What is the Main Plane Called in D&D?
The main plane in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), often serving as the starting point for most adventures and campaigns, is called the Material Plane. Sometimes referred to as the Prime Material Plane, the Prime Material, or simply the Prime, this plane is the most familiar and mundane of the various planes of existence in the D&D multiverse. It’s the realm of ordinary matter, mortal life, and the familiar laws of physics, albeit often with fantastical twists.
The Significance of the Material Plane
The Material Plane is central to D&D’s cosmology because it is the nexus where the forces of philosophy and the raw elements found in other planes collide. It’s a place of jumbled existence where life is fleeting, and mundane matters hold sway. This is where most campaign settings exist, such as the Forgotten Realms and Eberron, making it the cornerstone of countless adventures. Unlike other planes of existence that may be driven by pure thought, raw elements, or divine will, the Material Plane is a mix of it all. It is therefore a complex, often chaotic space, which allows for a myriad of possible adventures to unfold.
Why is it the Main Plane?
The Material Plane’s status as the primary plane stems from its familiarity and the ease of accessibility it offers to players. It is where most characters are born, where most cultures and societies form, and where the consequences of actions in other planes are usually felt most acutely. This plane provides a stable base point for adventurers and their exploits. The commonalities with our own world help players relate to the settings that DMs place them within. The concept of a familiar landscape, though often heightened with fantasy elements, is key to drawing a player into the game.
Its Place in the D&D Cosmology
Within the broader D&D cosmology, the Material Plane sits in the middle, often depicted as a central hub. It is distinct from the Outer Planes, which are realms of divine influence and alignment, and the Elemental Planes, which are composed of the fundamental building blocks of creation. The Material Plane is often described as where these other planes interact and bleed through, resulting in magical anomalies and unique environments.
Understanding the Material Plane
To better understand the Material Plane, it’s important to grasp that:
- It is the foundation for most standard campaign settings.
- It’s the domain of mortals, creatures bound by life and death.
- It is where magic manifests in diverse forms, alongside mundane realities.
- It acts as a bridge, connecting with other planes via transitive planes, like the Ethereal Plane or the Astral Plane.
How does it relate to other planes?
The Material Plane is not isolated. It is interconnected with other realms of existence. For instance, the Ethereal Plane is a misty, fog-bound dimension that co-exists with the Material Plane, and spirits, such as ghosts, can sometimes straddle both realms. The Astral Plane provides another avenue of travel to distant lands and planes. This interplay of planes is vital to the narrative structure of D&D. This structure allows for exploration and adds layers to storytelling.
A Point of Convergence
In some interpretations of the D&D cosmos, the Material Plane is not just a plane of existence but also a point where all the concepts of the multiverse overlap. This makes it an exceedingly rich space for adventurers and DMs alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Main Plane in D&D
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the role and intricacies of the Material Plane within the D&D universe.
What are the three types of planes in D&D?
D&D categorizes planes into three main types: Central (or Material) Planes, Elemental Planes, and Outer Planes. There are also transitive planes like the Astral Plane and Ethereal Plane that connect these other realms.
What is the relationship between the Material Plane and the Feywild?
The Feywild is a parallel plane to the Material Plane, brimming with raw, emotional magic. It often mirrors locations on the Material Plane but with a wilder, more magical aesthetic.
What is the relationship between the Material Plane and the Shadowfell?
The Shadowfell is a plane of gloom and decay that is a counterpart to the Material Plane, also having locations that mirror the material plane.
How many Outer Planes are there?
There are sixteen Outer Planes, typically arranged in a ring-like structure with good-aligned planes above and evil-aligned ones below. These planes are heavily associated with deities and alignment.
Where do souls go when they die on the Material Plane?
Souls, under normal circumstances, are drawn to the Fugue Plane after death, though their ultimate destination often depends on their actions and alignment in life. However, in some campaign settings a soul may have a different destination.
What is the most common campaign setting located on the Material Plane?
The Forgotten Realms is one of the most popular campaign settings and is set on the Material Plane. Others include Eberron.
What is unique about the Material Plane in Eberron?
In the Eberron setting, the Material Plane is not a nexus as other settings describe, but rather it is the prime plane from which all other planes are derived.
Can you travel from the Material Plane to other planes?
Yes, through magical spells like Plane Shift or through naturally occurring planar portals. Certain creatures also have the ability to move between planes.
What is the Ethereal Plane’s connection to the Material Plane?
The Ethereal Plane is often described as a misty, ghost-like reflection of the Material Plane. Beings on the Ethereal Plane can often observe the Material Plane, but are unable to interact with it directly.
What role does the Astral Plane play in relation to the Material Plane?
The Astral Plane is often used as a means to travel long distances, and as a way to reach the Outer Planes. It’s a silvery void filled with the remnants of thought and emotion.
Are there areas in the Material Plane that are connected to other planes?
Yes. Places in the Material Plane can sometimes have strong connections to other planes, manifesting as areas of warped reality or increased magical influence. These are often areas for adventure and danger.
Why do ghosts linger on the Material Plane?
Ghosts are creatures that have a connection to the Material Plane that prevents them from moving on. Often, they are bound by strong emotions or unfinished business.
Can deities reside on the Material Plane?
While deities are associated with the Outer Planes, they can manifest in the Material Plane through avatars, chosen individuals, or other proxies. The Material plane is typically not where deities make their home.
Can you fly on the Material Plane?
Yes, through spells like Fly, the use of magic items, or specific character races or subclasses (e.g., Winged Tieflings or Genie Warlocks) that grant the ability.
Is Ravenloft part of the Material Plane?
No. Ravenloft is a demiplane created by the Dark Powers, located on the border Ethereal between the Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane.
Final Thoughts
The Material Plane serves as the foundational setting for the majority of D&D adventures. Its blend of mundane reality and fantastical elements creates a rich and engaging canvas for storytelling. Understanding its role within the wider D&D cosmology is crucial for both players and Dungeon Masters, as it is the primary space where stories come to life. By knowing its place among the other planes, you can appreciate the complexity and depth of the D&D universe and embark on more immersive adventures.