5 Planes Theory

> "If the monar are truly to be believed, our universe is not an only child. Rather, they are the middle child of two opposing ideas. Everything and nothing; Ayanir is nestled at the seam."
> *- Conversations with the Patrons, Ine (Bim): 1,244*
>
>

The Five Planes Theory was put forth by the scholar and spiritual aethrist Bim Ine in the first age of The Niriad. It outlines the structure of the macro universe in a way that explains the existence, relationships, and importance of each one.

The theory models that universe as a plane that houses five unique planes of existence. Each plane holds vastly different properties, and all are intrinsically bound together through a constant struggle between absolute chaos and absolute oblivion. The universes are: Aetha, Imonar, Ayanir, Siyanyr, and Nok. In most Niradian religions, the different planes are commonly associated with a greater concept or theme.

## The Planes

The Chaotic Universe
 Imonar
The God Realm
 Ayanir
The Physical Plane
 Siyanyr
The Silent Plane
 Nok
The Void,
Nothingness

## Passage Between The Planes

Passage between universes is possible. However, it is not possible for every type of being. Additionally, since each universe is housed in the others - a traveller has no ability to jump over one universe for another. For example; a being from Imonar would have to travel through Ayanir in order to get to Siyanyr (this exertion alone is the main reason that they don't).

#### Aetha to Imonar

Travelling from Aether to Monar is so easy that the chaotic energy of aethora is constantly travelling between the two. Feeding the beings in the Plane of Imonar and influence the monar that reside there. However, travelling from Imonar into the Aetha is impossible. It would create multiple paradoxes in addition to being far too abstract for even the monar to be able to survive.

#### Imonar to Ayanir

Travelling from Imonar to Ayanir is relatively easy for the monar to accomplish. The main difficulty is staying in Ayanir for extended periods of time. Remaining in a more structured universe is extremely taxing for monar, and so the practice of aethic tethering is frequently used for elementals of all ranks. Since most elements of Ayanir were created and protected by the monar, there is a strong relationship between the monar and the people of The Niriad.

Travelling from Ayanir into Monar is possible, but only through the process of aethic projection. This is an extremely dangerous and complex practice due to the pure aethic capacity required to accomplish the task. In order to travel into Imonar, a physical being would have to leave behind their corporeal body and simply project their aethic form. This is only accomplished by the most talented aethrists.

#### Ayanir to Siyanyr

Passage between these two universes is not always possible, except for when there is a surplus of chaotic energy in Ayanir. Surplus aethora is deposited into Siyanyr to be destroyed through a phenomenon called the Felewum - essentially a tunnel between the planes. If too much aethora is being deposited and the Felewum stays open too long, beings from either universe can pass through. Niradians travelling into Siyanyr will not survive long due to the oppressive way the universe operates. Void beings (such as Ragol) from Siyanyr are able to travel easily into Ayanir, but only do so at the request of Okaren and Arik; usually during a Siege period.

#### Siyanyr to Nok

There is no way to travel to Nok without losing all trace of life. For this reason, Nok is often a signifier of death in Niradian religions.