Infinite planes? Really?

Fri Oct 18, 2013 12:01 am

Ok, according to the rules as written, each of the Elemental Planes is infinite in size. So how can the quasi- and para- planes exist? If the Elemental Plane of Fire and the Elemental Plane of Water are both infinite, then they have no "ends" that can touch and form the Para-Elemental Plane of Steam, for example.

Hmm. Anyone wanna tackle this?

Post by **Beowulf** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 1:08 am

I think they're infinite but oriented in "planes" located in a hypothetical fourth dimension. Infinite but they intersect at points. That's actually how quantum physicists theorize the universe might actually work (ie 'brane theory for "membranes").

Post by **Tarrax Ironwolf** » Fri Oct 18, 2013 12:22 pm

I agree with Beowulf on the brane theory. While infinite in their own dimension, each are their own. I was watching Through the Wormhole and they were tackling the reason why we experience déjà vu. They theorize that we have multiple dimensions of our universe floating in this vastness, and when two membranes come close enough to each other, if not actually touching for a single infinitesimal moment in time, we experience a moment that has and has not happened. Hence the feeling. Crazy sounding? Yes, but damn if it don't make for some awesome possibilities.

Post by **Beowulf** » Sat Oct 19, 2013 2:00 am

Reading about quantum mechanics can give a person a lot of great fantasy ideas! The truth may be stranger than fiction!

Post by **Mira** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:52 pm

Quantum mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of.

Post by **Halaster Blackcloak** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:09 pm

I came across a mention of another way the planes are set up, in the Planescape MC Vol. III book. (pg 116 under the wavefire entry). Interesting! The Plane fo Fire touched the Plane of Water, causing a hot Para-Plane of Steam, etc. Might be fun to tinker with the planes!

Post by **Beowulf** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 12:57 am

Yeah, room for cool effects. Also good opportunities to re-imagine how planar travel might work. I read once that the ancient Irish felt that there were two worlds, ours and a spirit world. The veil that separates the two is thinnest in old lonely places like bogs and mountain tops. That makes sense to me and is filed away for future D&D use.