-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	Manual of the Planes

The term "the planes" encompasses all the alternate levels of
reality that may be encountered in the AD&D
game. The planes are more than a different part of
a standard campaign, or a different planet to adventure on. The
many known planes have very different physical and magical
laws than most adventurers are used to. These planes each have
unique rewards as well as unique dangers.

The concept of the planes has evolved in the time since the creation
of the AD&D game; it will continue to evolve long after this
book goes to print. As the AD&D game universe currently stands,
there are five basic groupings of the planes:
    The Prime Material planes
    The Ethereal planes
    The inner planes
    The Astral plane
    The outer planes

The Prime Material planes are the ones most familiar to AD&D
game players. The rules governing those planes have been
detailed in other volumes of this hardback series. The Prime
Material Planes (the Primes) incl. many earth-like alternate
worlds and campaigns that operate from the same basic realities.
Each such plane is referred to by its inhabitants as the Prime
Material plane, or the Prime. All other Prime Material planes are
noted as Alternate Prime Material planes. Notes on the Alternate
Primes may be found in the first appendix at the end of the book.

The Ethereal planes are planes of misty proto-matter that exist
adjacent to each PMP (each PMP
has its own Ethereal plane, so there are also Alternate
Ethereal planes). It is not possible to travel between Alternate
Primes entirely by the Ethereal, though it is psb. ot travel
between the Prime and the inner planes. Nothing is solid in the
Ethereal, incl. living creatures and their possessions; unliving
objects such as weapons and armor may pass through each
other with ease. Within the Ethereal exist small finite islands of
matter known as demi-planes. These limited planes are covered
in the section on the Ethereal as well.

The Inner planes, also called the elemental planes, are regions
of primary forces, the building blocks of the multiverses. The
inner planes incl. the elemental planes of Earth, Air, Water,
and Fire, and the planes of Positive and Negative Energy.
Between the elemental planes are regions of mixed elemental
force known as the para-elemental planes; between the elemental
and Positive and Negative Material planes are regions known
as the quasi-elemental planes. In general, these planes are hostile
to non-elemental life, and travel within them is recommended
only for those who are prepared. The inner planes are not aligned
in the same manner as the outer planes, rather they are indifferent
to the affairs of other sentients.

The Astral plane is the link between the Prime Material plane
and the outer planes, much like the Ethereal is the link between
the Prime and the inner planes. Unlike the Ethereal, the Astral is
a generally barren place, described by travellers as a large VAULT
with occasional bits of solid matter and the gateways and silver
cords of other travellers. It is through the Astral that Alternate
Primes may be reached.

The outer planes, also called the planes of power, are realms
with terrain both like and unlike that of the PMP.
These planes are reached by gateways and the astral spell. Various
powerful beings (self-proclaimed gods, goddesses, and
demi-gods, as well as a full spectrum of other life) call the outer
planes home. The outer planes are the final resting places of
deceased sentient spirits <souls> native to the Prime Material planes.

The basic arrangement of the planes is depicted on page 6. A
simplified diagram of the connections between planar groups is
given on page 7.

Organization

This book is divided into four sections, one for each of hte other
major groupings of planes (Ethereal, inner, Astral, and outer).
Each of these sections is in TURN divided into subsections.

Overview: A brief overview begins each discussion of the
plane or planes. This covers the traveller's first impressions of the
plane upon entering that realm.

Travelling to the plane: The primary concern for the extra-planar
traveller is getting into (and often getting out of) a particular
plane. Transit between planes is usu. but not always magical
in nature, and incl. the following methods:

    Established spells and their variations
    Magical items
    Spell-like abilities
    Psionic abilities
    Free-standing artifacts (gates)

Survival: Upon reaching a particular plane, the next major
concern is for the traveller's survival. This includes such basics as
air, food, and water, as well as the effects of the plane on time,
gravity, sense of direction, hearing, and vision. Movement usu.
operates under unusual rules in other planes (for example,
the Astral has no gravity and movement is by thought alone).

Time: Time is a constant in the known planes of existence, and
can not be expanded, contracted, created, or destroyed. The
length of a day in one plane is the same number as the length of a
day in another plane. If a traveller leaves the PMP for the Ethereal
and spends 20 rounds in the Ethereal, 20 rounds
pass on the prime. This type of time is called "true time."

While time and the perception of its passage do not vary from
plane to plane, the effects of time on living objects do vary widely.
In planes where the effects of time are slowed, the traveller can go
long periods without sleep && food, while in those where the
effects are speeded up, the individual needs more sleep for the
same amount of true time. The time that regulates the differing
planar effects on living subjects is called "subjective time."

True time governs all actions, incl. movement, combat,
and the casting and durations of most spells. Subjective time
governs long-term processes that affect the traveller's metabolism
and natural functions. This incl. poisons, potions, the
effects paralysis and aging, the need for sleep && food, natural
healing, the recovery and research of spells, and spell-casting
that takes longer than one<1> turn. In general, all spells can be CAST
for normal duration unless otherwise noted; the exceptions are
usu. long-term spells that create permanent items, such as
golem, clone, and enchant an item.

True vs. Subjective Time in the Planes

PMPs	The two times are the same
Ethereal plane	10 true rounds pass for every one subjective round
Inner planes	One true round passes for every two subjective rounds
Astral plane	365,000 true rounds (approx. 170 true days) pass for every one subjective round
Outer planes	The two times are equal

Explained in other terms:
 

    These restrictions && advantages apply to travellers while on a
plane they are not native to. Natives of a plane are unaffected by
the subjective effects of that plane. A spell-using creature native
to the Ethereal regains spell USE by the passage of a standard
day in the Ethereal, while a visiting mage from the Prime
regains spells in 10 times that amount of time.

    The fact that true time applies equally for all planes applies only
to the major known planes. There are demi-planes and realms
within the outer planes where time functions in a completely different fashion,
and may speed up, slow down, or flow in reverse.

Encounters: A large part of each plane's description includes
possible encounters in that plane. General types of encounters
and example encounter charts are included. If the DM feels that
there is going to be a lot of travelling in that plane, he should feel
free to develop his own charts along the following lines.

    Monsters are defined as being Common to Very Rare (or in
some cases Unique) for every plane. A DM creating his own random
encounter charts should use a die range of 2-20, generated by
rolling an eight-sided die and a twelve-sided die. A DM
creating his own tables can fill that 2-20 range in the following manner.
 

D8 + D12 Roll	Frequency
2	Very Rare or Unique
3	Very Rare
4	Rare or Very Rare
5	Rare
6	Rare
7	Uncommon or choice between Two Very Rare
8	Uncommon or choice between Two Very Rare
9	Common or choice between Two Rare
10	Common or choice between Two Rare
11	Common or choice between Two Rare
12	Common or choice between Two Rare
13	Common or choice between Two Rare
14	Common or choice between Two Rare
15	Uncommon or choice between Two Very Rare
16	Uncommon or choice between Two Very Rare
17	Rare
18	Rare
19	Very Rare
20	Very Rare or Unique

Frequency of the monster is determined for that particular
plane (elemental creatures are more common in the inner planes
than in the PMP, for instance). Monster frequency
tables are included for each plane in its section.

Where a choice of monsters is indicated, the DM may either
place a single monster of the more frequent type, or list two less
frequent types to choose between when the number is rolled.

A unique creature is named and is the only one of its type
(though it may have incarnations on other planes). Demon lords
such as Orcus and animal kings such as the Cat Lord are unique
beings. Most unique beings fall into the category of Deities. The
abilities of these Deities are described in Appendix IV.

In many cases, there are not sufficient examples of creatures from
a typical plane to fill an encounter chart. This happens for planes that
are either not visited often or have little cause to send representatives
to the PMP. While the DM may create original
creatures for his campaign, general types of creatures may be created
by the method in Appendix II for encounters.

Combat: Combat includes melee combat and missile fire, as well
as all nonmagical harmful substances, such as poisons, fire, and
acid. Combat functions depend on the physical nature of the plane
itself. Common tactics in the planes are covered in this section.

Magic: The myriad planes vary most dramatically from the Prime
in their handling of magic and magical effects (spells available
to magic-users, clerics, and their sub-classes). How a plane
affects spells is handled by noting the plane's effects on spells of
a certain type (the spell type is given in parentheses after the
spell name in the PH and UA).

Abjuration spells are primarily concerned with the prevention
and exclusion of particular magical and nonmagical effects, situations,
or individuals, and include most spells of protection,
avoidance, and repellence.

Alteration spells modify existing conditions or beings through
the infusion of magical energy.

Conjuration/Summoning spells are a combination of two separate
magics in variable quantities: The conjuration part brings in
matter from elsewhere, while the summoning portion creates a
duct between the caster and some greater power.

Divination spells uncover that which is hidden under normal circumstances.
These may be spells that detect magical effects,
invisibility and the like, or spells that reveal future events. Also in
this category are spells that contact powerful extradimensional
creatures, but do not involve direct action by those creatures.

Enchantment/Charm spells place an enchantment on a being
or item. When cast on an item, these spells usu. invest the
object with magical powers. These spells are commonly used to
induce particular emotional or mental states in living beings. The
magic jar spell, originally listed as a possession spell, is really an
enchantment/charm spell.

Evocation and invocation spells channel magical energy to create
specific effects and types of matter. Invocations are dedicated
to a particular powerful extradimensional being and are
usually confined to clerics, while evocations involve utilizing the
natural magical energy of the planes.

Illusion/Phantasm spells are those that create a false reality. This
includes the bulk of the spells listed for the illusionist sub-class. Illusions
alone create the apparent existence of items in the mind of
the viewers, while phantasms create a shadow reality that gives these
illusions the power to affect the viewer as if real.

Necromantic spells affect the health, HP, or normal functioning
of a living or once-living target. Spells that increase or
decrease HP, cause or cure disease, or restore lost souls to
their bodies are all necromantic spells.

A summary of magical spells divided according to level and spell type is given on pages 8 and 9.

Magic USE on other planes is limited by the rules for each spell type.
On a particular plane, for example, abjuration spells may be
severly limited, conjuration/summoning spells may have advantages,
and divination spells may not function at all. Further, the
physical limitations of a plane (such as the lack of gravity in the
Astral, or the heat of the plane of Elemental Fire) causes some
spells to behave differently than in the PMP.

When discussing magic, this book defines the rules for each
type of magic in each plane and also provides examples and
exceptions to help the DM determine the effects of spells that
may be developed by players or future game additions.

Spells that combine the effects of a number of the types listed
here (such as alteration-evocations) are constrained by the limitations
on both types of spell.

The magic section also includes any notes on magical items
that apply to that plane. In general, the following rules govern
magical items on the known planes of existence:

Potions, including oils, follow the rules governing alteration
spells on each plane. Philter-type potions, such as philter of love,
are enchantment/charm magic.

Scrolls with spells obey the rules that regulate the
particular type of spell. Scrolls that offer protection
against particular creatures,
attacks, or situations are considered abjuration magic.

Rings generally use alteration magic in their operation. There
are several exceptions, including the following:

* Rings that call upon extradimensional creatures use
conjuration/summoning magic.

* Rings that command or control other entities use
enchantment/charm magic.

* Rings that provide protection or spell turning use abjuration
magic.

* Rings that inspire delusion radiate the type of magic of
the ring it is thought to be (this is part of the enchantment).

* Rings that cast several types of spells or have multiple types
of spell-like uses obey the rules governing the type of spell they
are casting at the moment.

Wands generally use evocation magic. Some exceptions:

* Wands that detect or locate specific items, such as metal,
enemies, or magic, use divination magic.

* Wands of conjuration use conjuration/summoning magic.

* The wand of illusions uses illusion/phantasm magic.

* The wand of negation uses abjuration magic.

* The wand of wonder obeys the rules for the spell type it is
currently casting.

Staves follow the rules of the spell type they contain, either by
spell type, or according to the definitions of the spells above.
A staff of the magi, for example, contains divination, evocation,
alteration, and conjuration/summoning type magic, various uses, and
obeys the rules of the spell type currently in use.

Rods generally use alteration magic. Those that have specific
spell-like abilities obey the rules for those spell types.

Miscellaneous magical items use the full range of spell types.
For example, a crystal ball works by divination magic, while a trident of fish commanding employs
enchantment/charm magic, and a
robe of blending uses alteration magic. Those items that inflict
physical damage (a maul of the titans) are affected as swords and
miscellaneous weapons (see below).

Swords and miscellaneous weapons have their magical
powers reduced the farther they are taken from their plane of origin.
For each plane removed (full plane, not demi-plane or level of
a larger plane), the sword or weapon loses one plus to hit and
damage. A +2 sword from the Prime becomes a +1 sword in the
Ethereal, and a nonmagical sword in an inner plane. Swords and
weapons that become nonmagical in this fashion lose all their
other abilities. Weapons enchanted for a specific purpose (such
as the frostbrand, which is +3, +6 vs. fire-dwelling creatures)
lose one plus from both for each plane removed (+1, +4 when
two planes removed, +0, +3 when three planes removed).
These items retain their enchantment until they lose the pluses
from both regular bonus and special enchantment.

Weapons with spell-like abilities have those abilities affected
as for their spell types. Certain weapons, such as the sword of the planes are
enchanted so as to be more powerful on other planes.
The plane of origin for most weapons, unless otherwise determined
by the DM, is the plane where they are discovered or forged.
Any changes in the abilities of weapons (and other magical items)
are only in effect while on that plane; the items return to normal
upon leaving the plane. Swords and other weapons that
are of exceptional quality or that gain pluses from being made of
rare materials do not have these bonuses removed by passing
into other planes of existence.

Armor and shields are also reduced in magical effect the farther
they are taken from their plane of origin. These items' magical
abilities are governed by the rules for the spells they duplicate.
Again, the plane of origin for armor and shields is the
plane where they are forged or discovered. Armor and shields
that gain bonuses from quality workmanship or speical nonmagical
materials do not have these bonuses reduced.

Artifacts are unaffected by travel through the planes. If an artifact's
power is used to create an impossible effect (such as summoning
a nonnative god to the Ethereal plane), the artifact
immediately plane shifts itself and its owner to the nearest planar
location where it can use the effect.

Player Characters: This section covers all noncombat, nonspell-casting
character abilities, and includes such things as
thieving skills, a paladin's special abilities, relearning spells, and
advancement. Many of these rules can be deduced from the
physical description of the plane, but are stated here so that there
are no ambiguities in running PCs on other planes.

Features: This last section includes special items of note and
those areas commonly reached by extraplanar visitors. In the
outer planes, for instance, this includes the common homes of
the gods that travellers stumble into, while in the Ethereal it
covers the demi-planes' small self-contained alien worlds. This section
is not intended to provide the DM or the players with a full
listing of everything in the plane, but only to provide a basis
for further adventuring in these realms.