The Prime Plane is the central realm of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, a confluence of all the elemental planes where life in its myriad forms flourishes. Under the watchful eyes of the Unknown, the Prime Plane is intricately tethered to the elemental planes of Fire (Unknown), Water (Unknown), Earth (Unknown), and Air (Plane of Zephyron) through powerful ancient artifacts known as World Stones. These stones—Unknown, Seastone, Earthstone, and Etherstone—maintain a delicate equilibrium of elemental forces, creating the conditions necessary for life to thrive.
As the center of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, the Prime Plane exists in perfect harmony, balancing the raw elemental forces that fuel existence and sustain mortal life. While this balance is delicate and often threatened by external forces like Khaos, the Pantheon of Primus ensures that the elements remain in sync, protecting the Prime Plane from being overwhelmed by any one elemental force.
Origins
Initially created during the Unknown, the Prime Plane was further shaped in the wake of The Aeonic Struggle, where the Unknown gods battled the Elementari. As the elemental titans fell, the landscape of the Prime Plane was forged and molded into what it is today. Ultimately, however, it was Unknown whom architected the World Stones, with each one bound to a specific elemental plane and placed in critical locations across the Prime Plane to sustain its life-giving forces.
Unknown, the god of life, is believed to have personally imbued the Prime Plane with the essence of vitality and growth, while his counterparts in the Pantheon of Primus—Mystera, Unknown, and Unknown—each contributed to maintaining the intricate balance of magic, time, and physical matter that anchors the plane.
The World Stones
The Prime Plane's connection to the elemental planes is maintained through the World Stones, which ensure the seamless flow of elemental energies necessary for the survival of its inhabitants. These stones are revered and protected by mortal civilizations, as they are the foundation upon which all life is built.
- Sunstone (Plane of Ignis): Anchored in the heart of The Sun Realm, the Sunstone regulates heat and energy, preventing the Prime Plane from succumbing to extreme cold or fiery destruction.
- Seastone (Plane of Aquos): Hidden deep beneath the vast oceans of The Sea Realm, the Seastone maintains the flow of water, ensuring that oceans and rivers sustain life.
- Earthstone (Plane of Gaian): Buried within the world's deepest caverns of The Earth Realm, the Earthstone ensures the stability of the earth, creating fertile lands and forming the mountains, valleys, and continents that mortals inhabit.
- Etherstone (Plane of Zephyr): The Etherstone, guarded by Mystera herself, controls the arcane winds of magic that flow through the Prime Plane, maintaining the delicate balance of magic and ensuring its use does not unravel reality.
Together, these stones Ether the elemental planes into the Prime Plane, establishing the foundation for life and prosperity.
Geography
The Prime Plane’s geography reflects the perfect balance between elemental forces. Its vast oceans, mighty mountains, fertile plains, and boundless skies are the result of the harmonious convergence of the elements. From the fiery deserts shaped by the Sunstone's influence, to the lush forests nurtured by the Earthstone, the Prime Plane is as diverse as it is beautiful.
Each elemental "Realm", such as the Sun Realm or Sea Realm, is thought to be the thinnest points in the Rift barriers between the Prime Plane and the elemental planes. Rift Magic flows throughout the Prime Plane thanks to the influence of the Etherstone, giving rise to a multitude of spellcasters and arcane users.
Mortal Life and Inhabitants
The Prime Plane is home to an astonishing variety of mortal beings, from humans and elves to dwarves, orcs, and countless other races. Most forms of life exist under the guidance of the elements, shaped by the balance between fire, water, earth, air, and magic. The mortals of the Prime Plane often worship the gods of the Pantheon of Primus, seeking their blessings to ensure that the balance of the world remains intact.
In addition to mortal life, the Prime Plane is also inhabited by celestial beings, elementals, fey, and other supernatural creatures that either serve the gods or protect the balance of the realms. It is said that when great mortals pass away, their spirits may be called to serve in the Hall of Heroes within Unknown, located on the Unknown.
Threats to the Prime Plane
Though the Prime Plane exists in balance, it is not without threats. The Unknown seeks to unravel the continuum that the gods of Primus have fought so hard to protect. Rift tears, demonic incursions, and the ever-present threat of Khaos gods breaching the Prime Plane remain constant dangers.
In addition to external threats, the Elementari, remnants of the chaotic forces defeated during the Aeonic Struggle, sometimes seek to reassert their influence by destabilizing the World Stones. This has led to times of crisis where the elemental planes threaten to flood the Prime Plane, with natural disasters like magma flows, tidal waves, and arcane storms becoming deadly manifestations of imbalanced elements.
Conclusion
As the heart of the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, the Prime Plane remains the centerpiece of existence where life flourishes under the careful stewardship of the Pantheon of Primus. Its connection to the elemental planes and its delicate balance between the forces of nature make it one of the most crucial realms within the cosmic order. Mortals and gods alike work to ensure that this balance is preserved, for if it falters, the Prime Plane—and all life within it—may fall into chaos.