Ysgard (PWH)

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Some basher once pointed out that the planes seem to be oriented toward warfare. Acheron's one big battle, the Lower Planes rage with conflict from the Blood War, and a number of the other planes are sealed up tight like infinite fortresses—witness Arcadia. Ysgard follows that pattern. It's a place of heroes and the glories of battle and valor. The folks who call kip on this plane are as bloodthirsty as any fiend, in their own way.
When a planewalker first gets to Ysgard, he might not be able to distinguish it from Arborea. Tall mountains, deep gorges, mighty rivers, and thick forests make up the terrain. Arborea's got more of a good-natured attitude, however, and once a body meets the people, the differences become clear. The martial folk of Ysgard are more driven; celebrating's fine, but only after the battle's won. Glory's the thing—death means nothing.
Ysgard's three layers show fewer signs of civilization than Arborea, too. The populace, petitioners and planars alike, live in camps and rugged settlements with rough and wild conditions. The first layer (also called Ysgard) is by far the most heavily populated. One of the primary realms here, Asgard (these berks are more interested in honing their battle skills than coming up with original names, it would seem), is the home of the Norse pantheon of powers. Another realm, Alfheim, is an elven case. Travelers should be real peery about this place, as visitors here sometimes disappear. Chant is, some spell charms them into becoming permanent residents (that is, servants) of the place. Giants, bariaur, and fensir all call Ysgard their home as well. Snake-women and a number of werebeasts guard the Gates of the Moon, a realm which holds a planar pathway called the Infinite Staircase.
The second layer, Muspelheim, is the abode of giantkind, and is a fiery, inhospitable place. The last of the three layers, Nidavellir, is a lightless place where dwarves and elves of darkness (but not necessarily evil hearts) dwell.
Tarsheva Recommends: A dark elf in Nidavellir named Nivan not only takes guests into her home (for a price), but offers them valuable information as they talk around the evening meal (again, at a price).