THE COSMOS

The Astral Planes: Realms Beyond Reality

The Nature of Astral Space

The Astral Planes of Telloran exist as overlapping dimensions that occupy the same space and time as the material world, distinguished not by location but by the fundamental nature of reality within each realm. These planes serve as both battlegrounds and bastions in the ongoing cosmic conflict, providing staging areas for the forces of order and chaos while remaining largely invisible to mortal perception.

Unlike traditional concepts of heaven and hell, these planes are not afterlife destinations for mortal souls but rather active dimensional spaces where cosmic forces gather, plan, and occasionally manifest their influence upon the material world. The fact that they overlap with normal reality means that the boundaries between planes can sometimes blur, allowing for unexpected interactions between mortal and astral inhabitants.

The Beyond: Realm of Radiance

The Beyond serves as the astral plane of the Hallowed and the dimensional home of Ahrmitage, the Celestial of light and purity. This realm represents order, peace, and the positive aspects of existence made manifest in dimensional form. The overwhelming brightness that characterizes The Beyond comes not from any single light source but from the very fabric of reality within this plane—every surface, every particle of air, every thought and emotion radiates with pure, cleansing light.

The serene, blissful, and calm atmosphere of The Beyond provides more than mere comfort—it serves as a cosmic battery that charges the forces of good and provides them with the spiritual strength necessary to combat the influence of the Primordials. Visitors to this realm often describe feeling as though every burden has been lifted from their shoulders, every doubt has been answered, and every fear has been revealed as ultimately meaningless.

However, The Beyond is not a place of passive tranquility. It serves as the primary staging ground for the cosmic forces of order, and its inhabitants remain constantly vigilant against incursions from darker realms. The very serenity of the plane masks intense preparation and organization as the forces of light coordinate their eternal watch against chaos and corruption.

The Abyss: Realm of Shadows

The Abyss stands as the astral plane of the Infernal beings and serves as the dimensional home of the banished Celestial brothers Xir'Ang and Xid'Ang. This dark and gloomy realm reeks perpetually of sulfur and brimstone, creating an atmosphere of oppression and menace that affects even supernatural beings. The very air seems thick with malevolence, and the landscape shifts constantly as if the realm itself were alive and hostile.

Unlike The Beyond's overwhelming brightness, The Abyss is characterized by shadows that seem to possess their own malevolent intelligence. These shadows don't merely block light—they actively consume it, creating zones of darkness so absolute that they can disorient even beings with supernatural senses. The realm serves as both prison and fortress for the banished twins, providing them with a base of operations while keeping their corrupted influence contained away from the Celestial Court.

The advice that anyone finding themselves in The Abyss should seek an exit immediately reflects not merely the discomfort of the environment but its actively corrosive effect on souls. Extended exposure to the realm's influence can corrupt even the most virtuous beings, slowly transforming their thoughts and desires to align with the darkness that permeates every aspect of the dimension.

The Abyss also serves as the closest point of contact between the imprisoned Primordials and the active dimensions, making it a crucial battleground in the ongoing cosmic conflict. The banished twins' presence here creates a complex situation where they simultaneously guard against Primordial influence while being corrupted by proximity to it.