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Bytopia

2018-09-08T16:17:05Z

2602:306:3B18:2920:572:3E0C:1A3C:BDFD: /* Shurrock */

'''The Twin Paradises of Bytopia''', or Bytopia for short, is a [[Alignment|Neutral Good Lawful]] [[Plane|Outer Plane]] in the [[D&D|Great Wheel cosmology]] of the [[Planescape]] setting. To describe it would be... remember all those non-specific medieval Europe settings a number of Disney movies took place in? Where everyone is happy with the simple rural life they have? That is pretty much Bytopia summed up. Here the people who enjoyed the simple things in life and are of a good with a touch of lawful alignment will end up on this plane. While peaceful there is not an awful lot of excitement on Bytopia compared to the other Outer Planes, and those looking for ADVENTURE might want to look elsewhere. Despite this a stop on Bytopia or its portal town of Tradegate is a good idea for some travelers because of the very high quality of the goods fabricated in the rural villages of the plane. Still, the people of Bytopia do not hold [[adventurers]] in high regard: they see them as people too lazy to learn an actual job, which is an apt description of a [[murderhobo]].

==Layers of Bytopia==
Bytopia consists of two infinitely sized layers. Unlike any other of the Outer Planes these are not only within viewing distance of one another, they are also perfectly within walking distance. Where it gets crazy is that the layers float upside down above one another, connected by huge mountainous stalagmites/cities. In the exact middle point between these two layers gravity shifts, making "down" switch from one layer to the other. This can catch the unwary traveler by surprise and cause a nasty fall. Those who can fly can freely travel through this gravitational middle point, though it is very disorienting at first.

===Dothion===
Considered the "first" of the plane's layers, Dothion is by far the most populated layer of Bytopia. It is a pleasant, peaceful place with plenty of rolling hills filled with huge fields of crops and grasslands for all kinds of cattle. The forests are tamed yet allow game animals to live in them, streams have been redirected to power waterwheels and a series of roads connect one village to another. Most of the industry on the plane is individual and based out of family-owned businesses, farmlands and workshops. Villages have no ruling class and people work together for [[Tau|the common good]]. The weather is mild and benign, allowing for good and plentiful harvests every year. Monsters, natural disasters and associated calamaties are few and far between; most come from the second layer of the plane and are swiftly dealt with with little permanent damage. In short, it's the ideal village community, much like [[The Hobbit|the Shire]] (though ironically the hafling afterlife is next door in Celestia).

[[Garl Glittergold]] and his Able Assistants have taken up residence on Dothion in a place called the Golden Hills. Seven hills of gold-tinted plants hold a citadel each, which is the formal home of one of the gods of the Gnomes. Some of these places see their masters more often than others: a number of the Able Assistants have taken up traveling the planes and as such are not home very often. The other gods that live here are: [[Baervan Wildwanderer]], [[Baravar Cloakshadow]], [[Bleredd]], [[Flandal Steelskin]], [[Gaerdal Ironhand]], [[Nebelun]], and [[Sejogan Earthcaller]]. Flandal also shares his ''Mithral Forge'' with Ama-Tsu-Mara. Other divine realms include ''Deephome'', realm of the [[svirfneblin]] god [[Callarduran Smoothhands]], and ''Prosperity'', realm of Inari.

===Shurrock===
The second layer of the plane, Shurrock is very different from its counterpart. Savage, untamed, extreme and harsh, it is an ideal place for those who which to challenge themselves and their ability to survive. Yet it differs from the animal-filled biomes of the [[Beastlands]] and the vastness of [[Arborea]] in that it represents the hardships of everyday life in a rural environment instead of the circle of life and adventure for adventure's sake of those planes. Shurrock's bounty is great; ore and gemstones are plentiful, and the woodlands hold massive amounts of wood and game. This does not come freely, though; Shurrock is teeming with celestial plants and animals, all potentially lethal threats to anyone traveling through the plane. Those people who live on Shurrock have adapted to this; walled and guarded villages keep the [[Bear Lore|celestial bears]] and other threats at bay. Sometimes animals and storms from Shurrock escape to Dothion, causing all sorts of ruckus until they are dealt with.

Within Shurrock one could the divine realms of ''Centerspire'', realm of [[Jascar]] (though the mountain realm connects to both layers), ''Heart of Justice'', realm of [[Kiri-Jolith]], ''Martyrdomain'', realm of [[Ilmater]], ''Windwrath'', realm of Tefnut, and ''The Ridiculous Tower'', the former realm of the titan Epimetheus.

==Inhabitants==
The life on Bytopia is attractive to many [[Gnome]]s. Because of this and the general mindset of the Gnomes being in line with Bytopia, many of them find themselves on this plane when they pass on. Combined with this and the presence of the Lords of the Golden Hills, the Gnomish pantheon, many non-Gnome petitioners on this plane turn into Gnomes upon awakening. [[Grimdark|If this is a good or bad thing is up for grabs.]] Other inhabitants of the Twin Paradises include all manner of celestial and plant-like creatures.

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Celestia

2018-09-08T16:04:32Z

2602:306:3B18:2920:572:3E0C:1A3C:BDFD: /* Venya */

[[File:Celestia Map.jpg|400px|thumb|right|The Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia.]]
'''The Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia''' is the [[Alignment|Lawful Good]] [[plane]] in the [[Planescape|Great Wheel cosmology]]. It is a single mountain surrounded by an ocean of holy water which stretches out into all directions and can be seen from everywhere on the plane by looking down the mountain. The plane is populated by several types of Lawful Good creatures, such as [[Angel|Solars]], [[Aasimar]], [[Archon]]s, [[Deva]]s, and a number of good-aligned gods such as [[Bahamut]], [[Moradin]] and [[Yondalla]] alongside their followers. Like [[Baator]], it is heavily inspired by Dante's ''Divine Comedy'', specifically combining elements of ''Purgatorio'' and ''Paradiso''.

The plane is ruled by the Celestial Hebdomad, a council of the seven most powerful archons in existence. Aside from their most powerful member, Zaphkiel, all founding members have either perished or passed into the realm of Chronias. These archons were replaced by the most powerful amongst their ranks, meaning that there are always seven members of the Hebdomad. They do not consider themselves as deities or even rulers, rather they are guides, examples and patrons of those who wish to learn. They all resemble their layer's namesake: the ruler of the Silver Heaven is silver-colored, the Pearly Heaven's protector is pearl-colored and so on.

==Layers of Celestia==
In order to go from one layer to the next you have to scale that section of the mountain. Of course the mountain is a metaphor, as there are multiple paths but only someone who is "truly just and good at heart" can ascend the mountain. Naturally, this means that the [[DM]] can deny you access to any layer above the first by citing that one puppy you kicked or that time that you stabbed a villager back when your character was dominated by a vengeful [[wizard]]. Of course he could be even more of a [[troll]] and let you ascend to the seventh layer, Chronias, from which there is no return; you either transcend and become part of the plane or you did a bad thing once and whatever's up there murders your soul forever and erases you from the multiverse. While climbing the mountain normally is only possible by reaching certain levels of enlightenment, a crafty [[planeswalker]] can find shortcuts between the various layers by using portals.

[[File:Barachiel.jpg|thumb|right|Barachiel]]
===Lunia===
The first layer of Celestia is the Silver Heaven, Lunia. If you arrive on the plane you end up waist-deep in the Silver Sea, an ocean connecting to the River Oceanus and its various bodies of water. The Silver Sea is a salt-free body of holy water that all manner of life thrives in, from the smallest of fish to the most gargantuan of leviathans. Because the Silver Sea is made of holy water, evildoers who end up on the plane will end up looking like they accidentally teleported into a sea of burning napalm instead, making a perfect first line of defense against any incursions.

Lunia is cloaked in perpetual night, but because of its many bright stars the layer has a silvery shine to it, making the dark not quite, well, dark. Lunia sees frequent trade with the [[elf|sea elves]] of the material plane, as well as various pilgrims to the realms of various gods. The realms include: ''The Court'', realm of [[Tyr]], ''Nectar of Life'', realm of Brihaspati, and ''The Eight Happinesses'', realm of Shichifukujin. The dolphin goddess [[Trishina]] can be found wandering the Silver Sea, when not with [[Deep Sashelas]].

An unusual point of interest in Lunia is Castle Mahlhevik. Owned by the formerly chaotic evil wizard of the same name, Mahlhevik is set on learning the ways of goodness. After conferencing with high-ranking archons and revealing his sincerity he was allowed to build a castle on Lunia. He's still got a long way to go and his buddies with delightful names like the Soul Reaver and the Lifeleech don't drop by very often (because the Silver Sea might very well kill them), but his castle is a good place to stay if you don't want to deal with the archons.

Lunia itself is protected by Barachiel the Messenger and his trumpet archons. He has a silver skin and silver-feathered wings, wears violet robes adorned with stars just like Lunia's night sky and carries an electric longsword into battle. He commands the plane's defenses against hostile incursions, but most of the time this means that he just sits and watches as fiends are being devoured by [[Awesome|max hit die celestial octopi]].

[[File:Domiel.jpg|thumb|left|Domiel]]

===Mercuria===
Mecuria is also known as the Golden Heaven, named after the golden light suffusing everything. Streams flow fast, valleys are lush, slopes are tame and it is a place of peace and rest. Alongside the plentiful hamlets on the layer it is also the home of many tombs, monuments and other buildings remember the glorious dead and their valorous deeds. While robbing these tombs might net one very nice treasure this is a Bad Idea; aside from the inhabitants of Mercuria who would tear you a new one for doing this the tombs are often guarded by their own inhabitants. The Deathless can return their spirits from the peace of Celestia back into their bodies, reanimating them to wreck whoever disturbs their rest before laying their bodies back down and return their spirit.

[[Bahamut]]'s palace travels at his will between the lowest four layers of Celestia, making for an easy way to travel between the layers if one can convice the Platinum Dragon to take them along for the ride. The palace itself it the dragon's hoard, with the windows being gemstones set in precious metals, the floors and walls decorated with the most exquisite marble and statues made from the most exotic materials. Stealing from the Platinum Dragon however is a Very Bad Idea, as will attest the bones of thousands of failed thieves. Other realms on Mercuria are [[Rao]]'s ''Sweet Reason'', [[Torm]]'s ''Trueheart'', Amaterasu's ''Radiant Light'', Vishnu's ''the Divine Lotus'', and Surya and Mitra's ''Goldfire''.

Domiel the Mercy-Bringer is the guardian of Mercuria. He is a 12' golden human with matching wings, a flaming greatsword and no clothes. His duties are twofold: prevent the desecration of the tombs of Mercuria and overthrow tyrants and their followers.

[[File:Erathaol.jpg|thumb|right|Erathaol]]
===Venya===
The Pearly Heaven is made of rounded slopes, and terraced fields and well-tended forests are common. Venya is colder than the previous two layers, and is as such frequently covered in snow. When the snow melts it flows down, sometimes forming in great lakes of icy water. One of these lakes is The Glass Tarn, a smooth body of water that will grant prophetic visions if a person throws in something of real value to them. If the offering is not sincere, however, a powerful archon comes out of the water and wrecks face.

Venya is the home to two divine realms: ''the Green Fields'' of [[Yondalla]], that she shares with her subordinates [[Arvoreen]] and [[Cyrrollalee]], where crops never fail, the weather is mild and the harvest is plentiful. Life is rustic and perfect for the gregarious [[halflings]] living in the realm, with the biggest threat being investations of moles, rabbits or badgers. [[Heironeous]] also has his realm here, the ''Fields of Glory''.

Venya's protector is the handsome pearl-colored Erathaol the Seer. He prefers peace over violence but if needed will go into battle with a quarterstaff part coated in frost and part in fire. He is the patron of seers and prophets and can predict planar events before they happen, and watches over children destined for greatness. He lives in a great undersea library made of seashells and pearl, which houses more knowledge than one could read in a thousand lifetimes.

[[File:Pistis Sophia.jpg|thumb|left|Pistis Sophia]]

===Solania===
The Crystal Heaven is covered in foggy valleys. Between the mountaintops rest massive glaciers whose meltwater flows down into the valleys and into Venya. Solania is home to a massive number of monasteries, cathedrals and other holy places. These places are often the destination of interplanar pilgrims looking for the answers to the questions of life, the universe and everything.

Many deities make their home on Solania. The foremost is [[Moradin]] who lives with his wife [[Berronar Truesilver]] in the great fortress of ''Erackinor''. Ther armories of the lord of the [[dwarves]] are second to none, and the stonework from which the halls themselves are made are peerless. It also houses the Soul Forges, ill-defined magical items whom are said to be used by Moradin to temper the hearts of his people. Other deities on Solania include [[Delleb]] and his ''Great Library'', [[Fortubo]]'s ''Empyrian Delve'', [[Paladine]]'s ''Dome of Creation'', Chung Kuel's ''Ministry of Virtue'', and Kuan Yin's ''Lotus Garden''. Finally, Solana holds the realm of ''Uroboros'', the place where [[Jazirian]] has her body and combats the machinations of her brother [[Asmodeus|Ahriman]].

Solania's member of the Hebdomad does not live in some great citadel. Instead she wanders the layer and helps out travelers in need. Pistis Sophia the Ascetic is a feminine figure whose skin, wings and hair are all crystal in color. She abhors lies and believes that truth holds harmony and bliss. She will always speak the undiluted truth for this reason and encourages others to cast off their possessions and clothes to do away with their greed and insecurity. So if you are ever on Solania and see a large mob of naked people, you can be sure that Pistis Sophia is nearby.

[[File:Raziel.jpg|thumb|right|Raziel]]

===Mertion===
The Platinum Heaven is the mustering ground for the armies of good, where large numbers of Good creature gather to take the fight to evil. The plane is covered in large sweeping plains to hold these forces, and hold many citadels and domes with the facilities to arm and supply these forces. One of the biggest cities is ''Empyrea'', the City of Tempered Souls. It sits on the edge of a mountain lake and has many healing fountains. These can cure almost anything from withered limbs, lost senses, insanity and life itself. If a fountain cannot heal it one of the many healers and hospitals within the city is sure to help a pilgrim or at least point them in the right direction. The god [[Allitur]] also resides here.

The god of time [[Cyndor]] has one of his realms on this layer: ''Rempha'', the City of the Sands of Time. [[Al'Akbar]] lives in ''Soqed Hezi'', the City of Swords. ''Arvenna'', the Chanting Grounds is home to the demigoddess [[Mayaheine]] and the [[Mystara|Immortal]] [[Tarastia]].

Raziel the Crusader is the most warlike of the Hebdomad, inspiring and guiding [[Paladin]]s and fighting against tyranny and oppression from the back of his celestial charger, Temperion. The Firestar (as his nickname is) does have a gentle side to him, and when not fighting against evil he can be found in Empyria tending to the sick and guiding [[cleric]]s.

[[File:Sealtiel.jpg|thumb|left|Sealtiel]]

===Jovar===
The Glittering Heaven is strewn with twinkling gemtones, a beautiful sight that will take the breath of everyone who sees it for the first time. The fields are littered with archons in deeep contemplation regarding their lives and actions. The primary location on the plane is Yetsira, the Heavenly City. It is a massive seven-layered ziggurat adorned with extremely valuable gemstones. On its first level sits the Exchequer of Souls, a black marble building where powerful archons judge the virtues of the lower ones and elevate them in rank if they are worthy. On the fourth terrace sits the Radiant Arsenal, a long and narrow building with tall ceilings and deep cellars. Here the arms of the archons are stored if the portal to the seventh layer has to be defended against an incursion.

The sixth layer holds the fortress called Pax Exaltea, where warden archons receive new assignments and armies will be lead in case of an attack on Jovar. The fortress' steward is Sealtiel the Defender, an ebon-skinned and hairless archon with massive golden wings and a glistering aura. When he is not tending to the city's defenses he helps other celestials on their paths to enlightenment.

[[File:Zaphkiel.jpg|thumb|right|Zaphkiel]]
===Chronias===
At the very top of Yetsira stands a single solar named Xerona. He guards the Bridge of al-Sihal which is the only way into Chronias, the seventh layer of Celestia. Only the most worthy and enlightened are allowed passage into the Illuminated Heaven, from which there is no return: those who are worthy have their essence joins Celestia itself and become part of its spirit. [[Grimdark|Unworthy ones however will have their souls extinguished and their essence erased from the Multiverse]]. As such, nobody knows what Chronias is like but most works agree on it being a realm of pure light and goodness.

Zaphkiel the Watcher is the leader of the Celestial Hebdomad, the only original of the group and one of the most powerful beings in the Multiverse. A 10' figure of incandescent gold with platinum wings, Zaphkiel is a sight to behold. He advises the other members of the Hebdomad regarding dealing with mortals and other celestial beings. He is the protector of the spirits of stillborn babies and sacrificed children. He is something of an enigma though: while he has interest in advancing less-perfect beings the reason why is unknown to all others, even gods and the members of the Hebdomad. They are also the only ones to have ever actually seen Zaphkiel: doing so will either kill the unworthy or ascend the righteous into a state of goodness that merges them with the essence of Celestia itself.

==In [[4e]]==
Celestia appears in 4e as well. Here it is a Dominion, a divine realm in the [[Astral Sea]] consisting of seven great peaks where certain good-aligned gods live such as [[Bahamut]], [[Moradin]] and [[Kord]]. Celestia serves as the Lawful Good counterpart to [[Hestavar]]'s regular Good alignment. It is where the Lawful Good go after they die and live amongst the righteous.

==Inhabitants==
Celestial archons are the most common inhabitants of Celestia, but angels also appear frequently. On the lowest layer elves are somewhat common, and the fourth layer has a significant portion of dwarven petitioners. Petitioners are all Lawful Good and are turned into lantern archons upon their awakening on the plane. This grants them a few powers including being able to cast rays of light, teleportation, the ability to speak every language and immunity to petrification and electricity amongst a few others.

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