Essence (sage ability)

Essence is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Outer Planes that gives the character an intimate knowledge of any particular Plane of Existence within the Planescape Universe.

The encompasses the plane's physical layout, its governance and societal structures, in addition to its profound connection to the Prime Material world. Specifically, it delves into how actions and events in the Prime Material might contribute to the very fabric of the understood plane.

This allows the character to navigate these planes with confidence, engage harmoniously with its denizens, while adopt behaviors that reduce the likelihood of conflicts arising. The character also gains the ability to guide others, allowing them, if they wish, to embark on quests or pursuits within that outer plane with a reasonable chance of success.

Difficulties in Navigation

Navigating other planes of existence can be an extraordinarily challenging endeavor due to the fundamental differences between each plane and the Prime Material. Many planes have unique geometries and spatial arrangements that defy familiar laws of physics. Others lack stable landmarks, creating an ever-shifting environment without reference points for navigation.

Planar Hazards. Other planes often feature hazards that would otherwise be absent or unimaginably rare. These include such things as deadly energies, hostile environmental conditions or creatures with bizarre abilities. For instance, a given locale might possess scorching flames that would incinerate those not protected by fire-resistant magic or gear. Extreme temperatures such as freezing cold, corrosive atmospheres or the absence of air and water are quite possible. Some places might experience a different flow of time, or gravitational anomalies. Far greater reality warping conditions may also occur.

Extraplanar Denizens

Creatures that originate from planes of existence can vary greatly in form, nature and power, beyond those familiar through mythology and cosmology. Beings can be humanoid, monstrous, elemental, celestial, infernal, fey or ghastly alien in appearance. They may possess supernatural or extraordinary abilities. A given plane might be torn apart by factions and conflicts. Ordinary customs and beliefs may raise complex moral and ethical dilemmas for visitors who are used to a different way of thinking. Negotiating and navigating these arrangements and peoples requires a very special knowledge.

See also,

• Abyss (plane)
• Acheron (plane)
• Arborea (plane) (Olympus)
• Arcadia (plane)
• Astral Plane
• Beastlands (plane) (Happy Hunting Grounds)
• Bytopia (plane) (Twin Paradises)
• Elysium (plane)
• Ethereal Plane
• Gehenna (plane)
• Grey Waste (plane)
• Hades (plane)
• Heaven (plane)
• Inner Planes
• Limbo (plane)
• Lower Planes of Existence
• Mechanus (plane)
• Mount Celestia (plane) (Purgatory)
• Nine Hells (plane) (Baator)
• Nirvana (plane)
• Outlands (plane)
• Pandemonium (plane)
• Tartarus (plane) (Carceri)
• Upper Planes of Existence
• Ysgard (plane) (Gladsheim)