A Comprehensive Cosmology of Fou Lu and the Surrounding Heavens
by: Marallus B. Harrdin - Archmagus



Preface

I will begin this work with a short preface in which I can explain a bit about myself and my work. I am Marallus Harrdin, an Archmagus as recognized by my peers. I am of the Psychic element, though I will try to stop that from coloring my work. I am not a follower of the Thanatosian religion, after all, though it can not be disputed that the God does exist.

For my work I used a scrying pool, and spells from the tomes Piercing the Veil and Planes Beyond Fou Lu. While these books, and others like them tell you how to go beyond this plane in sight or, for the more powerful mages, in body, I am going to explain the structure of the planes. I hope this will help those interested understand how the planes fit together, and perhaps decipher deeper workings of existence through that.

Introduction

It is important to understand, first, that the world we live in as at once the place we are and several others at the same time. That is to say, there are several other worlds - or rather, realms - which exist simultaneously with ours. More religious people, especially Primusians and Thanatosians, say that these realms were created by the Gods seperately. Rather, while I do not disbelieve in the Gods, I have theorized that the energies of people freed from their mortal shells (souls, spirits, whatever you wish to call this energy) create these realms, or these realms came into existence because of nature's need to store this extra energy somewhere. But I digress, this is not a treatise on my own philisophical beliefs. What follows are facts gathered through extensive research and even dabbling in the magics of piercing the membrane between these realms.

An Overview of the Realms

The best way to start an investigation into these matters is a simple look at the main realms.

Realm of Existence

There is not other way to name this, really. I suppose Fou Lu, though that does not do any justice to the other planets. This is the realm we all call home. I have very little to say on it, as many others have written what histories and encyclopedae they can. My proper concern are those realms which exist along side this one.

Realm of Shade

The most adequate description for this realm is that of a waiting room. From here the energies of the dead are seperated by a strange entity I could never qutie view. While staring into the diving pool with which I glanced beyond the Realm of Existence the figure was always obscured by shadows. I believe this is some srot of powerful magic, though I do not know if that is simply part of the creature's nature or a concious act. These shadows are the reason for this Realm's name, though the depressing state of the place could also be a good reason. It seems to be an entropic representation of our realm, a barren wasteland where monuments and landmarks of our land are but a pale ruin, and nearly all else is completely wiped away. I believe those who speak of ghosts have seen the energies of the dead trying to reform in the Realm of Existence from this realm.

Realm of Peace

Many energy forms end up in this place. I believe it is their peace of mind at the time of death which allows them to reach this realm. There are no physical forms here, but rather it is a mass of living energies. The interactions are far too complex for me to understand at this time, but I believe physical existence in this realm is impossible, so I dare not try to travel here. Though, when viewing it, a sense of serenity and peace fills my mind. This is what earned the realm its name.

Realm of Chaos

This seems to be the polar opposite of the Realm of Peace. This place is terrible. Again, there is no physical existence, but I can feel in my head sharp pains, and hear the wailing of tortured people. It fills me with sadness and despair in such a way I have gazed on it only twice, and never will again. The interactions of the energies here, though, are quite different than those in the Realm of Peace, it seems. Both times I have noticed violent interactions which cause magical explosions, ones of such magnitude that I believe any physical form powerful enough to gain entry (if that is possible) would be ripped to shreds. I hope I do not end up in this place.

Infinite Desert

This is a realm composed entirely of Fire elemental energy. There seems to be some sort of physical form to the place, though perhaps that is simply how my mortal mind processes the realm which is the domain of Mercu. I have also seen phyiscal beings here, perhaps devoted followers of Mercu who he has gifted after death with existence by their God's side as powerful fire energies. They seem to rather enjoy the desert. There also seems to be a large tower which I believe to be the home of Mercu, though my gaze couldn't penetrate it.

Last Ocean

This realm is home to Goddess Aidon. It is simply a massive ocean, which is far deeper than I can see. Here there are water energies, akin the fire ones in the Infinite Desert, who seem perfectly suited for the environment. There is also a great house made of beautiful pearl, which is the home of Aidon. She did not stop my gaze from penetrating her home, though all I could percieve was the shining brilliance of the pearl walls and a few water energy forms. Perhaps my magic is not yet powerful enough to let me see the full glory of a God.

The Mountain

Dio calls this realm home. There is only a mountain. I can not find where it touches ground, nor can I see the roots of the mountain and what might be hidden in them. There must be a great many treasures there, I think. There are earth energies here, but curiously there are also Dwarves. Perhaps Dio lets his favored race keep their actual form and dwell here in what must surely be a paradise for Dwarves. I do not see any house-like structure in the great tunnels which burrow into the mountain. I can only assume that it is too far down into the mountain for me to detect it.

Kingdom of Clouds

This spectacular realm is home to Volkain. I have seen only a few structures which were built by Elves, but the architecture is much the same here. It seems to be a city as big as a kingdom, built on a base of clouds. Air energies and Elven people roam here and there. When I see all these energy forms I wonder if the Gods are building up armies, or if they are servants. I don't like to ponder the question too much. In the center of this city there is a gigantic castle, which is home to Volkain. I could not penetrate this place, but the flags and banners made it quite clear.

Realm of Dreams

The Realm of Dreams is two things. It is where all Dreams take place, and the place which allows telepathic mages to see into the minds of others. However, it is also the personal realm of the God of my own element, Thanatos. Though I do not formally worship Thanatos, I have visited the Temple in this realm from time to time.The Temple is where Thanatosians come to worship their God, and is also home to Thanatos. Beyond that a Psychic can create whatever he wants with a simple thought. They can spawn dreams or nightmares, and more experienced ones can cast them into the minds of sleeping people. The only energies here are from Psychics visiting the place, with the exception of a very powerful form who seems to gaurd the realm.

The Crossroads

This seems to be a nexus between all the realms. There are roads leading off in all directions from a great meeting hall, which I believe is where the Gods gather to meet on neutral territory. There also seems to be a path which leads to Realm of Existence, though I can not find where on Fou Lu it ends. Perhaps the Gods have sealed this path to prevent mortals from stumbling into it. No stray energy forms wander here. The place is rather empty, and slightly foreboding.

Althena's Realm

I have no other name for this place, as I could not gaze upon it at all. I merely followed the different paths at The Crossroads to the realms where they led, and I could not see waht was beyond this. There was only a light which blinded me for some time, and when I regained my sight my viewing pool was empty. I have seen no other realm which Althena controls, so I assume this is it, and she does not wish for anyone to see it.