Positive Energy Plane
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The Positive Energy Plane (sometimes called the Plane of Life, Positive Material Plane or the Positive Plane) is an Inner Plane or "Energy Plane" of the Great Wheel cosmology model. Cosmologists believe that the Positive Energy Plane and its opposite, the Negative Energy Plane, combined with the four elements, make up the known universe.[1] This plane is a continuous explosion of energy not meant for mortals. Despite its nickname, the Plane of Life can bring swift death to the unprotected by filling them with positive energy until their cells burst and they joined the conflagration.[2]
Cosmology
According to the Great Wheel cosmology model, the Positive Energy Plane can be reached via the Ethereal Plane or an adjacent elemental plane, but not by an elemental vortex.>[3] If traveling through the Deep Ethereal, a pure white curtain of vaporous color indicated the boundary of the Plane of Life's Border Ethereal region.[4] Such is the power of the Positive Energy Plane that the boundary with the Border Ethereal is weak and fluctuates randomly at times. Travelers thinking they are safe staying in the Border Ethereal can suddenly be dumped on the Plane of Life some distance from the rapidly receding border.[5] Using the |spherical model, this plane is adjacent to the quasi-elemental planes of Minerals, Radiance, Lightning, and Steam.[6] Temporary gates can be created by the plane shift spell.[7]
Description
"It is power incarnate.
It is radiance beyond compare.
It is life realized to the fullest."
—Manual of the Planes[2]
The Positive Energy Plane can be compared accurately to the heart of a star. It is a continual furnace of creation, a domain of brilliance beyond the ability of mortal eyes to comprehend. Its very being wavers and ripples as new matter and energy is born and swells to full power like a bursting fruit. It is a vibrant plane, so alive with itself that travelers themselves are empowered by visiting it.[8]
The Positive Energy Plane has no surface and is akin to the Elemental Plane of Air with its wide, open nature. However, every bit of this plane glows brightly with innate power. This power is dangerous to mortal forms, which are not made to handle it.[8]
It is an infinite, empty, blinding firestorm of life-giving light, but object proof that too much of good thing can kill you—quickly. Upon entering this plane, an unprepared traveler will first notice the sun-like brilliance burning into their eyes, severely limiting the range of vision and only being able to discern nearby beings or objects by the shadow they make in the backdrop of infinite dazzle. As they gasp at a sight not meant for mortal eyes, they will quickly realize there is no breathable atmosphere to even form a scream. The sudden feeling of weightlessness might not have be cause for concern because almost immediately any wounds will be healed as the life-giving energy permeates their entire being and then goes beyond any sense of wellness they have ever experienced. Infused with power only felt in dreams, they might briefly entertain the thought that air is no longer necessary as they ascend to godhood, but as their cells reach their capacity, they realize in a fleeting moment what it means to be mortal before exploding in a burst of radiant energy.[9][5][2]
In any infinite plane there is room for variation and the Positive Energy Plane is no exception. The ebb and flow of energies created zones that can be classified as "minor-positive dominant" (using 3e terminology) as well as places that detonate with concentrated bursts even more intense than the usual activity. Matter from other planes can sometimes be found in the more stable minor-positive dominant areas and some are even inhabited, but there is the constant danger that an energy surge can overwhelm an area without warning. Travelers were advised to always have some form of positive energy protection ready because even brief exposure to the raw energy of this plane can be fatal. There have been reports the life energy will even seep into the possessions of visitors, occasionally imbuing them with a form of life both animated and aggressive. A small biting coin purse might not pose much of a threat, but an angry helmet squeezing your favorite head could be quite a distraction.[10]
The rapid healing and boosting properties of this plane draw the very desperate and the overly ambitious to attempt exposing themselves to the life-giving energy for just the right amount of time to gain the benefits and not pay the ultimate price. Those who succeeded in exiting the plane or removing themselves from the radiation in time can be completely healed of all wounds and their supercharged bodies can withstand more damage than usual. This effect lasts anywhere from a few minutes up to about three hours, after which all things return to normal.[11] Note that the Positive Energy Plane has no effect on disease because the energy helps the disease as much as the victim. Healing also does not prevent thirst, starvation, or suffocation.[10]
Inhabitants
Inhabitants are extremely rare on this plane. The only creatures known to inhabit the Plane of Life are the mysterious outsiders, the xag-ya,[11] and ravids. Constructs such as golems and other things that do not benefit from healing can exist here without detrimental effects.[10]
Appendix
Further reading
For possible (non-canon) inhabitants of the Quasielemental Plane of Radiance, see:
- Marks, Bennet. "Creatures of Brilliance: Inhabitants of the Plane of Radiance". Dragon #321. Bellvue, WA: Paizo Publishing, Jul 2004.
References
Citations
- ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide (3e), p.148.
- ↑ a b c Manual of the Planes (2001), p.82-83.
- ↑ Manual of the Planes (1987), p.22-24.
- ↑ Manual of the Planes (1987), p.12.
- ↑ a b Manual of the Planes (1987), p.54.
- ↑ Manual of the Planes (1987), p.52.
- ↑ Player's Handbook (1989), p.224.
- ↑ a b Renderss. Positive Material Plane. Renderr's D&D Resource. Retrieved on 23 November 2021.
- ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide v3.5 (2003), p.158.
- ↑ a b c Manual of the Planes (2001), p.83.
- ↑ a b Manual of the Planes (1e)n, p.54.
Bibliography
- Cook, Monte, Jonathan Tweet and Skip Williams. Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003. Item code 17752.
- Grubb, Jeff. Manual of the Planes. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1987. Item code TSR2022.
- Grubb, Jeff, Bruce R. Cordell and David Noonan. Manual of the Planes. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001. Item code 11850.
- Gygax, Gary. Dungeon Masters Guide. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979. Item code TSR2011.
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Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive Energy Plane | Planar | Plane/Dimension, | Dungeon Masters Guide (Revised), AD&D 2e (Premium Edition) | 178 |
| Positive Energy Plane | Planar | Plane/Dimension, | Manual of the Planes, AD&D 1e | 54 |
| Positive Energy Plane | Planar | Plane/Dimension, | Pathfinder Chronicles: Campaign Setting, Pathfinder 1e | 181 |
| Positive Energy Plane | Planar | Plane/Dimension, | Reference | SEE ALSO Positive Material Plane |