Prime Material (inner plane)

The Prime Material Plane includes the planet Earth and the vast universe that surrounds it, as a separate and distinct realm of existence. Within this plane, the familiar natural laws that are thought to apply everywhere exist. Here, the setting and mortal creatures that inhabit D&D play out the drama of ordinary existence, hampered by things that obey the laws of physics, reality and magic.

Yet the Prime Material is just one of many planes, perhaps an infinite number. These other planes, known collectively as the "multiverse," encompass a staggering array of diverse and fantastical realms, each with its own unique characteristics, inhabitants, and rules that often defy the conventions of the Prime Material plane. These are linked together by a mystical concept within various mythologies and cosmologies as the "Tree of Life" also called the One Tree or Crann Bethadh.

The Multiuniverse

The Tree of Life is often depicted as a colossal, mythic tree that transcends the boundaries of reality. It is said to have roots that extend deep into the earth, branches that reach high into the heavens, and sometimes even additional roots or branches that connect it to other planes of existence. The tree's symbolism may include themes of growth, renewal, balance, and the cycle of life and death. The Tree of Life exists as a cosmic axis or a central pillar, the roots of which reach deep into the Prime Material Plane, including the Earth itself. The branches of the tree, which serve as pathways, reach up into the Astral Plane. Along these pathways, moving through the Astral Plane, creatures from the Prime Material can gain access to other planes of existence.

The Astral Plane a fundamental plane of existence that predates the Tree of Life. Some have described it as an incomprehensible expanse without physicality, where everything has an ephemeral quality. Objects and creatures in the Astral Plane may appear as shimmering, translucent, or ghostly forms.

The Ethereal Plane

The Ethereal Plane is a separate plane of existence that exists alongside the Prime Material Plane (the physical world) and other planes. It is often described as a sort of "buffer" or intermediary realm that coexists with the material world. The Ethereal Plane is typically depicted as a misty and translucent realm, and it allows travelers to see into the Prime Material Plane while being partially detached from it.

Influence of the Gods

Amidst this bewildering cosmic structure, where each "leaf" of the Tree of Life represents a distinct planar universe, dwell immensely powerful entities whose influence upon their surroundings far surpasses the capabilities of beings residing within the Prime Material Plane. These are the Gods, who are able to travel between planes at will.

Technically, the visible universe that includes the Earth at its center, though only the Earth is known to have been explored by adventurers or communicated with by the . Called "Mother Earth" by the polytheists, or pagans, it's believed by the inhabitants of the Prime Material that Earth is also the center of the great tree Crann Bethadh. Earth, it is believed, emerged from the womb of creation (the roots of the Tree of Life), like a child born from its mother. It's believed that some races and creatures on Earth emerged directly from the soil, independently, through being given birth by the first Great Goddess, variously known as Ana, Anat and Anath. Others came to Earth from other planes. It's also believed that the known gods were given birth by Anath, and that everything in existence, and not only the Prime Material Plane, came forth from her womb.

For most who without religious convictions, the Prime Material simply "is." They see other planes as imaginary, and therefore impossible and the stuff of legends. "Reality," to them, is Earth and the visible universe.

It must be understood that the laws of physics, and all the principles of science, can be relied upon only on the Prime Material Plane — and that magic is a way that the counter-realities of other planes "leak" into the Earth sphere of reality. It is possible to travel from the Prime Material to other planes — but as the laws governing other planes contravene what is familiar to Earth creatures, it is dangerous to seek intra-planar travel.

See Mythology