House Rules for Planes, Reigns, and Astral Projections

by Joel Blair

From: Joel Blair Subject: Planes, Reigns, and Astral Projections. Part I Date: 10 Dec 1996 02:09:52 +0200 To: Multiple recipients of list

So ya' wanna know about alternate realities? I think Wyatt had one of the best opening suggestions and comments on other planes of reality. Pretty much like that quote from Spinoza, Shakespear, and the Bible: "There is more in Heaven, and under the Earth, than is dreamed of in your poor philosophy."

Okay I'm gonna try to do this in sections.

Section 1: Universe vs. Multi-verse. Probability vs. Possibility.
Section 2: How big is my plane? Or: Dimensional energetics
Section 3: Who is in charge? And why??
Section 4: The many planes that would work in a Fantasy Scenario.
Section 5: Travel and survival on these planes.

Section 1: Universe vs. Multi-verse. Probability vs. Possibility.

The True universe is actually a multi-verse, the universe that we normally refer to when we're speaking of it is actually just our "infinite/finite" (depends on which view of physics one takes) universe of perception. The multi-verse if made up of many universes like ours (called planes by most) which are differing constructs of time/space. These multi-verses are simply differing probabilities of the same theme: Our universe. The universe in which we (us as entities of Earth and in most fantasy settings) is called the Prime Material for many reasons, the most of important of which right now is that the Prime Material seems to be some kind of central "hub" of connection for the other planes (throughout this I may switch from plane to dimension, they are meant to convey the same thing).

I want to explain now why I say that the planes are all differing probabilities of the same theme. All things are probable, we can measure the outcome of any set of actions or occurences which we can think of or feel; while this does not exactly state a cause and effect relationship it does point very heavily to "tendencies". The reason why statistics and probability measurements can never show cause and effect is that: a.) there will always be some outside effect going on in a situation that one simply does not possess the ability at that moment to look for. and b.) that simple effect will cause some inaccuracy of measurement. Also the other reason why nothing is ever 100% probable is due to the differences of time and space. A pencil that is 10,000 years old will not weigh the same as a pencil that is 1 year old if they have both been exposed to the same amounts of stimuli; a pencil on the moon has the same mass as one on earth but does not always follow the same gravitic rules.

Probabilities change according to time and space, the many planes are just variations of this. Somewhere in the multi-verse there exists a universe in which 1 single quark is missing (or has been added) to make it different from ours; this may have caused a radical change in the universe or not, but more than likely its a universe just like ours and the difference is non noticable if one isn't that planes ruler. The various differences that one gets from the different planes is simply variances on the Prime Material. The Plane of Elemental Fire is entirely engulfed in flames at the core and inner shell, yet it has beings that inhabit it where they are capable of doing so. The closer one is to the conditions of the Prime Material(PM) plane, the more like PM that plane will seem to those who travel there; in some cases travler's may not be aware that they even left.

What seperates the many planes from each other is time and space, these are two of the boundary forces behind all dimensions. Most dimensions will also have their own rules of time/space and how to deal with them.

Section 2 : How Big is my Plane? Dimensional energetics.

In mathematics there are many "dimensions" of observable and not so observable reference points. The first dimension is the line, the second the plane, the third the sphere, the fourth... time. I also propose (and I'm not the only one) that the inital dimension (perhaps 0) be given to the "point" for without it none of the others exists. There is a wonderfully strange book series written about living in a "line"/"plane"/"sphere" universe and what things would be like (I'll try to find it for anyone interested). Basically drawing on the lingustics of mathematics (which I'm not sure was how Pythagorus ever intended it) those who speak of dimensions speak of "planes". A plane is a 2 dimensional construct that has infinite boundaries if need be. When referring to "planes" in this article I'm working with something that is more than just 2 dimensions, more like the sphere that we usually experience our lives in. Okay.

Planes are limitless in size. There are two differing thoughts on this now in the realm of physics as to how much "stuff" there is in the universe and whether or not "space" is actually made up of "dark matter"; not important, as "space" (coined by the greeks) is still that emptiness that matter takes up. The differing dimensions stretch forever, coming to a halt only when the plane needs to come to a halt. Whoa, wait a second, needs to come to a halt? Yep. Stay with me all you physicists who are collapsing from heart attacks. The plane is infinite and finite both, here's why.

Planes, dimensions, all things, are made up of engergy. As far as we can ascertain there is a limitless amount of this energy but at the same time this energy is used for very specific acts (why I'm not about to get into here, just give me a couple of minutes). There is limitless energy within the planes which expresses itself in the makeup of what the plane is, i.e. trees, rocks, spirit energy, thought, etc. Why does the energy of each plane express itself this way? Why does anything exist within the plane? And how and why does it change??

                More in Part II. 
		Later tonight...


Date: Wed, 11 Dec 1996 07:14:39 -0500 From: Joel Blair To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Planes, Reigns, and Astral Projections. Part II

Section 3: Who is in charge? And why??

The energy of each of the planes has a mentality at work behind it that is commonly referred to as its "ruler". How did this ruler get there? Many explanations, find one that works for you. In the Platonian method the ruler has always been there and simply is the mind out of which all other things in the plane spring; in the circular method (Hegelian almost one could say) the plane creates the ruler from its energy and then the ruler shapes the plane. Either way the ruler is just an extension of the planes "mind".

How can this be? How can it be otherwise? What is the point that keeps all energy and matter together and seperate, that keeps them in the bonds and patterns that they see fit to create reality as we know it? Physics says that its due to the unified field theory and that we just haven't found the 5th part; religions state that its "mind" and belief which hold the universe in the way we know it. I think they're both right. The planer energies would just sit around as cosmic soup (Sagan) if there weren't in the end some sort of "will" behind it (please lets not get into a religious discussion here, it all follows). This "will" (for lack of a better word to describe sucha phenomenal surge of "whatever" that it is that makes up the 5th part) takes the form of the plane shaping itself into whatever the "will" wills. Its basically a thought which occurs and then the plane revolves in time to that thought (like a musical score) and becomes "the Plane of X". The ruler is simply the embodiment of that thought. Thus the Demon Lord of the Hell of Upsidedown sinners is the embodiement of the punishments of Upsidedown sinners. Most planer rulers are very "one track" minded since they seek to gain more energy and spread their "thought" across the multi-verse.

The ulitmate rule of both Physics and Religion (yes, all of them) is that Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but simply changes shape. Okay with that in mind, its impossible to kill a god/ruler. Impossible. Why?

You can't kill energy, you can disperse it, but it simply reforms over time; and if its sentient, its usually very pissed off (how would you like your body which you value so much to get chopped up?). You can contain energy but to contain a god? (for Nick and Russ ;)). How could one contain the energy of an entire plane? If one succeds in killing the ruler of a plane one of two things has occured: 1.) the GM really isn't thinking hard about planer powers. or 2.) the GM wants the ruler to die. In the case of the first its really rather simple: whatever the ruler wants once someone steps onto their plane, occurs.

Example: Characters step into the abyss planning on killing Demon Lord Z finally and forever. Demon Lord Z "is the plane" and senses them the moment they arrive; it sends thoughts (thoughts are just expressions of energy and matter folks) into their heads to figure our why they are here and is horrified to find out why they've come. The Demon ruler either a.) sends legion after legion ad infinitum against them that it can create with a thought or b.) keeps "moving" them away since the plane is infinite or c.) Lets them think they have destroyed it and then reforms later (its on its own plane) or etc.

The only way to feasibly kill the ruler of a plane is simply when the plane wishes to have a new ruler (ie. the old ruler wishes to retire, integrate new thoughts, etc.). There can be a battle, there could simply be an assimilation, its all up to the GM.

In many myths, and other gaming systems, one finds the ruler of the plane in sort of a "king/queen" position where they dwell with other sub-ordinate beings that are close in power to the ruler but still pay homage to the ruler as the authority (even the renegade ones do so). In some instances these beings are equal to the ruler and share jointly in keeping a balance, in some cases not; in the "ruler before plane" belief there is usually a hierarchy of power under the ruler, in the "plane before ruler" scenario the other beings may be more powerful than the ruler but for some reason give the ruler power over them. Either of these situations make an Important difference in the way the plane is run and the way those "normals" living in it operate and define their world.

Finally the Prime Material Plane is the only working exception to all of this. Its the meeting ground of the other planes, all of them merge here to create something more than themselves. The Prime Material can be seen as the "stomping ground" of the other planes, but I prefer to think of it as more than that. For me the Prime Material draws its mind from the many "minds" which inhabit it, all of which have a different thought pattern with many similarities, the ultimate similarity being that all of the "beings" decided to enact the "universe/plane" together in various stages instead of having one all inpiring consciousness which "commands" them to do anything. There is no ultimate fanaticism of an ideal Thought here which all the beings share, unlike other planes (all fire elementals want to spread more fire, consume, etc.); and in some cases many of the beings actually work against the one ideal thought that can be seen when one studies the inhabitants of the Prime Material for a while: living. In harmony and in conflict, both a Happy Hunting Ground and a Tarterus, sometimes Heaven, sometimes Hell, the Prime Material is its own expression of a thought and the thought is life.

Section 4: The many planes that would work in a Fantasy Scenario.

This one is where Wyatt gave the best examples. Possible Plane stuff is best found in the old AD@D stuff, in various Hindu, and Quabbalistic texts. I myself use the elemental planes, the Etheral (for travel), Prime Material, various elemental heavens, and an infite amount of duplicat Prime Materials which are just slightly off due to time or space.

Section 5: Travel and survival on these planes.

The Astral Traveller is the best class for this ever put out. Its in RMCIV. RMSS really wasn't meant for planer travel from what I've seen. When going to and from the planes I like to use the Core, Inner, Periphery rules. The Core is where the "ruler" dwells, and only those few who are "choosesn" to be there with him/her; players who go there are immeadiately subjected to the most extremes of the "plane" and die unless the ruler wishes to adjust an area for them to survive in. The Inner is where the inhabitants of the plane mainly dwell, where the buildings and what not of the "Prime Material" start to come into being (though a fire plane would still have them made out of "firewood".no pun intended), though the players will die here also they can survive if they use the most powerful magics or if other beings decide to aid them. The periphery is where it all occurs, this is where the different planes start to mix and come together. The periphery is where one finds inhabitants living on chunks of earth floating on the Plane of Air; its where the more "mortal" beings on the plane go to live and where the players can live with minor spells or perhaps none at all.

I generally imply negatives to certain forms of travel spell used in planes not of the casters origin due to total unfamiliarity. T-port I usually double the chance of error. Fly may not work, or may serve only to dis-orientate the caster (unless they have a high IN mod); etc. Depends on the plane. The elemental planes have strict recriminations on those who use "un-friendly" elemental forces while in them, and for those caught using the "opposite" planes powers, death.

My players have found over the years that they like the way I use planer beings and powers and that they are comfortable with the way I envision the multi-verse. I hope that this has all helped you out in some way or another, or at least got you thinking.

Good luck, Joel


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