erekinzil, Mintais, Asharshpar'i, Emalerje, Dor'na'torna, Tamigen, Teloish, Aliaes, Auilusi, Besoge, Tabelrem, and Vellano.

Axis

Axis is the name given to the largest Grazhir shard. At the center of the microcosm and below the pillars is a source of Grazhir mana so powerful that it dominates the entire system. It is unknown where lies on Elanthia.

Pillars

Between Axis and the other shards are ten pillars. Each stream of Grazhir mana routes through one of the pillars before connecting to Axis. This provides a constant for navigation and lets Elanthians approach Axis far closer than would otherwise be safe. It is stated during the quest to learn about astral travel that the Pillars are not a natural occurrence, but neither are they a conscious creation; it is heavily implied that the collective Moon Mage consciousness caused the Pillars to form, and that each is symbolically associated with a different Moon Mage sect, faction or ideal.

Map of the Microcosm

Microcosm.gif

Pillar Conduits Sect Association
A. Pillar of Nightmares Rolagi (Crossing)

Tabelrem (Muspar'i)

Prophets of G'nar Peth
B. Pillar of Tradition Auilusi (Aesry)

Dor'na'torna (Arid Steppes)

Nomads of the Arid Steppe
C. Pillar of Secrets Marendin (Shard)

Besoge (Mer'Kresh)

Progeny of Tezirah
D. Pillar of Unity Vellano (Fang Cove) Heritage House
E. Pillar of the Shrew Emalerje (Lesser Fist) Children of Kalestraum
F. Pillar of the Heavens Asharshpar'i (Leth Deriel)

Tamigen (Raven's Point)

Celestial Compact
G. Pillar of Introspection Dinegavren (Therenborough)

Taniendar (Riverhaven)

Monks of the Crystal Hand
H. Pillar of Fortune Mintais (Throne City)

Erekinzil (Taisgath) [formerly named Undarverjah]

Followers of Fortune's Path
I. Broken Pillar Not aligned to any known shards. No sect association.
J. Pillar of Convergence Not aligned to any known shards. No sect association.
Unknown - cannot be learned Teloish (Planar Observatory) Unknown - cannot be learned

Astral Guides

Although Astral Guides also access the Astral Plane, they do not seem to require passage through the Microcosm[3].

The Grey Expanse

Although often considered a defined region of the Astral Plane by Moon Mages it is, in reality, a description of how a mortal experiences the true nature of the Astral Plane outside of the Microcosm[4].Within the Grey Expanse mana spell casting is essentially ineffective due to the lack of a physical universe[5]. It is possible to become lost in the Grey Expanse during Astral Travel. The usual result is death from exposure to the alien nature of the Astral Plane. On occasion, however, a Moon Mage with great skill and exceptional luck is able to locate and return to the Microcosm through sheer force of will[6][7].

Denizens of the Astral Plane

Inhabitants of the Astral Plane are quite mysterious; the only known inhabitants are forms of conceptual life, possibly originating from the Plane of Probability. At this time only the Pelag ai Aldam and the Cashek gand Aldam are known.

References

  1. ↑ Post:Power Perceive - 7/15/2009 - 4:12:23
  2. ↑ Post:New treasure system - 2/1/2009 - 14:57:10
  3. ↑ Post:Boats - 11/08/2011 - 12:26
  4. ↑ Post:Power Perceive - 7/15/2009 - 4:12:23
  5. ↑ Post:Some ideas - 09/08/2011 - 18:52
  6. ↑ Post:Woah, for real? - 08/13/2011 - 00:27
  7. ↑ Post:Astral Plane Updates - 8/20/2011 - 00:36

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