Plane of Khaos

The Plane of Khaos, also referred to as the Abyssal Plane or Void of Infinitum, is a vast and terrifying plane of existence where elemental chaos reigns supreme. Transmuted from the essence of Unknown (the Unknown of Void), the Plane of Khaos was designed to entrap the dreaming consciousness of Unknown, the Watcher in the Abyss. This prison, known as the Void of Infinitum, contains an infinite descent into madness, where Azhorra'tha's mind endlessly falls through layers of unreality, spiraling deeper into its own chaotic nightmares.

The Void of Infinitum and the Continuum Crystal

The Plane of Khaos is entirely removed from time itself, a trait granted by the forging of the Continuum Crystal, which was created from the essence of Unknown, the Eldari of Time. As time has no bearing within the Plane of Khaos, it exists outside the ordered structure of the cosmos, a universe unto itself where the rules of existence fall apart.

The Continuum Crystal serves as the container that maintains the cosmic balance, keeping the Plane of Khaos isolated from the rest of the planes. Kronus’s sacrifice ensured that the forces of chaos would remain trapped, preventing them from wreaking havoc on the ordered universe outside. Thus, the Plane of Khaos is both a source of primordial energy and a danger, forever teetering on the brink of unleashing unimaginable destruction.

Creation of the Nine Hells

The Nine Hells were formed after eight powerful archangels were cast out from the Plane of Helion (realm of light and divine order) for succumbing to the sins they were tasked to guard against. These fallen archangels each gave in to one of the deadly sins, and the eighth, Asmodeus, was cast out for his treachery against the Unknown. As a result, Avernus, his domain, became the deepest layer of the Nine Hells and the final barrier between the material planes and the Void of Infinitum.

The Nine Hells became the realm of punishment, where the souls of the wicked are sent after being judged by Verdictus in the Plane of Oblivion. Those deemed irredeemably corrupt or who posed a threat to the fabric of existence itself were banished here. Over time, the Nine Hells have become synonymous with suffering and torment, but they also serve as a necessary function in the cosmic balance—maintaining order by containing the forces of chaos and destruction.

Elemental State of Khaos

Within the Plane of Khaos, there is no order or logic to the landscape apart from the twisted order within the Nine Hells. Elemental chaos is omnipresent, with jagged chunks of rock, swirling storms of fire and water, and winds strong enough to tear the soul from the body. This is the home of the Unknown and countless eldritch horrors, born from the ideations of Azhorra'tha.

Here, matter exists without form or meaning, and the sentient beings who wander this realm must constantly battle against its chaotic nature to survive. With concentration and mental fortitude, they can stabilize pockets of reality around them, but these fragile sanctuaries are fleeting and depend entirely on the strength of will.

Connection to the Prime Plane

Although contained within the Continuum Crystal, the Plane of Khaos remains innately connected to the material universe, feeding off the negative desires and emotions of mortals. Through this connection, the realm influences the mortal world, corrupting ambitions, manipulating dreams, and giving rise to some of the most terrible creatures in existence.

The demons and eldritch entities of Khaos seek to exploit these emotions, sowing discord and chaos throughout the planes. Though the material rules of existence do not apply in Khaos, its influence can bleed into the Prime Plane and the other elemental realms, threatening the very balance the Eldari sacrificed themselves to create. Despite its negative influences, it holds the Argent energy of Azhorra'tha which is paradoxically needed to perpetuate order throughout the Continuum Crystal Cosmology.

The Pantheon of Khaos

The Pantheon of Khaos—gods who embody the worst aspects of destruction, discord, and the darker side of sentient emotion—draws its power from the chaotic energy of the Plane of Khaos. They are worshipped by those who seek power through destruction, conflict, or upheaval. The chaotic forces of the Plane of Khaos often manifest in the mortal world through Rift Tears, leading to times of great upheaval and cataclysm.

Though it is often seen as a realm of pure evil, the Plane of Khaos plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance between creation and destruction, order and chaos, as it remains imprisoned within the Continuum Crystal.