The 6th level magicuser/elf spell Contact Outer Plane is our only source of information on the Outer Planes of the BX Dungeons and Dragons game engine. We are informed by a useful chart that contact may be made with intelligent entities located on the third to the twelfth planes, their chance of knowing the answer, their chance of lying, and the prospect of being driven insane by contact. Its uncertain at this point why there is no inclusion of planes one through two.
Scouring the internet for references to the twelve planes produced one reference: The twelve dimensions of conciousness.
Here we have:
The Twelve Planes
Plane Description
The First Plane The Singularity- the point from which elemental
forces are drawn forth. There is no conciousness
here. It is simply a source of elemental energy.
The Second Plane Borea- The Primordial Realm where Plants
and Lower Lifeforms exist.
The Third Plane Hyborea- The realm where Men and higher
Animals dwell. This is the physical plane on
which we function.
The Fourth Plane The Ether- The Astral Plane, The Dreaming. It is
here where higher conciousness begins.
The Fifth Plane The End of Illusion- Conciousness is free to
create.
The Sixth Plane The Crystal Conciousness- It is from here that
Clerics and Magicusers may create magic on an
individual level.
The Seventh Plane Total Self Awareness. Transition from 36th level
To Apprentice Immortality.
The Eighth Plane Life- Control of the story of life.
The Ninth Plane The Planet- Planetary Awareness.
The Tenth Plane The Solar System- Awareness of the Solarsystem.
The Eleventh Plane The Galaxy- Awareness of the Galaxy.
The Twelfth Plane The Universe- Ultimate Immortal form with
total awareness of the (Local) Universe.
Lower Planes
The Elemental: If the first plane is the source of elemental energy and form, then how does that shape the mythos? It means that the energy/element is raised to a plane where conciousness can shape it in form. Elementals are primitive and raw power while djinns and efreeti are sentient.
The Primordial: Elemental forces are pulled through this plane to the third so it must be damaging/rejuvinating to the plant and lower life forms. Maelstroms of air, fire, earth, water penetrate this region on their way to somewhere else.
The Middle Plane
Hyborea: Contact here involves contacting the mind of someone who can answer the questions to which the caster seeks answers. Who is behind the murder of Lady Tandi and the theft of the Bronze dagger of Doom? Down here, only the perpetrator or a witness would know so getting an answer (truthful or otherwise) might also alert the villain. There is five percent chance the caster will go insane just making contact.
Upper Planes
Higher and immortal conciousness exist out here.
The Ether: I suppose this is where the conciousness goes when they die. It would be where sentient Undead function, no longer part of primordial or higher life.
Beyond the Ether: Increasing universal awareness, the ability to draw on magic, and soforth. Out here be gods, and beyond them elder gods and universal conciousness.
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