The Guide to the Astral Plane

Through an endless, starry expanse, dark stones float like islands on the nebulous sea. The bodies of ancient gods, their bones long since broken up by passing comets, pass in front of the band of constellations as you watch. And in the centre of it all, the vast cities of the voidfarers: white spires containing members of every conceivable race and world, moving to and from their own planes by multiversal portals. 

Welcome, adventurers, to this latest episode of the Red Quill's Guide to Fantasy Lands. Welcome to a realm where the very fabric of reality is woven from the threads of thought and emotion, where the laws of physics are but fleeting whispers in a starry wind.

Today, we'll be venturing out into the dark waters of the Astral Plane, where all the laws of time and space mean nothing. Whether you're setting sail on a starship, a spelljammer, or venturing through a portal, the Astral Plane is a world between worlds. There, you can encounter dead gods, horrific predators, and all the strange, strange creatures you can imagine. 

You can watch the full tutorial on our YouTube channel here: A Guide to the Astral Plane

If you want to use the map that Ryan of the Red Quills has created for this tutorial, you can find it here: The Realm of the Dreamer

Otherwise, if you would like to peruse some of the other maps that we have collected for your campaign, you can check them out in our Journal.

Last week, we dove down into the ruins of Pel Dothair and discussed fallen civilisations and world-ending calamities, and through this series we'll be searching through the various destinations that you can look to for your own fantasy campaigns. If you're new to the Red Quills, welcome! 

But let's wade out into the stars for this tutorial, and start, as always, with a blank page.

________________________________________________________________________

For this map, we’re going to be using an A2 sheet of 180gsm watercolour paper, because I’m aiming to create a map using both watercolour paint and fineliner ink. The Astral Plane is a strange, boundless void, filled with stellar phenomena and nebulae, and it’s nearly impossible to map conventionally. So instead what we’re going to do is try to draw a guide to the three dimensional astral pocket known as the Dreamer’s Realm. 

We can trace out the orbits of the various bodies, the remnants of the Dreamer’s titanic form, and in the borders we’re going to sketch out some of the organisms that can be found in the Astral Plane. For inspiration, I’m using circular patterns and star maps to give some stylistic impressions, and show the nebulous borders of that spherical realm.

Creating Your Own Map of the Astral

Today, as we wade out into the intricacies of mapping the Astral Plane, we will need to start to grapple with the strangeness of this otherworldly place - a task as daunting as it is awe-inspiring. Navigating the vast expanse of the Astral Plane requires a keen understanding of its unique features, from celestial bodies to interplanar currents. So, let's embark on this cosmic cartography journey together, shall we? 

Before we begin mapping, it's essential to grasp the fundamental nature of the Astral Plane. Unlike the material plane, where landscapes are defined by physical terrain, the Astral Plane is a realm of pure thought and energy. It serves as a conduit between different planes of existence, a cosmic highway traversed by astral travellers and interplanar beings alike. 

Mapping the Astral Plane presents several challenges, chief among them being its ever-changing and boundless nature. Unlike traditional landscapes, where landmarks provide reference points, the Astral Plane's features are ephemeral and subject to constant flux. Additionally, the absence of conventional geography makes it difficult to establish a fixed frame of reference. However, despite these challenges, mapping the Astral Plane offers a unique opportunity for creativity and imagination. 

By embracing the fluidity of the realm and focusing on symbolic representations rather than literal depictions, mapmakers can craft visually stunning and conceptually rich maps that capture the essence of the Astral Plane. 

When creating a map of the Astral Plane, it's essential to incorporate key elements that define the realm's character and atmosphere. These elements may include: 

Celestial Bodies: The Astral Plane is dotted with celestial bodies, from distant stars to colossal astral dreadnoughts. These cosmic landmarks can serve as navigational aids and points of interest for astral travellers. 

Astral Currents: Interplanar currents crisscross the Astral Plane, resembling shimmering rivers of energy. Understanding these currents is crucial for safe navigation, as they can propel travellers across vast distances or trap them in endless loops. 

Planar Portals: Portals act as gateways between the Astral Plane and other planes of existence. These mystical thresholds come in various forms, from swirling vortexes to shimmering doorways, and can lead to realms both wondrous and perilous. 

Ethereal Phenomena: The Astral Plane is home to a myriad of ethereal phenomena, including astral storms, psychic maelstroms, and luminous nebulae. Capturing the otherworldly beauty of these phenomena adds depth and visual interest to the map. 

In this map, I have made the focus the drifting body of the Dreamer in the Dust, and the various celestial bodies and stellar storms that orbit it. Whether you interpret the Astral Plane as being a three-dimensional space or a sea of stars, the map can be used in both ways. On the enormous body of the Dreamer, the cities of the multiverse are gathered around portals, in the positions of the chakras. 

Representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional map requires creative techniques such as layering, perspective, and symbolic imagery. It will stretch your creativity and offer you a challenge. Consider using visual cues such as depth indicators, shading, and overlapping shapes to convey the spatial dimensionality of the Astral Plane. Here, I've made the map as simple as possible, but some ideas that I discarded but that you can use are different coloured symbols to indicate their depth within a third plane or shades of greyscale on orbit lines to show their closeness or distance from the perspective of the map. 

While the Astral Plane lacks fixed geographical landmarks, certain astral phenomena, such as astral fortresses or legendary realms, may serve as semi-permanent reference points. Additionally, celestial bodies and planar portals can provide temporary bearings for astral travellers.

The Plane Between Worlds

It is said that the Astral Plane is one step away at any time: there is just a thin membrane between us and the starry realm. Every world can be accessed in the Astral Plane via a variety of portals that weave through the substance of creation. As such, stories of the Astral can be found everywhere and anywhere. 

The Astral Plane has long captured the imaginations of dreamers and scholars alike. From ancient scrolls recounting the travels of gods to modern fantasy epics, the Astral Plane stands as a symbol of the unknown. It’s a place where the subconscious comes to life, a realm where dreams are as tangible as the ground beneath our feet. For many ancient civilizations, the Astral Plane was a place of mystery and magic, a frontier where the boundaries of the known world faded into the void.

And once you've grasped the fundamentals of mapping the Astral Plane, the next step is to navigate its ethereal currents safely and efficiently. Astral currents are the lifeblood of the Astral Plane, flowing like rivers of energy through the cosmic void. Understanding these currents is essential for any adventurer hoping to traverse the Astral Plane and explore its mysteries.

1. Study Astral Cartography: Before embarking on your journey, take the time to study astral cartography and familiarise yourself with the layout of the Astral Plane. Adventurers can consult maps created by experienced travellers and scholars, and pay close attention to the patterns of astral currents and the locations of planar portals. This knowledge will serve as their guide through the shifting tides of the Astral Plane.
2. Harness the Power of Thought: Unlike conventional travel, which relies on physical vehicles and navigation tools, astral travel is primarily driven by the power of thought and intention. There are ships, machines, portals, and any manner of travel methods across the plane, but most travel is inherently thought-driven. They must rely on and trust in the innate connection between their consciousness and the fabric of the Astral Plane to guide them safely to their destination.
3. Beware of Psychic Maelstroms: While astral currents can propel travellers across vast distances, they are also home to psychic maelstroms—whirling vortexes of chaotic energy that can ensnare the unwary. I have made a note of these stellar storms on my own map - they are dangers in their own right, and provide the homes for the most dangerous predators in this strange location. These maelstroms are unpredictable and dangerous, capable of disorienting travellers and dragging them into the depths of the Astral Plane. 
4. Utilise Planar Portals: Planar portals serve as gateways between the Astral Plane and other planes of existence, offering shortcuts to distant realms and facilitating interplanar travel. Keep an eye out for these mystical thresholds during your journey, and be prepared to seize the opportunity when a portal presents itself. 
5. Equip Yourself for Astral Travel: Astral travel requires a unique set of skills and equipment to ensure your safety and success. Invest in protective wards and enchantments to shield yourself from the hazards of the Astral Plane, and carry supplies such as astral provisions and navigational tools to aid you on your journey. Additionally, consider enlisting the services of an experienced astral guide or navigator to accompany you on your travels and provide valuable assistance along the way.

Your heroes must adapt themselves to a new way of approaching the world, and a new understanding of what the laws of physics are capable of. Quite apart from the mundane dangers forged by such a place - like the predators lurking in the deeps or the risks of storms - there are other risks, like the untethered flow of time or the risk of losing their anchor that leads them home. 

Dead Gods and Stranger Things

When you are exploring this final frontier of adventuring, you may ask yourself what encounters and locations you might come across. And the Astral Plane is filled with strange inhabitants, both living and dead. You may come across the bodies of dead gods, the cities of the multiverse, filled with portals, ancient artefacts from forgotten civilisations, or - famously in Dungeons and Dragons lore - the ongoing war between the Githyanki and the Illithids. 

The Astral Plane is a realm steeped in the remnants of gods long forgotten. Echoes of their divine presence linger in the cosmic winds, whispered by celestial bodies adrift in the void. Travellers may stumble upon the shattered remnants of celestial palaces, where once-mighty deities held court among the stars. These ruins serve as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of cosmic power, stirring tales of bygone eras and lost civilizations.

Cosmic Enigmas and Otherworldly Wonders:

Beyond the realm of mortal comprehension lie cosmic enigmas and otherworldly wonders that defy explanation. Travellers may encounter celestial phenomena such as the Weeping Stars, whose luminous tears illuminate the darkness with their haunting glow. Or they may witness the dance of the Astral Serpents, serpentine beings of pure energy that weave intricate patterns across the star-strewn sky.

As travellers journey through the Astral Plane, they are confronted with a myriad of legends and stories that paint a vivid tapestry of the celestial spheres. From the echoes of forgotten divinities to the enigmatic wonders of the cosmos, each tale offers a glimpse into the vastness of the unknown, beckoning adventurers to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. In the Astral Plane, the line between myth and reality blurs, inviting travellers to unravel the mysteries of the universe and forge their own legends amidst the stars.

Encountering the Bodies of Dead Gods

One of the most awe-inspiring and haunting sights in the Astral Plane is the presence of dead gods. These colossal beings, whose lifeless forms drift through the void, are a testament to the power and fragility of divinity. Their bodies, often the size of small planets, serve as entire ecosystems, teeming with bizarre creatures and arcane energies. Exploring these remains offers unparalleled opportunities for discovery and danger.

What’s more, the bodies of dead gods are not just static monuments—they are dynamic ecosystems. Strange flora and fauna thrive in these environments, feeding off the residual divine energy. From parasitic Bloodwyrms to the luminous Starswimmers, these creatures create a rich and dangerous biome that adventurers must navigate.

Exploring Multiversal Hubs

The Astral Plane is dotted with cities built around multiversal portals. These hubs are bustling centres of trade and intrigue, where travellers from countless worlds converge. Each city is a melting pot of cultures and technologies, offering endless opportunities for adventure. Imagine walking through a marketplace where merchants peddle goods from a thousand different realities, or exploring a city where every door leads to a different world.

It is also worth noting that the strangeness of the Astral Plane does not only extend to its space. Time behaves erratically in the Astral Plane, leading to temporal anomalies and paradoxes. These distortions can create fascinating narrative opportunities, such as characters experiencing time loops, ageing rapidly, or witnessing future events. Navigating and exploiting these anomalies can add depth and complexity to your stories.

The Githyanki and Their Astral Dragons

Among the most formidable inhabitants of the Astral Plane are the Githyanki, a warrior race known for their raids and conquests. Riding red dragons through the astral void, they are a constant threat to explorers. Their strongholds are fortified cities, brimming with treasure and peril. Understanding their culture and strategies is crucial for any adventurer brave enough to face them.

Flora and Fauna of the Astral Plane

In the boundless expanse of the Astral Plane, a myriad of unique life forms thrives amidst the stars and nebulae. From peculiar creatures to ethereal organisms, the Astral Plane is teeming with life, each with its own fascinating characteristics and behaviours.

Voidfeathers: Spacefaring Barnacles

Imagine drifting through the cosmic sea and coming across clusters of peculiar organisms clinging to astral ships and floating debris. These are the Voidfeathers, enigmatic creatures that roam the Astral Plane, feeding on the dust of nebulae. With tendrils reaching out like wisps of smoke, they create a unique ecosystem in the void. While generally harmless, their presence can be a nuisance to travellers, particularly when they form larger colonies that pose a threat to smaller vessels.

Bloodwyrms: Enormous Parasites

Among the most formidable inhabitants of the Astral Plane are the Bloodwyrms, terrifying parasites that feast on the bodies of dead gods. These colossal creatures burrow into divine remains, drawing sustenance from the residual energy. Encountering a Bloodwyrm is a harrowing experience, as they are both incredibly strong and fiercely territorial. Strategies for dealing with these threats are essential for any adventurer daring to explore the depths of the Astral Plane.

Aboliants: Tentacled Predators

In the shadows of the astral void lurk the Aboliants, fearsome predators with white-skinned bodies and writhing tentacles. Towering over a hundred feet in length, these creatures are adept hunters, using their multiple limbs to ensnare unsuspecting prey. Their presence adds a layer of danger to any expedition, and understanding their behaviour is crucial for survival in the vastness of the Astral Plane.

Shivertrees: Tree-like Coral

Amidst the ethereal currents of the Astral Plane, one may encounter the Shivertrees, fascinating organisms resembling coral with black leaves that retract when approached. These mysterious beings form clusters, creating forest-like groves in the astral sea. While generally non-aggressive, their sudden movements can startle travellers and disrupt navigation, adding an element of unpredictability to the cosmic landscape.

Starswimmers: Jellyfish in the Night's Sky

As you journey through the starry expanse of the Astral Plane, you may be mesmerised by the graceful movements of the Starswimmers, ethereal jellyfish-like creatures that drift through the void. Their bioluminescent bodies create stunning light displays, illuminating the darkness with their otherworldly beauty. However, beneath their delicate appearance lies a hidden danger, as their tendrils can deliver powerful shocks to unsuspecting travellers.

Foltaenn Reeds: Comet-Throwing Plants

Among the celestial wonders of the Astral Plane are the Foltaenn Reeds, purplish plants that grow in clusters and possess the remarkable ability to launch comet-like seeds across the void. These seeds traverse great distances, creating spectacular displays as they streak through the astral sky. While not inherently dangerous, the impact of these seeds can cause damage to unwary travellers and their vessels, adding an element of excitement to the cosmic journey.

In the Astral Plane, every encounter is an opportunity for discovery and wonder, as travellers navigate the mysterious realms of the celestial spheres.

---

And so, our journey through the enigmatic realms of the Astral Plane comes to a close. We've traversed its boundless expanse, encountering celestial wonders, ancient ruins, and the remnants of forgotten gods. Throughout our exploration, we've delved into the mysteries of this ethereal realm, uncovering its secrets and marvelling at its wonders. 

I hope this guide has ignited your imagination and inspired you to embark on your own adventures in the Astral Plane. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a novice traveller, there are endless possibilities awaiting you amidst the stars. 

If you found this journey through the Astral Plane enlightening, don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping future explorations and discoveries. 

Stay tuned for our next expedition as we venture into the depths of the ocean, exploring the sunken ruins that lie beneath the waves. Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on our latest adventures and discoveries. 

A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported our journey thus far. Your contributions and encouragement fuel our continued exploration of the unknown. 

If you'd like to further support our endeavours, consider commissioning a custom map or making a small donation to aid in our quest for new discoveries. Until next time, may your creative endeavours be filled with wonder and adventure. 

Safe travels, and I'll see you on the next map!