What is in the Astral Plane D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
The Astral Plane in Dungeons & Dragons is a fascinating and often bewildering realm, far removed from the familiar Material Plane. It’s not a place of solid earth and sky but rather a dimension of pure thought, memory, and psychic energy. Imagine a boundless, silvery void where the very laws of physics bend to the will of consciousness. This is the Astral Plane – a crossroads of existence, a pathway to other planes, and a repository of forgotten gods. But what exactly does this enigmatic place hold? Let’s delve deep into the heart of the Astral Plane.
The Essence of the Astral Plane
The Astral Plane is often described as a vast, silver-colored sea or void, with swirling pastel mists and distant, twinkling stars that seem to drift lazily. It’s a place of timelessness and stillness, where the usual constraints of time and space are absent. This makes it both a fascinating and potentially dangerous location for adventurers.
Unlike the Material Plane, the Astral Plane is not bound by the laws of nature in the same way. Here, thought becomes reality, and beings can move simply by willing themselves to do so. It is the place where gods go when they die or are forgotten, their remnants sometimes manifesting as floating “god-isles” – islands of solidified thought and power within the endless void. The plane serves as a bridge to other realms, including the domains of deities known as Astral Dominions.
Key Features of the Astral Plane
1. The Barren Void
The Astral Plane is primarily characterized by its vast emptiness. Aside from the aforementioned god-isles, solid matter is incredibly rare. This can be disconcerting for those used to the tangible world, creating a sense of isolation and insignificance.
2. Timelessness
One of the most significant aspects of the Astral Plane is its timeless nature. Time as it is understood on the Material Plane ceases to exist here. This means that creatures do not age, grow hungry, or suffer the effects of poison or disease. However, once they return to the Material Plane, all these effects catch up instantly.
3. Thought-Based Movement
Movement in the Astral Plane is dictated by thought. Beings can propel themselves in any direction simply by thinking about where they want to go. The speed at which they move is generally calculated as three feet multiplied by their Intelligence score, allowing for surprisingly swift transit.
4. The Astral Sea
The Astral Sea is a term often used interchangeably with the Astral Plane, but it more specifically refers to the plane above the Material Plane. It also serves as the overarching plane within which various other planes, such as the Shadowfell and Feywild, are connected. The Astral Sea is most often the backdrop for stories of epic battles between gods and primordials.
5. Astral Dominions
Within the Astral Sea exist Astral Dominions, the personal realms of powerful deities. These dominions are often places of profound power, shaped by the will and essence of their respective gods, and are vastly varied, mirroring their divine inhabitants.
6. The Inhabitants
The Astral Plane is not entirely deserted. It is believed to be inhabited by a variety of beings, including angels, spirits, and other immaterial entities. Additionally, creatures known as Astral Dreadnoughts, massive and terrifying beings with pincers and a single, menacing eye, lurk within its depths. It is also the home to Astral Elves, who have adapted to the plane’s unique environment.
7. The Graveyard of Gods
The Astral Plane is also, in a sense, a graveyard for forgotten or dead gods. Their remnants linger in the form of god-isles, providing a testament to their past power and a place of potential danger or opportunity.
8. A Crossroads of the Planes
The Astral Plane acts as a transitional space between the Material Plane and the Outer Planes. Many creatures from other planes may pass through here, and it’s a common method of travel for those who can navigate its unique rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does movement work on the Astral Plane?
Travelers move by thought, at a rate of three feet multiplied by their Intelligence score. This means a character with higher intelligence can travel faster.
2. Do you need to breathe, eat, or sleep on the Astral Plane?
No. The timeless nature of the plane means that there is no need for breathing, eating, or sleeping.
3. Can you get sick or poisoned on the Astral Plane?
No. The effects of decay, illness, and poison are all halted while on the Astral Plane.
4. What happens when you return to the Material Plane after spending time on the Astral Plane?
Everything catches up with you instantaneously. This often results in a ravenous appetite.
5. What are Astral Dominions?
These are the personal realms of deities, floating within the Astral Sea, reflecting the nature of their divine inhabitants.
6. What are Astral Dreadnoughts?
These are massive, terrifying creatures with a single eye, large mouths filled with sharp teeth, and powerful pincers. They are among the most dangerous threats of the Astral Sea.
7. What are god-isles?
These are the remnants of deceased or forgotten gods, manifesting as pieces of solid matter within the Astral Plane.
8. What is the difference between the Astral Plane and the Astral Sea?
The Astral Sea is a term that refers specifically to the plane above the Material Plane and its parallel planes, while the Astral Plane is a broader term used in earlier editions that is generally analogous with the Astral Sea.
9. Are there any dangers on the Astral Plane?
Yes. Despite the lack of need for breathing or eating, the Astral Plane is home to dangerous creatures, and the remnants of gods can be unpredictable.
10. What do Astral Elves eat?
They absorb astral energy, which nourishes them instead of traditional food.
11. Why do Astral Elves wear masks?
They wear masks to honor the elven gods and their devotion allows them to gain a timeless, eternal life provided by the Astral Sea.
12. Can you use weapons with astral arms?
No. Astral arms cannot wield weapons, though you can use your regular arms to grapple and then make unarmed strikes with your astral arms.
13. Is the Astral Sea cold?
No, it is described as having a comfortable room temperature.
14. Is the Astral Plane infinite?
No, it is infinitesimal, meaning it has no space or time, although those catch up when beings leave.
15. What does the Astral Plane look like?
It is described as a silver void with swirling pastel mists and distant, twinkling stars drifting lazily.
Conclusion
The Astral Plane is a realm of wonder and peril, far removed from the familiar confines of the Material Plane. Its timeless nature, thought-based movement, and the presence of forgotten gods make it a unique and captivating setting for any D&D campaign. Whether you’re exploring the domains of deities, battling monstrous dreadnoughts, or simply seeking to understand the fundamental nature of reality, the Astral Plane offers an unparalleled experience for adventurers willing to venture into the unknown. Understanding its quirks and features is crucial for both players and Dungeon Masters looking to explore this often overlooked but richly textured plane.