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{{Short description|Plane of existence in Dungeons & Dragons}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More footnotes needed|date=August 2020}}
{{In-universe|subject = Dungeons & Dragons|category = Dungeons & Dragons|date = August 2020}}
}}
{{Planes of existence}}
In the fantasy [[role-playing game]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', an '''Outer Plane''' is one of a number of general types of [[plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|planes of existence]]. They can also be referred to as ''godly planes'', ''spiritual planes,'' or ''divine planes''. The Outer Planes are home to beings such as [[Deity|deities]] and their servants such as [[Demons (Dungeons & Dragons)|demons]], [[Celestials (Dungeons & Dragons)|celestial]]s and [[Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)|devils]]. Each Outer Plane is usually the physical manifestation of a particular moral and [[ethics|ethical]] [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|alignment]] and the entities that dwell there often embody the traits related to that alignment.

The intangible and [[esoteric]] Outer Planes—the realms of [[Ideal (ethics)|ideals]], philosophies, and [[gods]]—stand in contrast to the [[Inner Plane]]s, which compose the material building blocks of reality and the realms of energy and [[matter]].

All Outer Planes are spatially infinite but are composed of features and locations of finite scope. Many of these planes are often split into a collection of further infinites called ''layers'', which are essentially sub-planes that represent one particular facet or theme of the plane. For example, [[Baator]]'s geography is reminiscent of [[Hell]] as depicted in [[Dante Alighieri|Dante]]'s ''[[The Divine Comedy]]''. In addition, each layer may also contain a number of ''realms''. Each realm is the home to an individual deity, and occasionally a collection of deities.
{{TOC limit|3}}

==Publication history==
The Outer Planes were presented for the first time in Volume 1, Number 8 of ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'', released July 1977 as part of the Great Wheel of Planes.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=Manual of the Planes (1e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17009/Manual-of-the-Planes-1e|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=Dungeon Masters Guild|language=en}}</ref> In the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", [[Gary Gygax]] mentions that there are 16 Outer Planes and describes the Seven Heavens, the Twin Paradises, and Elysium as "Typical higher planes", Nirvana as the "plane of ultimate Law" and Limbo as the "plane of ultimate Chaos (entropy)", and the Nine Hells, Hades' three glooms, and the 666 layers of the Abyss as "Typical lower planes". Other Outer Planes mentioned by name in the article include the Happy Hunting Grounds, Olympus, Gladsheim, Pandemonium, Tarterus, Gehenna, Acheron, and Arcadia.<ref name="Dragon8">{{cite magazine |last=Gygax |first=Gary  |author-link=Gary Gygax |date=July 1977 |title=Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D |magazine=[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]] |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]] |volume=I |issue=8 |page=4}}</ref>

The Outer Planes were further "refined in the [[Player's Handbook#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|''Players Handbook'']] (1978) and ''[[Deities & Demigods]]'' (1980)".<ref name=":3" /> The appendix of the ''Player's Handbook'' included an abstract diagram of the planes, and mentioned the same 16 Outer Planes: the Seven Heavens of absolute lawful good, the Twin Paradises of neutral good lawfuls, the planes of Elysium of absolute neutral good, the Happy Hunting Grounds of neutral good chaotics, the planes of Olympus of good chaotics, the planes of Gladsheim (Asgard, Valhalla, Vanaheim, etc.) of chaotic good neutrals, the planes of Limbo of neutral (absolute) chaos (entropy), the Planes of Pandemonium of chaotic evil neutrals, the 666 layers of the Abyss of absolute chaotic evil, the planes of Tarterus of evil chaotic neutrals, Hades' "Three Glooms" of absolute (neutral) evil, the furnaces of Gehenna of lawful evil neutrals, the Nine Hells of absolute lawful evil, the nether planes of Acheron of lawful evil neutrals, Nirvana of absolute (neutral) lawfuls, and the planes of Arcadia of neutral good lawfuls.<ref name="PHB78">{{cite book |last=Gygax |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Gygax |year=1978 |title=[[Player's Handbook|Players Handbook]] |edition=1st |publisher=TSR |isbn=0-935696-01-6}}</ref> Shannon Appelcline, the author of ''Designers & Dragons'', highlighted that throughout the early 1980s ''Dragon'' magazine would continue to detail "some of the planes in more depth", however, "there was no overarching plan for the planes of D&D other than a few increasingly old drawings".<ref name=":3" />

Both Appelcline<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=OP1 Tales of the Outer Planes (1e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17055/OP1-Tales-of-the-Outer-Planes-1e|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=Dungeon Masters Guild|language=en}}</ref> and Curtis D. Carbonell, in his book the ''Dread Trident: Tabletop Role-Playing Games and the Modern Fantastic'', highlighted that information on the planes and the shared cosmology was codified in the ''[[Manual of the Planes]]'' (1987) and ''[[Tales of the Outer Planes]]'' (1988).<ref name=":2" /> Carbonell wrote that project leader and designer [[Jeff Grubb]] detailed "the schematization of the planes' requisite five area: the Prime Material, the Ethereal, the Astral, the Inner, and the Outer planes. This basic structure is still used in 5e, with some changes that provide minor rearrangements and clarifications [...]. Grubb's approach demonstrated a need to codify, while still remaining flexible, that has remained as a primary aim of the latest edition".<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Carbonell|first=Curtis D.|title=Dread Trident: Tabletop Role-Playing Games and the Modern Fantastic|date=2019|isbn=978-1-78962-468-7|location=Liverpool|oclc=1129971339}}</ref>{{rp|93}}

Carbonell also highlighted that the 1989 [[Spelljammer]] campaign setting added cosmology that "allowed travel between the different settings" such as ''[[Dragonlance]]'', ''Greyhawk'', and the ''[[Forgotten Realms]]''.<ref name=":2" />{{rp|97}} However, campaign settings such as ''[[Dark Sun]]'' and ''[[Ravenloft]]'' were inaccessible in this cosmology. Then in 1993, TSR wanted to do a series of books about the Outer Planes. Zeb Cook, creator of the [[Planescape]] universe, describes it this way: <blockquote>So there was this huge collection of over ten years of stuff that was just kind of quietly ignored with no sense of logic to it, and we figured that 'Oh, we don't need to explain it—it's enough to say "It came from The Outer Planes.{{"'}} So [one of the TSR designers] said, 'Let's do this series of books, one about each Plane,' which would have been about 10 million books, so TSR said, 'Well, that's a good idea, but 10&nbsp;million books is not such a great idea. We'd rather create a campaign world that's set in the Outer Planes,' because they had figured out by that point that worlds sold. And so they came to me, the senior designer with a huge gaping hole in my schedule, and wanted me to take this idea and execute it. 'Make us a campaign world that's completely different from all of the ones we have....'<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 2003 |title=Planescape Torment Preview |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/014/052/planescape_preview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030806200948/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/014/052/planescape_preview.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 August 2003 }}</ref></blockquote>Carbonell called the 1994 Planescape campaign setting "the most complex example of the multiverse created during the varieties of 2e's AD&D settings" and wrote: "A more nuanced and sophisticated attempt at harmonization, Planescape provided an alternate way to travel between the planes than Spelljammer's science-fantasy-oriented approach".<ref name=":2" />{{rp|98}} The 3rd edition ''Manual of the Planes'' (2001) detailed both the inner and outer planes. Kevin Kulp, for [[Dungeon Masters Guild|DMs Guild]], wrote that "the authors used an approach that said 'here's how it's been done in the past, and here are other ways you can do it,' which allowed the book to avoid setting planar mechanics in stone. Instead it gave DMs a modular approach by presenting Options, a flexible strategy that pleased both 1e and Planescape fans. Vast amounts of new ideas and new locations were presented, dovetailing nicely with canon from earlier editions".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Kulp|first=Kevin|title=Manual of the Planes (3e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.dmsguild.com/product/25109/Manual-of-the-Planes-3e|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=Dungeon Masters Guild|language=en}}</ref>

The 4th edition ''Manual of the Planes'' (2008) shifted the locations of the various Outer Planes to fit the new World Axis cosmology.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=Manual of the Planes (4e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.dmsguild.com/product/58822/Manual-of-the-Planes-4e|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=www.dmsguild.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|date=April 23, 2015|title=An Elementary Look at the Planes|url=https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/elementary-look-planes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426175133/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/elementary-look-planes|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> However, the 5th edition ''Player's Handbook'' (2014) and ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' (2014) shifted most of the cosmology of the planes back to the Great Wheel model with some aspects of the World Axis model retained in the descriptions of the inner planes.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />

==Standard ''D&D'' cosmology==
[[File:Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Great Wheel planar cosmology.svg|thumb|The 'Great Wheel' model of the planes, as described in the 5th edition ''Player's Handbook'']]
The standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') cosmology contains sixteen Outer Planes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2021|title=Dungeons & Dragons Outer Planes & Afterlives Explained|url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-dnd-outer-planes-afterlife-heaven-hell/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref> This cosmology is outlined in the Great Wheel model where the Outer Planes are arranged in a ring of sixteen planes with the [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Good]]-aligned planes (or ''Upper Planes'') at the top, and the [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Evil]]-aligned planes (or ''Lower Planes'') at the bottom. Depictions usually display the [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Lawful]] planes (or Planes of Law) to the left, and the [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Chaotic]] planes (or Planes of Chaos) to the right. Between all of these sit the [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Neutral]] planes, or the Planes of Conflict.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=April 5, 2020|title=Dungeons & Dragons: A Guide to the Planes|url=https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-dragons-guide-to-the-planes/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2021|title=D&D: A Beginner's Guide To The Multiverse|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-multiverse-beginners-guide/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> The center contains the [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)#Great Wheel cosmology|Inner and Material Planes]].<ref name=":4" />

One further plane sits in the center of the ring, the [[Outlands]], being neutral in alignment. At the center of the Outlands is a Spire of infinite height; the city of [[Sigil (Dungeons & Dragons)|Sigil]] floats above the Spire's pinnacle.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 20, 2021|title=D&D: 10 Outer Planes To Add To Your Next Campaign|url=https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-and-dragons-outer-planes-next-campaign/|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref>

This D&D cosmology is the standard cosmology in the 3rd and 5th Editions and is the official cosmology used in [[campaign setting]]s such as ''[[Planescape]]'' and ''[[Greyhawk]]''.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" /> "It's common for gods from different campaign settings to share a plane but maintain their own space. Mount Celestia, for example, houses both Heironeous from Greyhawk and Torm from the Forgotten Realms".<ref name=":0" /> Many of the alternative names derive from the 1st-edition ''[[Manual of the Planes]]'' (1987), and the in-game explanation given in the Planescape setting is that these names are used by the "Clueless", or characters from the Prime Material unfamiliar with the planes.

{{Outer Planes}}

===4th Edition differences===
The 4th Edition World Axis model outlines that the mortal world is between "the Astral Sea above and the Elemental Chaos below".<ref name=":5" /> Most of the Outer Planes are now located in the Astral Sea (such as Celestia and the Nine Hells). The Abyss is an exception; it is now located in the Elemental Chaos.<ref name=":5" />

== Cosmology in campaign settings ==
Other ''Dungeons & Dragons'' cosmologies were developed after Greyhawk for various other campaign settings, however, "they would be subsumed under 5e's umbrella concept of the multiverse".<ref name=":2" />{{rp|95}}

===Forgotten Realms cosmology===
The ''Forgotten Realms'' cosmology was originally the same as that of a standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' campaign.  The cosmology for the 3rd edition of ''D&D'' was altered substantially so that it contained twenty-six Outer Planes, arranged in a tree-like structure around the central 'trunk' of the [[Prime Material Plane|material plane]] of [[Abeir-Toril|Toril]]. Unlike the Outer Planes of the standard D&D cosmology which were heavily alignment-based, the Outer Planes of the ''Forgotten Realms'' cosmology were faith-based.

The planes of the Forgotten Realms were retooled in the 4th Edition to match the new default cosmology, with many of the planes or realms being relocated to the Astral Sea, and a handful now located in the Elemental Chaos. Appelcline highlighted that the 4th Edition World Axis model "had actually originated with the Forgotten Realms, which was planning a view of the heavens as early as 2005 or 2006. It was then co-opted by the SCRAMJET world design team for D&D 4e".<ref name=":5" />

The Barrens of Doom and Despair plane is designed to be inhospitable to ''Dungeons & Dragons'' [[player character]]s. Even though there is little light or water, other characters from the franchise can be found here. Five deities make their homes here, including [[Bane (Forgotten Realms)|Bane]] (his home was previously referred to as [[Acheron (Dungeons & Dragons)|Acheron]]), [[Beshaba]], [[Hoar (Forgotten Realms)|Hoar]], [[Loviatar (Forgotten Realms)|Loviatar]], and [[Talona]]. The Barrens of Doom and Despair consist of a single infinite plane, with no constituent layers. It links via the [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)#Astral Plane|Astral Plane]] to the planes of the [[Prime Material Plane|Prime Material]] (such as [[Abeir-Toril|Toril]]) and a number of portals directly connect it with Hammergrim and the Blood Rift. Beshaba's realm, the Blood Tor, links directly to the [[Abyss (Dungeons & Dragons)|Abyss]].

==== List of Forgotten Realms planes ====
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
* [[#Abyss|The Abyss]]
* [[#Arborea|Arvandor]]
* The Barrens of Doom and Despair
* Blood Rift
* Brightwater
* Clangor
* Deep Caverns
* The Demonweb Pits
* Dragon Eyrie
* Dwarfhome
* [[Dweomerheart]]
* The Fated Depths
* Fury's Heart
* The Gates of the Moon
* Golden Hills
* Green Fields
* Hammergrim
* Heliopolis
* The House of Knowledge
* The House of Nature
* The House of the Triad
* Jotunheim
* [[#Baator|The Nine Hells]]
* Nishrek
* The Supreme Throne
* Warrior's Rest
}}

=== Eberron cosmology ===
{{See also|World of Eberron}}
The ''Eberron'' cosmology, used in the original ''[[Eberron]]'' [[campaign setting]], contained thirteen Outer Planes in 3rd edition,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040401201444/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a excerpt] from Chapter 5 of the ''Eberron Campaign Setting''.</ref> and gained at least two for 4th edition under the new cosmology. They exhibit traits similar to those of the ''standard D&D cosmology'' but also some (Irian, Mabar, Fernia, and Risia) appear more like [[Inner Plane]]s. The cosmology was unique in that the Outer Planes orbited around Eberron through the [[Astral Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|Astral plane]]. As they orbited, their overlap with the material plane changed and access to those planes became easier or restricted.

Like most other D&D campaign settings, in 3rd edition ''D&D'' Eberron has a number of [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|planes]]. Besides the Prime Material Plane, the Ethereal Plane, the Plane of Shadow, and the Astral Plane, the Eberron Campaign Setting has thirteen relatively unique planes. Gates or portals to any of the planes are very rare. These thirteen planes metaphysically orbit around Eberron, and depending on their current location are considered in one of four states.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Mat|date=March 9, 2004|title=Some Perspective on the World of Eberron|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040401201444/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 1, 2004|access-date=April 9, 2006}}</ref>
* Waxing/Waning – The plane is either approaching or moving away from Eberron. Planar travel occurs as normal.
* Coterminous – The plane actually touches Eberron, and certain effects are strengthened in Eberron. Also, it may be possible to travel between planes by going to an appropriate spot. For example, when Risia, the Plain of Ice is coterminous, one may enter the plane from Eberron by walking into a blizzard. Because of seals placed by the Gatekeeper druids, Xoriat, the Realm of Madness, is incapable of becoming coterminous with Eberron.
* Remote – The plane is furthest from Eberron, and certain effects are weakened in Eberron. Also, reaching a remote plane with the spell ''plane shift'' is difficult and requires a high DC check. Because of the conflict between the Quori and the giants of Xen'drik, Dal Quor is always considered remote from Eberron.

==== List of Eberron planes ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name
! Alignment
! Enhanced magic
! Impeded magic
! Coterminous / Remote / Orbit
|-
| Daanvi, the Perfect Order
|Law (strong)
|Lawful
|Chaotic
|100 years / 100 years / 400 years
|-
| Dal Quor, the Region of Dreams
|None
|Illusion
|None
|never / always / off orbit
|-
| Dolurrh, the Realm of the Dead
|None
|None
|All
|1 year / 1 year / 100 years
|-
| Fernia, the Sea of Fire
|Evil
|Fire
|Cold
|1 month / 1 month / 5 years
|-
| Irian, the Eternal Day
|None
|Positive energy
|Negative energy
|10 days / 10 days / 3 years
|-
| Kythri, the Churning Chaos
|Chaos (strong)
|Chaotic
|Lawful
|erratic / erratic / erratic
|-
| Lamannia, the Twilight Forest
|None
|Druidic
|None
|7 days / 7 days / 1 year
|-
| Mabar, the Endless Night
|None
|Negative energy
|Positive energy
|3 days / 5 days / 5 years
|-
| Risia, the Plane of Ice
|Evil
|Cold
|Fire
|1 month / 1 month / 5 years
|-
| Shavarath, the Battleground
|Varies
|Weapon-related
|Pacifying, charms
|1 year / unknown / 36 years
|-
| Syrania, the Azure Sky
|Good (strong)
|Good
|Evil
|1 day / 1 day / 10 years
|-
| Thelanis, the Faerie Court
|None
|Arcane
|None
|7 years / 14 years / 225 years
|-
| Xoriat, the Realm of Madness
|Evil
|None
|None
|unknown / unknown / millennia
|}

==Fictional descriptions==
=== List of planes ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Name
!Alternative Name(s)
!Alignment
!Description
!Notable native inhabitants
|-
|[[Elysium (Dungeons & Dragons)|Elysium]]
|Blessed Fields
|[[Neutral Good]]
|The plane of peace and unadulterated goodness.
|
*[[Guardinal]]s: noble immortal humanoids with bestial features
*[[Pelor]]: The sun-deity
|-
|[[Beastlands|The Beastlands]]
|Happy Hunting Grounds
|[[Neutral Good]]/[[Chaotic good]]
|The plane of idealized nature.
|
*[[Animal Lord (D&D)|Animal lords]]: archetypal rulers of the various animal [[species]]
*[[Ehlonna]]: Goddess of forests
|-
|[[Arborea (Dungeons & Dragons)|Arborea]]
|Arvandor, Olympus, Olympian Glades
|Chaotic good
|Fey realm of passion, abundance and nature's caprice.
|
*[[Eladrin]] and The Court of Stars
*[[Titan (Dungeons & Dragons)|Titan]]s and gods of [[Greek mythology]]
*The [[Seldarine]] pantheon of Elven gods
|-
|[[Ysgard]]
|Asgard, Gladsheim, Heroic Domains
|[[Chaotic neutral]]/[[Chaotic good]]
|The eternal battleground where true heroes prove their valor.
|
* Gods of [[Norse mythology]]
* [[Kord (Greyhawk)|Kord]]: God of strength
* [[Olidammara]]: God of rogues
|-
|[[Limbo (Dungeons & Dragons)|Limbo]]
|Plane of Ever-Changing Chaos
|Chaotic neutral
|An alien, anarchistic and unpredictable plane.
|
* [[Slaad]]: frog-like creatures
* [[Githzerai]]: human-like monks
|-
|[[Pandemonium (Dungeons & Dragons)|Pandemonium]]
|Plane of Windswept Depths
|[[Chaotic evil]]/[[Chaotic neutral]]
|An infinite network of pitch-black catacombs, with winds that drive men mad.
|
*[[Erythnul]]: God of hate and slaughter
|-
|[[Abyss (Dungeons & Dragons)|The Abyss]]
|Plane of Infinite Layers
|Chaotic evil
|Evil lands of shocking perversity and unpredictable horror.
|
* [[Demon (Dungeons & Dragons)|Tanar'ri]] Demons: Mortal enemies of the Baatezu
* Obyrith Demons: Lovecraftian ancestors to the Tanar'ri
* [[Demon (Dungeons & Dragons)|Loumara]] Demons:Newest race of demons born by the dying dreams of evil gods
* [[Lolth]]: Spider Goddess of the Drow
* [[Demogorgon (Dungeons & Dragons)|Demogorgon]]: Beastly Prince of Demons
* [[Graz'zt]] : The Dark Prince of Demons
* [[Orcus (Dungeons & Dragons)|Orcus]]: The Demon Lord of the Undead
* [[Iggwilv]]: Witch Queen of Perrenland, Mother of Demigod [[Iuz]]. Infamous author of the blasphemous ''[[Demonomicon]]''. The true identity of [[List of Greyhawk characters#Tasha|Tasha]], member of the infamous adventuring group known as the [[Company of Seven]].
|-
|[[Carceri (Dungeons & Dragons)|Carceri]]
|Tarterus, Tartarus
|[[Neutral evil]]/[[Chaotic evil]]
|Liars, cheats and traitors are imprisoned here by their own deceptions.
|
* [[Nerull]]: God of murder and darkness
* Titans exiled from Olympus
* [[Demodand]]s (Gehreleth)
* Yugoloths: presence largely confined to Othrys
|-
|[[Gray Waste|The Gray Waste]]
|Hades
|Neutral evil
|Here, all emotion and compassion is drained away, until only hopelessness, selfishness and apathy remain as baatezu and tanar'ri meet and clash in a colorless expanse.
|
* Yugoloths (Daemons)
* [[Demon (Dungeons & Dragons)|Tanar'ri]] and [[Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)|Baatezu]] fight the [[Blood War]] on this plane
* [[Abbathor]]: God of dwarven greed.
* Grey Sisters (Night Hags)
* [[Hades]]: Greek god of death and the underworld. Believed to be the most powerful deity on the plane.
* [[Hel (being)|Hel/ Hela]]: Norse goddess of death.
* Mydianchlarus: Current Oinoloth of Khin-Oin.
* [[Hordlings]]
|-
|Gehenna
|Plane of Bleak Eternity
|[[Neutral evil]]/[[Lawful evil]]
|Volcanic realm of evil schemes and merciless cliffs.
|
* Yugoloths (Daemons)
|-
|[[Baator]]
|Hell; The Nine Hells
|Lawful evil
|A realm of oppression, torment, and diabolical plots.
|
* [[Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)|Baatezu]] (Devils): mortal enemies of the Tanar'ri
* [[Tiamat (Dungeons & Dragons)|Tiamat]]: The Chromatic Dragon
* [[Kurtulmak]]: God of Kobolds
* [[Asmodeus (Dungeons & Dragons)|Asmodeus]]: Lord of the Ninth. Previously believed to have used the name Satan as one of numerous aliases.
|-
|[[Acheron (Dungeons & Dragons)|Acheron]]
|The Infernal Battlefield
|[[Lawful neutral]]/[[Lawful evil]]
|A plane of constant, pointless war, where identity is forever lost.
|
* Gods of the [[Goblin (Dungeons & Dragons)|goblins]] and orcs, such as [[Gruumsh]] and [[Maglubiyet]]
* [[Wee Jas]]: Goddess of death and magic
* [[Hextor]]: God of Tyranny
|-
|[[Mechanus]]
|Nirvana
|Lawful neutral
|This clockwork plane is the ultimate in order; scholars and constructs live here.
|
* [[Modron (Dungeons & Dragons)|Modrons]], orderly geometrically shaped beings
* Inevitables, mechanical enforcers of all law
|-
|[[Arcadia (Dungeons & Dragons)|Arcadia]]
|The Land of Perfect Order, Plane of Peaceable Kingdoms
|[[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|Lawful neutral]]/[[Lawful good]]
|A peaceful world of wildlands and kingdoms where all live in harmony.
|
* [[Saint Cuthbert (Dungeons & Dragons)|Saint Cuthbert]]: God of Retribution and Common Sense
|-
|[[Mount Celestia]]
|The Seven Heavens
|Lawful good
|Countless [[Paladin (Dungeons & Dragons)|paladins]] and [[saint]]s have ascended here.
|
* [[Angel (Dungeons & Dragons)|Aasimon]]s, [[Archon (Dungeons & Dragons)|Archon]]s and [[Deva (Dungeons & Dragons)|Deva]]s
* [[Bahamut (Dungeons & Dragons)|Bahamut]]: The Platinum Dragon
* [[Heironeous]]: God of Valor
* [[Moradin]]: God of Dwarves
* [[Yondalla]]: Goddess of Halflings
|-
|[[Bytopia]]
|Twin Paradises
|Neutral good/Lawful good
|[[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)|Gnome]]s and other industrious folk dwell here.
|
* Garl Glittergold and other Gods of the Gnomes
|-
|[[Outlands (Dungeons & Dragons)|The Outlands]]
|Plane of Concordant Opposition
|[[Neutral (alignment)|True Neutral]]
|The plane between all other Outer Planes.
|
* [[Rilmani]]: Metallic skinned humanoids
* [[Boccob]]: God of Magic
* [[Obad-Hai]]: God of Nature
* The Lady of Pain: Protector of Sigil
|}

===Abyss===
The Abyss is known for having hundreds of layers, and many realms of deities and demons, including its horrific first layer of Pazunia (also known as the Plane of Infinite Portals), and the White Kingdom ruled by the King of Ghouls.

In a critical review of ''[[Planes of Chaos]]'' for ''White Wolf Inphobia'' magazine, Keith H. Eisenbeis described the danger of adventuring in planes such as the Abyss, especially for low- and mid-level characters: "Sure, it's possible to design a situation in which first-level characters can accomplish something important and survive in the Abyss, but the immensity and power of the planes is undermined. In addition, on planes such as the Abyss, negotiating with evil creatures is frequently necessary, possibly making these planes useful to only neutral and evil characters."{{ref|WW53}}

Ken Denmead of ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' described a number of aspects of the Abyss as psychedelic, calling the doors on one layer of the Abyss similar to the "loony corridor scene from ''Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band''."<ref name="Wired">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2008/01/top-10-dd-modul/ |title=Top 10 D&D Modules I Found in Storage This Weekend |last=Denmead |first=Ken |date=January 4, 2008 |magazine=Wired |access-date=August 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821145004/http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2008/01/top-10-dd-modul/ |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Acheron===
'''Acheron''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|tʃ|ər|ə|n}} {{respell|ATCH|ər|ən}}),<ref name="Mentzer 1985">[[Frank Mentzer|Mentzer, Frank]]. "Ay pronunseeAY shun gyd" ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' No. 93 (TSR, 1985)</ref> also known as '''The Infernal Battlefield of Acheron''', is a [[lawful neutral]]/[[lawful evil]]–aligned plane of existence.

===Arborea===
Arborea or more fully, the Olympian Glades of Arborea, is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic good|chaotic good]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence. It is one of a number of alignment-based Outer Planes that form part of the standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ''(D&D)'' cosmology, used in the ''[[Planescape]]'', ''[[Greyhawk]]'' and some editions of the ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' [[campaign settings]].

Arborea is also referred to as "Olympus" or "Arvandor", though technically those names describe separate realms within the plane. Arborea is stylised as a peaceful plane of natural beauty with a multitude of thriving environments. Much of the plane is dominated by vast tall forests, but also includes glades of wildflowers and fields of grain. As a plane that also embodies chaos, it has a wild and often sudden nature. The weather can change drastically at short notice, changing from warm sunshine to raging winds and back again in just a few minutes.

====Publication history====
The plane known as Olympus was mentioned for the first time by name in the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'' #8, released July 1977.<ref name="Gygax 4">{{cite journal  | last =Gygax  | first =Gary  | author-link =Gary Gygax  | title =Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D  | journal =The Dragon #8  | volume = I  | issue = 8  | pages =4  | publisher =[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]  | date =July 1977  }}</ref> The plane was mentioned again in an appendix of the known planes of existence in the original (1st edition) AD&D ''[[Player's Handbook#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|Players Handbook]]'', published in June 1978, where it was described as  "The planes of Olympus of absolute good chaotics".<ref name="Gygax 1978">{{cite book  | last =Gygax  | first =Gary  | title =[[Player's Handbook|Players Handbook]]  | publisher =TSR  | year =1978  | isbn = 0-935696-01-6 }}</ref>

====Inhabitants====
The [[eladrin]], powerful [[elf]]-like celestial creatures are the protectors of Arborea, the most common of which is the ''Ghaele''. [[Lillend (Dungeons & Dragons)|Lillends]] are also common on the plane. Many types of celestial and anarchic version of common animals, natural creatures suffused with tendencies of good or chaos, are found in Arborea. Also, primitive Orc-Baboon hybrids known as Losels dwell in its wilderness, occasionally migrating between it and the [[Beastlands]].

Arborea has two main types of [[petitioner (Dungeons & Dragons)|petitioner]], the first of which are the spirits of the elven dead. Some take the form of [[celestial (Dungeons & Dragons)|celestial]] creatures or others simply merge with the plane itself, as a final reward after death. The second main type are the [[Bacchae (Dungeons & Dragons)|bacchae]], drunken revellers who perpetually indulge in wild celebrations, enticing visitors to join with them.

====Structure====
As an outer plane, Arborea is spatially infinite, further consisting of three infinite layers (or sub-planes). Arborea's first layer shares borders with the neighbouring planes of the [[Ysgard|Heroic Domains of Ysgard]] and the [[Beastlands|Wilderness of the Beastlands]]; travel is possible between Arborea and these planes at certain locations.

====Layers====
The wandering realm of the [[Seelie Court (Dungeons & Dragons)|Seelie Court]] often appears on the plane of Arborea, always in a different location.

Arborea has three layers:

;Arvandor/Olympus
In previous editions, this layer was known as Olympus, but the most recent edition of ''Manual of the Planes'' refers to it only as Arvandor. Principally, it is the home plane of the [[Seldarine]], the good Elven [[deities]], headed by [[Corellon Larethian]]. This layer is mostly endless canopies of forest with huge clearings containing many idealized elven settlements. Arvandor has a day and night cycle matching that of the material plane. The goddess [[Eilistraee]] also resides in the forests of Arvandor, despite her banishment.

The realm of ''Brightwater'', a separate plane in the third edition ''Forgotten Realms'' cosmology is located on Arvandor. Four goddesses have domains here, including [[Lliira]], [[Sharess]], [[Sune (Forgotten Realms)|Sune]], and [[Tymora]].

The actual realm of ''Olympus'' is found here, and is home to many deities of the Greek pantheon, including [[Zeus]], [[Aphrodite]], [[Apollo]], [[Ares]], [[Artemis]], [[Athena]], [[Demeter]], [[Dionysus]], [[Hephaestus]], [[Hera]], [[Hermes]], and the titan [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]].

There are several other realms located on this layer, including: 
*The [[aarakocra]] goddess [[Syranita]]'s realm of ''Whistledge''; 
*The giant goddess [[Iallanis]]'s realm of ''Florallium''; 
*[[Trithereon]]'s realm of ''The Forking Road''; 
*Chih-Nii's realm of ''Loom of the Celestial River''.

;Aquallor/Ossa
When not with the Seldarine, [[Deep Sashelas]] also has his own realm of ''Elavandor'' on Ossa.

[[Poseidon]]'s realm of ''Caletto'' can be found on Ossa.

;Mithardir/Pelion
[[Nephthys]] has her realm of ''Amun-thys'' on Pelion.

====Historic influences====
Arborea incorporates many elements of [[Greek mythology]], with the game's version of [[Mount Olympus]] as a central feature, to the point that the whole plane was originally named Olympus in 1st edition.<ref name=MoP1e>{{cite book |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Grubb |date=July 1987 |title=[[Manual of the Planes]] |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]] |isbn=0880383992}}</ref>{{rp|92-93}}<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Cook |author-first=David "Zeb" |author-link=David Cook (game designer) |editor-last=Wise |editor-first=David |date=1994 |title=[[Planescape Campaign Setting]] |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]] |chapter=A DM Guide to the Planes |page=50 |isbn=978-1560768340}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Lester |author-link1=Lester W. Smith |last2=Baur |first2=Wolfgang |author-link2=Wolfgang Baur |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Michele |editor-link=Michele Carter |date=1994 |title=[[Planes of Chaos]] |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]] |chapter=The Book of Chaos |pages=39–41, 45 |isbn=1560768746}}</ref> The name of Arborea, introduced in 2nd edition ''AD&D'', is derived from its "endless rolling forests",<ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Lester |author-link1=Lester W. Smith |last2=Baur |first2=Wolfgang |author-link2=Wolfgang Baur |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Michele |editor-link=Michele Carter |date=1994 |title=[[Planes of Chaos]] |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]] |chapter=The Travelogue |page=16 |isbn=1560768746}}</ref> as in arboreal.

===Arcadia===
'''Arcadia''' ({{IPAc-en|ɑr|ˈ|k|eɪ|d|i|ə}} {{respell|ar|KAY|dee-ə}})<ref name="Mentzer 1985"/> or more fully, the '''Peaceable Kingdoms of Arcadia''', is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Lawful neutral|lawful neutral]]/[[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Lawful good|lawful good]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence.

===Baator===
'''Baator''', also known as the '''Nine Hells of Baator''' or the '''Nine Hells''', is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Lawful evil|lawful evil]]–aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane of existence]].

Baator is stylised as a plane of sinister [[evil]] and cruelty. The different types of [[Devil (Dungeons & Dragons)|devil]]s that dwell here obey a strict [[hierarchy|hierarchical]] [[caste]]-like social structure. Each continually plots to advance their position through treachery and deception. Unlike the [[Demon (Dungeons & Dragons)|demons]] of the [[Abyss (Dungeons & Dragons)|Abyss]], the devils are highly organized, with a logical and calculating nature.

The plane itself is composed of nine different layers, each of which models a differing but no less inhospitable and dreadful environment, from barren plains of ash and rock to frozen wastes of endless ice.

The nine layers in order are Avernus, Dis, Minauros, Phlegethos, Stygia, Malbolge, Maladomini, Cania and Nessus.<ref name=MoP1e/>

====Publication history====
The plane known as the Nine Hells was mentioned for the first time by name in the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'' #8, released July 1977. In the article [[Gary Gygax]] describes the plane as one of the "Typical lower planes".<ref name="Gygax 4"/> The plane was mentioned again in an appendix of the known planes of existence in the original (1st edition) AD&D ''[[Player's Handbook#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|Players Handbook]]'', published in June 1978, where it was described as  "The Nine Hells of absolute lawful evil".<ref name="Gygax 1978"/>

====History====
The article "The Politics of Hell" by Alexander Von Thorn in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' No. 28 (1979) describes how Hell was originally ruled by Satan, who was usurped by Baalzebul, who was in turn overthrown by Asmodeus.<ref>Von Thorn, Alexander. "The Politics of Hell." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' No. 28. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979</ref>

The article "The Possessors" by Arn Ashleigh Parker in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' No. 42 (October 1980) follows up on this article by explaining that Selm, a lieutenant of Satan, was made the Prince of Possessors, and remained in that position throughout these various changes in the administration in Hell.<ref>Parker, Arn Ashleigh. "The Possessors." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' No. 42. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980</ref>

===Beastlands===
The '''Beastlands''' (more properly, the '''Wilderness of the Beastlands''', formerly the '''Happy Hunting Grounds''' in early versions of the game) is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Neutral good|neutral (chaotic) good]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence.

===Bytopia===
'''Bytopia''', also known as the Twin Paradises, ''(bi- + utopia)'' or, more fully, the '''Twin Paradises of Bytopia''', is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Lawful good|lawful good]]/[[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Neutral good|neutral good]] aligned plane of existence. It is one of a number of alignment-based Outer Planes that form part of the standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ''(D&D)'' cosmology, used in the ''[[Planescape]]'', ''[[Greyhawk]]'', and some editions of the ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' [[campaign settings]]. Bytopia is a virtuous plane of cultivated beauty, and is home to many of the deities of the gnomish pantheon.

====Publication history====
The plane known as the Twin Paradises was mentioned for the first time by name in the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'' #8, released July 1977. In the article [[Gary Gygax]] describes the plane as one of the "Typical higher planes".<ref name="Dragon8"/> The plane was mentioned again in an appendix of the known planes of existence in the original (1st edition) AD&D ''[[Player's Handbook#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|Players Handbook]]'', published in June 1978, where it was described as "The Twin Paradises of neutral good lawfuls".<ref name="PHB78"/>

====Structure====
Bytopia is a spatially infinite plane, consisting of two layers or sub-planes. It is unique in the sense that the two layers are laid facing one another, each looking down (or up; the terms are relative here) at the other. A traveller can look up from one layer and see the other above him looking back down (or, from the other side's perspective, up), provided that the sky is clear. To get from one layer to the other, travellers must either climb tall mountains, or fly. [[Gravity]] reverses when someone reaches the middle point between the two layers. Bytopia shares its borders with the neighbouring planes of the [[Mount Celestia|Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia]] and the [[Elysium (Dungeons & Dragons)|Blessed Fields of Elysium]]; travel is possible between Bytopia and these planes at certain locations.

Dothion is a serene pastoral layer of meadows and wild-flowers; it is home to the souls of farmers, craftsmen, honest merchants, and gnomish commoners. ''The Golden Hills'', a separate plane in the 3rd-Edition [[Forgotten Realms]] cosmology, is located here, and is home to the [[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)|gnome]] [[deity]] Garl Glittergold, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer, Baravar Cloakshadow, Flandal Steelskin, Gaerdal Ironhand, Nebelun the Meddler, and Segojan Earthcaller.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Richard |last2=Wyatt |first2=James |year=2004 |title=[[Player's Guide to Faerûn]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-3134-5}}</ref> Flandal shares his ''Mithral Forge'' with Ama-Tsu-Mara. The godly realms of ''Deephome'', home of Callarduran Smoothhands, god of the [[svirfneblin]], and ''Prosperity'', realm of [[Inari (Dungeons & Dragons)|Inari]], are also located on Dothion.<ref name=OnHallowedGround>{{cite book |last=McComb |first= Colin |year=1996 |title=On Hallowed Ground |pages=180 |publisher=TSR, Inc. |isbn=0-7869-0430-5}}</ref>

Shurrock is the mountainous untamed twin, home of hidden beasts and monsters. The gnomish underground mining city of ''Quarry'' that specialises in gemcutting is located here. [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|Rangers]] often foray into this wilderness to slay creatures that have threatened the folk of Dothion.

A number of godly realms exist on this layer, including ''Heart of Justice'', realm of Kiri-Jolith, and ''Windwrath'', realm of [[Tefnut]]. ''Martyrdomain'' was the realm of [[Ilmater]] in previous editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons''.<ref name=OnHallowedGround/>

===Carceri===
'''Carceri''' (more fully, the '''Tarterian Depths of Carceri'''; also, '''Tarterus''' or '''The Red Prison'''<ref name="tsr2620p20">Cook, Monte: ''[[The Planewalker's Handbook]]'', p. 20, TSR 2620</ref>) is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Neutral evil|neutral (chaotic) evil]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence.

===Elysium===
'''Elysium''', or more fully, the '''Blessed Fields of Elysium''', is a strongly [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|good]]-aligned plane of existence.

===Gehenna===
Gehenna (beginning in the third edition of the game, the Bleak Eternity of Gehenna; also, The Fourfold Furnaces<ref name="tsr2620p21">Cook, Monte: ''[[The Planewalker's Handbook]]'', p. 21, TSR 2620</ref> or The Fires of Perdition<ref name="tsr2620p21" />) is a plane of existence of neutral evil/lawful evil alignment.<ref>{{cite book
| first=John | last=Larme | date=November 3, 2000
| title=Dangerous Games? Censorship and "Child Protection" 
| url=http://www.members.tripod.com/anthonylarme/gc/gamesthesis.pdf
| location=Queensland
| access-date=October 5, 2007}}</ref> It is one of a number of alignment-based Outer Planes that form part of the standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ''(D&D)'' cosmology. It borders the [[Gray Waste|Gray Waste of Hades]] and the [[Baator|Nine Hells of Baator]].

===Gray Waste of Hades===
The Gray Waste (more fully, the Gray Wastes of Hades; also, Hades, The Three Glooms, Hope's Loss or The Nadir) is a strongly [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Neutral evil|neutral evil]] aligned plane of existence. It is one of a number of alignment-based Outer Planes that form part of the standard ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') cosmology, used in the ''[[Planescape]]'', ''[[Greyhawk]]'', and some editions of the ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' [[campaign settings]].  Hades is the plane of origin of the yugoloth daemons. [[Pathfinder Roleplaying Game|Pathfinder]]'s analogue to Hades is the plane called ''Abaddon'' (from the Hebraic ''[[Abaddon]]'').

====Publication history====
The plane known as Hades was mentioned for the first time by name in the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'' #8, released July 1977. In the article [[Gary Gygax]] describes the plane as Hades' three glooms, one of the "Typical lower planes".<ref name="Dragon8"/> The plane was mentioned again in an appendix of the known planes of existence in the original (1st edition) AD&D ''[[Player's Handbook#Advanced Dungeons .26 Dragons|Players Handbook]]'', published in June 1978, where it was described as "Hades' "Three Glooms" of absolute (neutral) evil".<ref name="PHB78"/>

====Description====
According to Trenton Webb's critical review of ''[[Planes of Conflict]]'' for British RPG magazine ''Arcane'', the Gray Waste "erodes the sense of purpose that is the hallmark of an alignment-based philosophy. One symptom of this is the place's ability to fade the colour from a character's clothes!"<ref name="Arcane4">{{cite journal |last=Webb |first=Trenton |date=March 1996 |title=Games Reviews |journal=Arcane |issue=4 |pages=73}}</ref> Stang and Trammell called Hades "the realm of the dead", where [[Larva (Dungeons & Dragons)|larvae]] created by [[Night hag (Dungeons & Dragons)|night hags]] are used as currency.<ref name="S&T">{{cite journal|last1=Stang|first1=Sarah|last2=Trammel|first2=Aaron|year=2019|title=The Ludic Bestiary: Misogynistic Tropes of Female Monstrosity in ''Dungeons & Dragons''|journal=Games and Culture|volume=15|issue=6|pages=730–747|doi=10.1177/1555412019850059|s2cid=181779195}}</ref>

===Limbo===
'''Limbo''' or more fully, the '''Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo''', is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic neutral|chaotic neutral]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence.

The plane known as Limbo was mentioned for the first time by name in the article "Planes: The Concepts of Spatial, Temporal and Physical Relationships in D&D", in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|The Dragon]]'' #8, released July 1977. In the article [[Gary Gygax]] describes the plane as the "plane of ultimate Chaos (entropy)".<ref name="Dragon8"/> The plane was mentioned again in an appendix of the known planes of existence in the original ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''AD&D'') ''[[Player's Handbook 1st edition|Players Handbook]]'', published in June 1978, where it was described as "The planes of Limbo of neutral (absolute) chaos (entropy)".<ref name="PHB78"/>

Limbo is described as a place of pure chaos where everything is in constant motion and change, especially the landscape, which can shift unpredictably and randomly rolls over upon itself like liquid. Very few places in Limbo are stable enough for normal travel.

Limbo is home to the [[slaad]]i and their lords (most notably [[Ygorl]] and [[Ssendam]]), and to the [[githzerai]].  Very few gods call Limbo home, as the plane is not well-suited to any sort of permanent structures.  The shared realm of [[Tempus (Forgotten Realms)|Tempus]] and the [[Red Knight (Forgotten Realms)|Red Knight]] can be found on Limbo, as can [[Shaundakul]]'s realm.  The elven god [[Fenmarel Mestarine]] calls this chaotic plane home as well.

The plane of Limbo is the location of a number of [[List of Dungeons & Dragons deities|godly]] realms:
*The [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elven]] god [[Fenmarel Mestarine]]'s realm of ''Fennimar''.
*[[Indra]], [[Vayu]], and [[Agni]]'s realm of ''Swarga''.
*[[Llerg]]'s realm of ''Beasthaven''.
*[[Procan]]'s realm of ''Seasedge''.
*[[Ralishaz]]'s realm of ''The Kiss of Luck''.
*[[Shaundakul]]'s realm of ''Shaunadaur''.
*[[Shina-Tsu-Hiko]]'s realm of ''Windshome''.
*Sirrion's realm of ''The Flame Void''.
*[[Tempus (Forgotten Realms)|Tempus]] and the [[Red Knight (Forgotten Realms)|Red Knight]]'s shared realm of ''Knight's Rest''.
*[[Susanoo]]'s realm of ''The Globe of Raging Chaos''.

Fauna include the [[List of Planar dragons#Chaos dragon|Chaos dragon]].

Limbo is named after the [[Limbo]] of [[Catholicism|Catholic]] mythology, where the souls of the dead who died before Jesus's death went, before he descended there to release them, but there is little similarity of philosophy between the two realms. In appearance, it is based on the Abyss in [[John Milton]]'s ''[[Paradise Lost]]''.

===Mechanus===
'''Mechanus''', also known as '''The Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus''' (or simply '''Nirvana''' in [[Editions of Dungeons & Dragons#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|AD&D 1st Edition]]) is a purely lawful aligned plane of existence.

===Mount Celestia===
'''Mount Celestia''' or more fully, the '''Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia''', or even the '''Seven Heavens''' is a [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Lawful good|lawful good]]-aligned [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)|plane]] of existence.

The seven layers in order are Lunia, Mercuria, Venya, Solania, Mertion, Jovar, and Chronias.<ref name=MoP1e/>

===Outlands===
The Concordant Domain of the Outlands, also known as the Concordant Opposition, is the Outer Plane where the souls of people of [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#True neutral|Neutral]] alignment are sent after death. It is popular as a meeting place for treaties between the powers. The Outlands are also home to the gate-towns. Located centrally in the Outlands is the Spire, atop which [[Sigil (city)|Sigil]] can be seen. The Outlands are the home plane of the neutral-minded [[rilmani]]. The Outlands are part of a series of rings that form the multiverse. Travel between the planes of the Outlands is accomplished via The Great Road.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_177.pdf | first=Johnny L. | last=Wilson | title=Planescape: Torment | magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] | pages=62–66 | date=April 1999 | access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>

In first edition and second edition ''AD&D'' before Planescape, this plane is also located centrally to the Outer Planes and known by its original name Concordant Opposition. The First Edition Manual Of Planes states that the center of the plane takes various forms at different times (a mountain, a huge tree, etc.) and godly powers are lost as one moves toward the center, as well as spells, beginning with the highest levels of spells at the farthest out and then gradually losing the lower ones step by step the further one moves inward. Within {{convert|100|mi|km}} of the center, not even chemical reactions take place, and neither man nor deity can get closer than {{convert|100|mi|km}}. In Second Edition Outer Planes Monstrous Compendium, under the description of the Mediators of Nirvana (Mechanus), it states that this plane was originally intended for Neutral Powers (deities) and created by the Powers (deities) of creation, but each Neutral Deity asserted their individual influence causing it to become unbalanced, then were cast out by the powers of creation. It also states that three lights of balance exist at the center of the plane, one for each Mediator in Nirvana. (Mechanus) Before Planescape, there is also no mention whatsoever of Sigil being at the Center of the Plane.

Gate-towns are settlements which are built around a permanent portal to a certain Outer Plane on the Great Wheel. Gate-towns are important strategically because they provide a (relatively) stable way to enter a desired Outer Plane. The gate-towns reflect the plane that they lead to, for example, Xaos (or aXos, soaX, etc.) is a town where everything changes from one moment to the next. Even the location of the portal to [[Limbo (plane)|Limbo]] changes every day – not that there's any regularity to daybreak and nightfall in Xaos. The character of Xaos mirrors what the plane of Limbo is like.

====Realms====
The Outlands is the location of a number of godly realms, including the following:

* ''The Caverns of Thought'', realm of the [[illithid]] deity [[Ilsensine]]
* ''The Court of Light'', realm of the [[Naga (Dungeons & Dragons)|naga]] deity [[Shekinester]]
* ''The Flowering Hill'', the realm of the [[halfling]] goddess [[Sheela Peryroyl]]
* ''[[Gzemnid]]'s Realm'', home of the [[Beholder (Dungeons & Dragons)|beholder]] deity of gases and vapors
* ''The Hidden Realm'', home of the chief giant deity [[Annam (Dungeons & Dragons)|Annam]]
* ''The Hidden Vale'', realm of the Dragonlance god Gilean
* ''The Hidden Wood'', realm of the nature god [[Obad-Hai]]
* ''The Library of Lore'', realm of the god [[Boccob]]
* ''The Mausoleum of Chronepsis'', realm of the [[Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)|dragon]] deity [[Chronepsis]]
* ''The Marketplace Eternal'', realm of the god [[Zilchus]]
* ''The Palace of Judgement'', Yen-Wang-Yeh's realm
* ''The Scales of Wealth'', the realm of Shinare
* ''Semuanya's Bog'', realm of the [[lizardfolk]] deity [[Semuanya]]
* ''The Steel Hills'', realm of the goddess [[Ulaa]]
* ''Thoth's Estate'', the realm of [[Thoth]]
* ''[[Tvashtri]]'s Laboratory'', realm of the Indian god of artifice
* ''The Web of Fate'', realm of the goddess [[Istus]]
* ''The Well of Urd'', realm of the [[Norns]]
* ''Wonderhome'', realm of [[Gond (Forgotten Realms)|Gond]]

Three dwarven gods, ([[Vergadain]], [[Dugmaren Brightmantle]], and [[Dumathoin]]) share the realm of ''The Dwarven Mountain'' on the plane of the Outlands.

The Celtic gods (Daghdha, Diancecht, Goibhniu, Lugh, Manannan mac Lir, Oghma, and Silvanus) share the realm of [[Tír na nÓg]] on the Outlands.

===Pandemonium===
'''Pandemonium''' (or, the '''Windswept Depths of Pandemonium''') is the [[Outer plane]] where [[alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic evil|Chaotic Evil]] and [[alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic neutral|Chaotic Neutral]] petitioners are sent after death. Pandemonium is a large, complex cavern that never ends. Compounding this problem, howling winds drive most of its residents [[mental illness|mad]]. There are few creatures that are native to this plane; those individuals who do live there usually have no choice in the matter.

Pandemonium had four layers named Pandesmos, Cocytus, Phlegethon and Agathion.<ref name=MoP1e/>

===Ysgard===
'''Ysgard''' is the Outer Plane of [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic neutral|Chaotic Neutral]] / [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)#Chaotic good|Chaotic Good]] [[alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|alignment]]. It is also called ''[[Asgard]]'', ''[[Gladsheim]]'' or ''The Heroic Domains''.

==Reception==
''{{ill|Backstab (magazine)|lt=Backstab|fr|Backstab}}'' magazine reviewer Lord Winfield characterized the Outer Planes as the place where most of the major powers of the setting are found, and the part of Planescape which has the most potential for exploration by the player characters.<ref name=Backstab>{{cite journal |author=Lord Winfield |date=September–October 1997 |title=Planescape – un bon plan |url=https://archive.org/details/backstab-magazine-french-05/page/n45/mode/2up |language=French |journal=[[Backstab (magazine)|Backstab]] |volume=5 |pages=46–47 |access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref>

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General references ==
* {{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Richard |author-link1=Richard Baker (game designer) |last2=Wyatt |first2=James |author-link2=James Wyatt (game designer) |year=2004 |title=[[Player's Guide to Faerûn]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-3134-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Baker |first=Keith |year=2004 |title=[[Eberron Campaign Setting]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-3274-0}}
* [[David "Zeb" Cook|Cook, David]]. ''[[Player's Handbook]]'' (TSR, 1989).
* Grubb, Jeff. ''[[Manual of the Planes]]'' ([[TSR, Inc|TSR]], 1987).
* [[Grubb, Jeff]], David Noonan, and [[Bruce Cordell]].  ''[[Manual of the Planes]]'' ([[Wizards of the Coast]], 2001).
* [[Rich Redman|Redman, Rich]], [[Skip Williams]], and [[James Wyatt (game designer)|James Wyatt]]. ''[[Deities and Demigods]]'' (Wizards of the Coast, 2002).

==Further reading==
* {{cite thesis |last=Clements |first=Philip J. |date=December 2019 |title=Dungeons & Discourse: Intersectional Identities in Dungeons & Dragons |url=http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1573729920432102 |type=PhD |access-date=September 22, 2020 |pages=68–69, 73}}

{{D&D topics}}

[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons locations]]
[[Category:Fiction about parallel universes]]
[[Category:Fictional dimensions]]
[[Category:Fictional elements introduced in 1977]]

[[fr:Cosmologie standard de Donjons et Dragons#Plans extérieurs]]