A map of the planes of existence.
The planar cosmology is how the planes of existence are understood to be arranged with respect to one another and the world of Eberron.[1][2]
Structure[]
Another map of the planes of existence.
The world of Eberron spins within its own Material Plane, which is enclosed by three other planes: the Astral Plane, the Ethereal Plane, and the Shadow Plane. In turn, thirteen other planes of existence lie within the Astral Plane and orbit the Material Plane.[1]
These thirteen planes are:[1]
- Daanvi, the Perfect Order
- Dal Quor, the Region of Dreams
- Dolurrh, the Shadowfell
- Fernia, the Sea of Fire
- Irian, the Eternal Day
- Kythri, the Churning Chaos
- Lamannia, the Twilight Forest
- Mabar, the Endless Night
- Risia, the Plain of Ice
- Shavarath, the Battleground
- Syrania, the Azure Sky
- Thelanis, the Feywild
- Xoriat, the Realm of Madness
However, other known planes include Baator, the Nine Hells,[2] and the Abyss.[3]
The Progenitor Dragons and the Planes[]
Scholars debate the nature of the Progenitor Dragons' influence on the planes. While most claim that different Progenitors created different planes, many disagree on the specifics.[3][4]
One theory is that the planes tied to Siberys are those that are home to angels and demons, and include Baator, Daanvi, Irian, Lamannia, Mabar, Shavarath, Syrania, and Xoriat. The lie in the Astral Sea, also called the Sea of Siberys. The theory goes on to claim that the planes tied to the dragon Eberron are Dal Quor, Dolurrh, and Thelanis, known collectively as the Coils of Eberron and noted for their ability to superimpose over the prime plane. Finally, the theory says that the planes connected to Khyber are Fernia, Kythri, and Risia, which respectively favor the elemental powers of fire, storm, and cold. These lie within the Elemental Chaos, also called the Chaos of Khyber.[3]
Some, however, offer a different explanation. These scholars say that Daanvi, Fernia, and Irian are most heavily influenced by Siberys, while Kythri, Mabar, and Xoriat hold the notable mark of Khyber.[4]
Coterminous Planes[]
As these planes draw closer to the Material Plane, they become coterminous. This affects Eberron, infusing the Material Plane with the aspect of that plane. Similar, as the plane becomes remote, Eberron is also affected, as the aspects of that plane become subdued. For instance, when Risia, the Plain of Ice, is coterminous with Eberron, areas of cold become colder; when Risia becomes remote, areas of cold become less cold.[1]
Planar Travel[]
The thirteen planes are separate from each other, though travel between the planes is possible. They are all connected to the Astral Plane, but are cut off from the Ethereal Plane and the Plane of Shadow; thus, spells that allow travel to either of those two planes are unavailable when on one of the thirteen orbiting planes.[1]
History[]
When the Progenitor Dragons Siberys and Khyber fought each other, their combat stretched out across existence. Khyber defeated Siberys, rending and scattering him among the stars. Eberron then encased her evil sister within herself, transforming herself into a physical world with Khyber imprisoned within. Scholars believe this extends to the cosmology as well, where some planes exist with Siberys, the Dragon Above (the Astral Sea, also called the Sea of Siberys); some with Khyber, the Dragon Below (the Elemental Chaos); and some with Eberron, the Dragon Between.[2]
Appendix[]
Background[]
When the Eberron setting launched in 2004, Wizards of the Coast published a Flash animation depicting a cosmological orrery that showed the relative positions of the planes and their paths along their orbits.
In addition to altering the planar cosmology created in 3rd edition to include the new Elemental Chaos, Astral Sea, and other planes, 4th edition introduced Baator, which altered the traditional thirteen-plane model.
However, 5th edition mostly returned to the 3rd-edition cosmology, dropping Baator in the process. The other main change is explicit links to the multiverse, with Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron explaining how an Eberron campaign could be linked to other settings, if the DM so chose. In the process of doing so it suggests The Ring of Siberys could in fact be a shield of defense that has hidden Eberron since it was first created.
Additionally, the subject of which dragons influenced which planes varies by edition. The 3nd-edition book Dragons of Eberron says that Daanvi, Fernia, and Irian bear Siberys' touch, and that Khyber played the most significant role in creating Kythri, Mabar, and Xoriat. However, the 4th-edition Eberron Campaign Guide says otherwise, that the planes that hold angels and demons are most connected to Siberys, while Khyber holds the strongest ties to the elemental planes of Fernia, Kythri, and Risia. The planes of Dal Quor, Dolurrh, and Thelanis are said to be touched by the dragon Eberron under the 4th-edition ruling.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Keith Baker, Bill Slavicsek, & James Wyatt (2004). Eberron Campaign Setting. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 92–94. ISBN 0-7869-3274-0.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 James Wyatt and Keith Baker (2009). Eberron Campaign Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 260–261. ISBN 0-7869-5099-4.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 James Wyatt and Keith Baker (2009). Eberron Campaign Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 261–263. ISBN 0-7869-5099-4.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Keith Baker, Scott Fitzgerald Gray, Nicolas Logue, & Amber Scott (2007). Dragons of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 8. ISBN 0-7869-4154-5.