Astral dominions, sometimes simply called dominions or more archaically the Outer Planes, are distinct planes connected by the Astral Sea which are inhabited and maintained often, but not always by a god or perhaps many gods. In many ways an astral dominion is a plane in of itself, and sometimes contains its own demiplanes. Nonetheless, each dominion is a part of the greater Astral Sea.^[1]

Each astral dominion is unique and shaped by the will and nature of its creator and ruler. Some dominions are planet-sized, whilst others are far smaller and no vaster than small cities or even singular structures, although in general dominions are depicted as wondrous isles floating in a vast and infinite sea.^[1] Because each dominion is within the Astral Sea none of the dominions, despite prior misconceptions before the Spellplague, are infinite in size, though they are often so large as to seem as though they are.^[2]

Often, astral dominions are viewed as places of divine reward or punishment, though this is not strictly true and most gods, evil or good, reward their faithful in the afterlife and some beings, such as githyanki who inhabit dominions do not partake in the running of the afterlife at all.^[1] However, deities who inhabit dominions do commonly retrieve the souls of their faithful from the Fugue Plane dominion and bring them to their own,^[2] though others are lost in the Shadowfell, ensnared by demons, bought by devils, or even sentenced to divine punishment in the Wall of the Faithless or the City of Judgment by Kelemvor.

The structure of the dominions has changed over time and no two dominions are exactly the same. Prior to the Spellplague the dominions, along with other parts of the local cosmology, were arranged in a shape described by scholars as similar to a tree but the collapse of the Weave resulted in the destruction of this structure, sending the dominions flying freely through the Astral Sea. Some dominions were merged into old ones, as the Golden Hills merged with Arvandor, split apart, as in the case of Mount Celestia, or were destroyed entirely, as Dweomerheart was.^[2]

Many astral dominions have connections with other planes, either other dominions or entirely separate planes such as the Prime or even elemental realms.^[2]

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Richard Baker, John Rogers, Robert J. Schwalb, James Wyatt (December 2008). Manual of the Planes 4th edition, p. 7. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-5002-7.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, p. 62. Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.