The Plane of Gaian, also known as the Elemental Plane of Earth, was formed from the union of Unknown, the Unknown of Force and Motion, and Unknown, the Eldari of Matter. This plane is the very source of all physical matter within the known cosmos, an infinite expanse of stone, rock, metal, and precious gems. It represents the essence of tangible existence, where the forces of gravity and matter collide to form the celestial bodies, planets, and structures of the universe. The Plane of Gaian serves as the foundation of reality, providing the physical substance upon which all life and creation are built.
Origin and Creation
The Plane of Gaian was born during the Unknown, when Gaia, the Eldari of Matter, and Kinetus, the Eldari of Force, merged their elemental essence to create a realm of pure physical substance. It was through this union that the material foundation of the cosmos was forged, and the Plane of Gaian became the source of all matter in existence. When it was originally created, the essence of Gaia gave divine life to Unknown, the risen Unknown god of Earth.
As the embodiment of all physical elements, Gaia ensured that the universe would have a tangible form. Every star, planet, and celestial body in the cosmos owes its existence to the essence of Gaian. The tectonic forces that shape worlds, the metals and minerals mined by civilizations, and the very ground beneath the feet of all living beings are a result of the matter created within this plane.
Geography and Landscape
The Plane of Gaian is an endless realm of solid matter, a vast and unyielding expanse of earth and stone. Unlike the airy openness of the Plane of Zephyron, Gaian is dense and compact, with layers upon layers of rock pressing down upon one another in a slow, grinding motion. Earthquakes and tectonic shifts are constant, ranging from small tremors to massive upheavals that can shatter mountains and open vast chasms.
The plane is pockmarked with pockets of other elements, such as magma, water, and poisonous gases, which create treacherous hazards for those who venture within its depths. Caverns and tunnels can be found throughout the plane, many of them carved by ancient burrowing creatures or created through the slow movement of the earth. These pockets of space often serve as refuges for travelers, but they are also filled with danger, as the relentless shifting of the earth can close them off or fill them with noxious fumes at any moment.
There is no natural light in the Plane of Gaian, save for the occasional glow of luminous gems or magma flows deep within the earth. Travelers must rely on magic or other sources of light to navigate the crushing darkness. However, hearing is greatly enhanced in this realm; the constant pressure of the earth amplifies sound, allowing those within it to detect even the faintest movements through the stone.
Elemental Affinity of Earth
The Plane of Gaian is a realm of raw physical force. Its very existence is one of unending movement and transformation, with the earth shifting and grinding against itself in a never-ending cycle of creation and destruction. The tectonic forces within Gaian are so powerful that they can shape entire worlds, giving rise to mountains, valleys, and continents in the Prime Plane and beyond.
The element of earth within this plane is dense and compact, making it difficult to traverse. Only those with the power to manipulate stone and metal, such as Earth-Rifting sages, can hope to navigate the endless tunnels and caverns that crisscross the plane. Those who can control the movement of the earth can carve out entire civilizations within its depths, but they must always remain vigilant, for the plane's constant motion can close off tunnels and collapse caverns in an instant.
The Plane of Gaian is also the source of all precious metals and gems in the cosmos. The deepest layers of the plane are filled with rare minerals, diamonds, and other valuable resources, making it a place of great wealth for those brave enough to mine its depths. However, the shifting earth and the presence of dangerous elemental creatures make this task perilous.
Connections and Significance
The Plane of Gaian is essential to the balance of the cosmos, as it provides the physical matter that forms the foundation of existence. Every plane of reality that contains physical matter is connected to Gaian in some way, and the forces of gravity and motion from Kinetus ensure that this matter remains in place.
The Plane of Gaian is also connected to the Prime Plane through the Earthstone, one of the elemental World Stones that act as conduits between the planes. The Earthstone serves as an anchor point, binding the Plane of Gaian to the Prime Plane and allowing the flow of elemental earth to shape the physical world. The area surrounding the Earthstone within The Earth Realm has begun to take on the characteristics of Gaian, with the terrain shifting and reshaping itself in ways that mirror the elemental plane.
Gaian is also closely related to the Plane of Aquos, as the two planes work in harmony to shape the physical and fluid aspects of the universe. The gravitational forces of Zephyron and Kinetus also play a vital role in maintaining the structure of Gaian, ensuring that the elements of earth and water remain in balance.
Legacy and Impact
The creation of the Plane of Gaian was a pivotal moment in the formation of the universe. Without the physical matter provided by Gaia, the cosmos would be a void of empty space, devoid of stars, planets, and life. The plane's influence can be felt throughout the universe, as every world and celestial body is a product of the matter that flows from Gaian.
The Plane of Gaian continues to shape the universe, as the forces of earth and motion work in tandem to create and destroy worlds. The constant shifting of the earth within the plane mirrors the natural cycles of creation and destruction that occur throughout the cosmos, ensuring that matter is always in a state of flux.
The legacy of Gaia, the mother of matter, is one of creation and stability. Her essence can be found in every physical object in existence, from the smallest grain of sand to the largest mountain. The worship of Gaia continues to this day, as those who seek stability, growth, and prosperity turn to her for guidance. Earth-Rifting sages, in particular, revere Gaia for her role in shaping the earth and the physical world.
The Plane of Gaian remains a realm of both danger and opportunity. Its depths are filled with untold treasures, but they are guarded by the relentless forces of earth and stone, making it a place of both great wealth and great peril.