Cosmology

The realms and astral bodies of Gevadun can be challenging to comprehend. Often, the realms and their interactions are misunderstood; however, with some basic education, their scope and functions can be grasped. The study of the realms of Gevadun and the space that connects them is known as cosmology, and those who study this field are referred to as cosmologists. To facilitate discussions and understanding, these cosmologists have categorized the different levels of Gevadun into distinct layers.

Deep Astral Sea:

The most fundamental layer of cosmology is The Deep Astral Sea. This endless, magical sea extends infinitely in all directions. When sailors navigate The Deep Astral Sea, they confront a real body of water that is charged with magic and possesses ethereal properties not found in ordinary water. The Deep Astral Sea is extremely perilous, and any soul that falls into it without protection will come to wish for a swift death. Indescribable beasts roam these waters; the deeper one ventures, the more twisted and malformed these creatures become. Foul entities also inhabit these seas, and while not all of them are malicious, some are just as vitriolic as the beings found in The Chasm. Creatures from The Deep Astral Sea sometimes breach the veil and enter other realms, and vice versa, but typically, each stays within its own natural environment.

The Veil:

The Veil is a thin membrane of magic that surrounds each of the realms, protecting them from the Deep Astral Sea. This Veil appears as a thick layer of mist, approximately half a mile wide, in all realms except for The Ash Cleft, The Chasm, and The Shattered Peaks. In the Ash Cleft and the Chasm, a dense layer of smog replaces the wispy mist, while thick clouds cover the Shattered Peaks. The Veil is crucial, as it is the only barrier separating the realms from the wild and chaotic magical energy of the Deep Astral Sea.

The Realms:

The realms are the physical spaces inhabited by the people of Gevadun. Conceptually, they are islands in the Deep Astral Sea, providing a refuge from the ocean's chaotic and berating magical forces. Except for Praetoria and The Shattered Peaks, the realms were created by The Pantheon of the Nine. Each realm is unique and diverse, home to different life forms and various cultures. Kingdoms and empires span these realms, governed by powerful entities that have territorial control over the land. The realms are also rich in magical energy, serving as conduits for the incomprehensible amounts of magic that flow through the Deep Astral Sea. They are interconnected through bridges and the sea itself. One can either sail across the Deep Astral Sea or use a realm bridge to travel between realms. There may be more realms yet to be discovered within the Deep Astral Sea, as highlighted by the recent discovery of Praetoria, indicating that much remains unexplored.

The Aether:

The Aether is a layer of air above The Deep Astral Sea and the various realms. It separates Gevadun from The Night Sky, the domain of the stars, which is perpetually shrouded in the darkness of night. Little occurs in the Aether, as air does not transfer magic as effectively as water, making it significantly less dangerous than The Deep Astral Sea. If the people of Gevadun ever discover a way to create flying machines, traveling through the Aether could be an effective means of journeying between realms. For now, only the Dragons and other large winged creatures are able to fly through the Aether.

The Night Sky:

The Night Sky is home to the stars and embodies the essence of eternal night. It is a realm where Foul entities are scarce, making lesser Foul beings from The Night Sky exceedingly rare. Just as The Deep Astral Sea expands endlessly, so too does The Night Sky. Both areas are infused with magical energy, with the countless stars in The Night Sky radiating powerful mystical forces. The Night Sky is also the domain of dreams and nightmares, where those capable of astral projection can explore. However, caution is essential; dreamwalking in The Night Sky can be perilous, and many individuals become lost, stranded among the stars for eternity.

The Deep Astral Sea Floor:

The Deep Astral Sea extends infinitely, but is not a bottomless ocean. While it is unfathomably deep, it ultimately reaches the Deep Astral Sea Floor. Little is known about this mysterious layer of rock and debris, and its exact depth remains uncertain. This marks the bottom of the universe, where all the debris caught in The Deep Astral Sea will eventually settle for eternity.