To view the full resolution Cosmology Diagram, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArcXL5olaWxc6KeDtYsV8W0j0lvsVujj/view?usp=sharing
This is a metaphysical model for how the in-game universe functions. It builds on the Great Wheel and the World Axis cosmology models from D&D cannon and even sprinkles in a bit of Pathfinder's version of the journey to the afterlife, since it is a bit more fleshed out. The goal was to embrace as much existing cannon as possible, and ensure that it is compatible with both Spelljammer and Planescape adventures.
The high level summary:
- There are four main domains that exist as layers of concentric spheres:
- The Elemental Chaos: the domain of raw matter, and energy. Chaos lies at the core of all things is a slowly swirling vortex orbiting The Eye in which matter is constantly being formed, destroyed, and reformed. Home to elementals and primordials.
- The Ethereal Domain: the domain of the soul. It is a largely barren expanse that exists in the spaces between the The Material World and the The Elemental Chaos, shrouded in thick mists. There are places where the boundaries between the Ethereal and the Material are thinner, and you accidentally stumble into a dark reflection of the mortal world. Home of ghosts, spirits, and fae.
- The Material World: the domain of the mortal world. Here matter from The Elemental Chaos is solidified into worlds and living things thanks in part to the oversight of the Gods. Countless solar systems dot the vast airless void of Unknown.
- The Astral Sea: the domain of the mind. An infinite shimmering void where travelers can move themselves using their thoughts. Home to the Gods, and the final destination of most mortal souls after death.
- Sapient creatures are comprised of critical elements that reside in all four layers simultaneously, at all times. However they would normally not be detectable or inter-actable except in the Material. Using magic, you can inhabit the aspect of yourself that exists in the other domains. Alternatively, you can travel to the other domains by covering vast distances in a spelljammer craft, or utilizing planar portals.
- The Soul Economy:
- To maintain their power, the Gods require worshipers. When a god has zero mortal worshipers left alive, they die. So, they are incentivised to help their worshipers, especially those that evangelize the religion.
- Gods also require mortal souls after their death to maintain the stability of their Outer Plane homes, which slowly erode over time due to the pull of gravity from The Eye.
- In death, worshipers souls become "Petitioners" and pass through The Ethereal Domain toward The Eye to receive their final Judgement. There they are assigned to their final destination in the afterlife if they lived life with conviction. The apathetic are simply thrown into The Eye to be recycled and reforged as new souls.
- Servants of the Gods then escort Petitioners to their Outer Plane final destination. The Petitioners then exist in the afterlife for a considerable time before most are absorbed into the Outer Plane itself. Those favored by the gods make be turned into servants, such as angels. In some cases like Hell, the afterlife may be excruciating punishment.