Dimensions and Dimensional Travel

 

Dimensions

 

The definition of a dimension is: a universe or realm containing space, matter, and energy which is separated from our own universe by some physical difference in the space, matter, and energy itself.

 

Dimensions are called by many names: planes, universes, realms, and worlds. Entities and beings entreated for Dimensional energy powers inhabit other dimensions. Magicians deal with other dimensions more than any other man. Probably due to the fact that so much energy for magic is drawn from other dimensions.

 

Conditions and physical laws differ from dimension to dimension, from the Earthlike environment of Asgard to the bizarre surroundings of the Dark Dimension.

 

Dimension Travel

 

Dimension Travel is the process of leaving the space of our universe and entering that of another one, accomplished by physical, psychic, psionic, technological or magical means. The magical means of dimension travel are unknown to all but a few. While magic is not the only way to enter another dimension, it is the most commonly used method. There are three types of magical dimension travel: direct dimensional apertures (sometimes referred to as Rifts or Portals), traveling across dimensions (Plane Shifting), and astral travel.

 

I myself have visited many dimensions, and look forward to exploring many more in the future.  There is great power to be attained by expanding one’s horizons with such travels, but also great danger.  Just as there are an infinite number of dimensions one may visit, there are an infinite number of ways to tempt fate.  This is not a topic to be taken lightly, and great care should be given to any such expedition no matter how routine.

 

Dimensional Apertures

 

These open from one dimension directly into another, such as from the Earth dimension into the Sixth Dimension (this aperture is supplied by the Screaming Idol, see Magical Items section). The Dimensional Aperture spell is capable of establishing such a direct link between dimensions.

 

A spell caster with a Dimensional Aperture spell can easily open an aperture between the caster's home dimension and an alien dimension that is familiar to the caster. 

 

It is far more difficult to open a portal to one the caster is not familiar with, though possible through careful study, or a medium (item aligned with the dimension in question).  I highly discourage such attempts in all but the most dire circumstances, there are many places to which you will not wish a portal opened, and in some cases you will not be able to close it without assistance, if at all.  In addition there is always the threat of some extra-dimensional force ‘hijacking’ you’re incorrectly aligned aperture and using it to gain access to your location.  This is especially true if the caster has collected any enemies among the planes.

 

Dimension Crossing

 

This is the term applied to seeking a specific dimension by going from one dimension to another until the traveler finds the one he seeks. This applies to magicians who are traveling to unfamiliar dimensions, to magicians who failed to open a direct aperture, to beings involved in a trans-dimensional pursuit, etc.

To leave the Earth dimension a being must use a dimensional aperture to escape the Earth dimension to another one, then travel from there through other dimensions to the desired destination.

 

This can be thought of as a kind of Cosmic Railway system, not all stations have tracks running to all the other stations.  At times it will be necessary to go to one of the more ‘connected’ dimensions such as the Astral or Ethereal Planes before traveling on to the desired dimension.  The best example of this was my homeworld, before the Time of Judgement when all travel between dimensions could only be accomplished after ‘Stepping Sideways’ through the Weave into the Umbra.  Once there and free of the restrictions of Paradox you could travel to other dimensions or horizon realms.

 

Dimensional Beacons

 

If the magician attempting dimensional travel is of lesser rank than Master, some form of "beacon" must be maintained within the user's dimension so he can find his way back again.

 

A beacon allows the traveler to return to his own dimension with ease even if he passes through unfamiliar dimensions on the way. If the beacon is extinguished, the traveler becomes lost and must travel through dimensions at random until he finds a familiar one.

 

Travel Distance and Movement Speed

 

The distance between any two dimensions is measured in the dimensions themselves. This represents the possibility for a greatly accelerated speed used only for dimensional travel. A magician must fully concentrate on his movement to pass through dimensions at this rate.

 

Astral/Dimensional Travel

 

The astral plane, which is a separate dimension, seems to run through most dimensions.

 

A being who does not have the Dimensional Aperture spell (but who does have the skill for Astral Projection) can enter the dimensions listed in this book by projecting his astral form and simply following the astral plane into those dimensions, if he goes through a nexus point.

 

While the limit on the amount of time a character's astral form can be "out-of-the-body" before damage occurs remains the same, it must be remembered that time passes at different rates in different dimensions.

 

Nexuses

 

Nexuses are always difficult to reach and are sometimes down-right dangerous. Usually myths and legends grow around the nexus, such as the Bermuda Triangle, haunted sites, hallowed burial grounds, and the like. These nexus points will offer immediate access to other dimensions through the use of Astral Projection and sometimes even for the physical self.

 

Most of these locations are rich with magical energies and can be thought of as a kind of wrinkle or tear in the fabric of their universe allowing for easier access from other locations.  To use my train station analogy they are the Grand Central Stations of the Multiverse. And as with any station, these points draw in large numbers of travelers.  I will list a few examples briefly to enhance your understanding…

• Phaseworld…This planet in the ??? galaxy acts as both a Star Port for spacefaring vessels of all types as well as a dimensional gateway to countless other locations throughout the multiverse.  It is run by the Promethian race, who have developed both mysticism and technology based around their Nexus World’s energies.
• Rifts: Earth… This alternate future earth has been blessed and cursed with a resurgence of magic beyond anything I have witnessed in all my other travels.  A few centuries ago the entire planet erupted with magical power and opened ‘natural’ portals, which they call ‘rifts’ in space to seemingly random dimensions, allowing travel between the worlds.  These portals are hard to predict and extremely temporary making them dangerous in the extreme.  It is here that I landed after escaping the Time of Judgement on my own world, and here that I first encountered the Dimension Spanning race known as the Splugorth.
• Union… During my travels on Faerun I heard tales of a Nexus City called Union, supposedly located ???.  I have yet to make any efforts to find it, though I believe the rumors to be true.
• Sigil… Similar to Union, this place is a Nexus City nestled somewhere in the planes.  I know little of it save that it is said to be far more Chaotic then Union.
• Castle Nexus…I recently discovered another of these Nexuses, though this one was much smaller then the worlds and cities I had read about and visited.  A simple keep, nestled near the coast of the country of Krythal on the world of Alyn.  Not terribly far from this tower.

Hazards of Dimensional Crossing

 

A magician who travels quickly through dimensions must be careful. In passing through dimensions in high speed the magician can create a "dreaded, interdimensional Road of Repetition", a mobius road or time loop where it is impossible to stop or turn back. Once caught on this Road, the victim can even see himself, repeated on the opposite side of the loop, traveling along. If the victim collides with himself, all is lost.

 

A magician who leaves the Road may drift in Limbo forever as no spells or powers work once the victim loses contact with the Road.

 

The Road can be shattered by a mighty magical attack, as I have done once in the past. But this can catapult the magician into the "realm of non-existence", a sort of negative dimension that rips the person into two individuals, a "positive" and a "negative" self. A person will drift in this "realm" until the two selves find each other and reunite to become whole. I do not suggest attacking any road you may be traveling on during a crossing.

 

The Effect of Dimension Travel on the Human Mind

 

The human mind is a frail thing when confronted by a reality that contradicts the senses and what we believe to be constant physical laws. Some dimensions are so bizarre in their existence that they can seriously challenge a magician's sanity.