Cosmology is the study of the cosmos—the structure, organization and composition of all that there is. What most people would call the "known universe" is labeled the Prime Material Plane. It holds The World, the moon, the sun, and extends out into space to the stars. How far out into space is a question of cosmology, and the answer may depend on what cosmological model is used to describe the Prime Material plane. In the World Axis and the current Great Wheel models, the Material plane also encompasses the Parallel Planes.[1]
But there are many other planes of existence, some very much like the Prime and some so alien that they almost defy description. These other planes may coexist, overlap, surround, or penetrate the Material plane, or they may be impossibly distant from the Material Plane, connected by rifts in the fabric of reality and hidden planar doorways, often requiring magical or other supernatural means to explore.[2] Together, all the various planes and worlds are usually referred to as the "multiverse".[3]
Cosmological Models[]
There have been numerous theories on the structure of the multiverse over the ages.[1] The three major ones are as follows:
- World Axis cosmology: The most commonly accepted multiversal model by the sages of the World.
- Great Wheel cosmology: The most commonly accepted multiversal structure in the worlds of Abeir-Toril, Oerth and Krynn.
- World Tree cosmology: A popular alternative to the Great Wheel theory.
Other Mortal Worlds[]
Although it may seem strange it is a fact known to most cosmologists that other mortal worlds exist within the Prime Material Plane, and each of the cosmological models has a way of explaining how they connect, relate, or coexist with one another.[1][4]
Anomalous Planes[]
Though most planes are described by one or more of the cosmological models there are some exceptions that do not have a clear place in any known cosmology yet. These planes exist in unknown, nigh unreachable places and often have their own rules on how reality works, that may contradict those of the known planes and worlds, and are immensely inhospitable. These planes may drift distantly in one of the Fundamental Planes or lie entirely outside of the World Axis or any of the other models.[5]
- Far Realm
- The Far Realm is a distant and terrifying plane that lies "outside" of the rest of creation. This maddening realm is feared for its power to twist unfortunate visitors into gruesome monsters and it is from here that aberrations come.[6]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wizards RPG Team (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 43–44. ISBN 978-0786965622.
- ↑ Richard Baker, John Rogers, Robert J. Schwalb, James Wyatt (December 16, 2008). Manual of the Planes. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 14. ISBN 978-0786950027.
- ↑ Wizards RPG Team (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 4. ISBN 978-0786965622.
- ↑ Richard Baker, John Rogers, Robert J. Schwalb, James Wyatt (December 16, 2008). Manual of the Planes. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 7. ISBN 978-0786950027.
- ↑ Richard Baker, John Rogers, Robert J. Schwalb, James Wyatt (December 16, 2008). Manual of the Planes. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 8. ISBN 978-0786950027.
- ↑ Richard Baker, John Rogers, Robert J. Schwalb, James Wyatt (December 16, 2008). Manual of the Planes. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 30. ISBN 978-0786950027.