Time

Time, as it manifests across the vast and intricate multiverse of Rolara, is a quintessential element shaping existence and reality. This fundamental aspect of the cosmos is governed by its natural progression forward, albeit at variable rates across different planes and even within distinct layers of a single plane. This variation is not limited to the rate of time's flow; the effects and implications of time itself differ remarkably from one plane to another, seemingly unbound by the rhythm of its passage.
At the helm of this complex dimension stands the Time Deity, also revered as the Chronomaster. This cosmic entity, wielding niche powers over time, shoulders the monumental duty of maintaining continuity within Rolara's singular timeline. The appointment of Time Deities, a sacred tradition, passes from one to another, ensuring the mantle of guardianship over time's sanctity continues unbroken. Among their myriad responsibilities, the prevention of backward time travel and the eradication of anachronistic anomalies are paramount, preserving the fabric of existence from potential unravelings.
Magic, with its boundless realms, interacts intimately with time, offering mechanisms to alter its flow—be it through spells that halt its advance momentarily or accelerate the actions of the caster. Furthermore, magic serves as a bridge to traverse time or peer into its veiled recesses, though stringent rules laid down by the inaugural Time Deity, Aion, limit such traversals strictly to the realm of the past. These edicts, revered by Aion's successor, Continuum, underscore the sanctity of the "present time" and prohibit temporal advances beyond this boundary.
An intriguing facet of time travel in Rolara is the prohibition against occupying a period wherein one's existence already unfolds, a safeguard against paradoxes that could fracture the continuum. However, exceptions exist, such as time loops—phenomena either conjured through potent magic or birthed from precise natural conditions, affecting localized geographies without disrupting the timeline at large.
Despite the lack of a devout following, every being within Rolara is inexorably bound to time, from which the Time Deity draws divine power. Assisting in this Celestial duty is a singular celestial worker, Aeonis the Deva, who uniquely navigates through different periods, including those of his own existence, facilitating tasks demanding the presence of more than a single celestial.
Notably, anomalies within the fabric of time, from the creation of time loops to the effects of spells altering time's pace, necessitate intervention from the Time Deity and Aeonis to maintain equilibrium. Such interventions aim to curb the emergence of anachronisms, the gravest threat to Rolara's timeline.
Rolara's history also recounts individuals granted the privilege of time travel, a distinction earned through extraordinary means. Shen Feng Wa, a wujen from the Mythic Land of Jiao, stands as a prime example, having mastered the delicate balance of yin and yang to navigate the streams of time. His wisdom and compassion earned him a place among the select few who traverse time with minimal oversight, a testament to the nuanced governance of time by its deities.
However, journeys to specific epochs, such as the era marked by the extinguishment of the Stars of Power, are fraught with peril, given the severe constraints on magic's accessibility. This period underscores the intricate tapestry of Rolara's timeline, where magic and divinity intertwine to govern the flow and essence of time—a domain under the vigilant gaze of the Time Deity and their celestial custodian, shaping the destiny of all realms within the multiverse.

Manifestation

Time, within the expansive and intricate multiverse of Rolara, manifests as both a physical and metaphysical entity, a fundamental aspect of reality that transcends mere progression from past to future. Governed by cosmic laws and influenced by the arcane, its presence is ubiquitous, yet its nature remains elusive, varying across the myriad planes of existence. Each plane, with its unique characteristics, experiences time at a different pace, some racing ahead while others languish in prolonged moments, creating a mosaic of temporal flows.
Central to the concept of time in Rolara is the figure of the Time Deity, or Chronomaster, a cosmic entity endowed with the power to oversee, manipulate, and maintain the integrity of time. This Deity, a guardian of temporal continuity, ensures that Rolara's singular timeline remains unfractured, safeguarding against the perils of anachronisms and unauthorized temporal incursions. The responsibilities vested in the Chronomaster include not only the protection of time's continuity but also the restriction of backward time travel, maintaining the natural order and preventing paradoxes that could unravel the fabric of reality.
Magic, a pervasive force in Rolara, interacts with time in profound ways. Spells capable of halting the flow of time or accelerating it demonstrate time's susceptibility to arcane manipulation. Yet, such powers come with limitations, as no magic can propel beings beyond the present moment, a safeguard established by Aion, the inaugural Time Deity, and preserved by successors. This rule underscores the sanctity of the "present time" as a fixed point, beyond which even the most potent magic cannot reach.
Despite its omnipresence, time elicits no worship. It draws its divine power from the universal acknowledgment of its dominance over existence, making every creature, knowingly or not, a subject to its flow. This lack of a devoted following does not diminish the Time Deity's power; rather, it highlights the intrinsic nature of time as an essential, unquestioned aspect of reality.
Anomalies such as time loops and temporal distortions, while rare, provide evidence of time's complex behavior. These phenomena, capable of bending the linear perception of time into cyclical patterns or altering its flow within localized regions, are subject to the vigilant oversight of the Time Deity and their Celestial envoy, Aeonis. This divine vigilance ensures that the timeline remains intact, free from the distortions that could lead to chaos.

Localization

The multiverse of Rolara, with its boundless realms and dimensions, presents a tapestry of locales where the laws of time exhibit peculiar and often bewildering behaviors. These anomalies, ranging from dead magic zones to Ley Lines brimming with arcane energy, underscore the complex relationship between the magical and the temporal. Such variations in time's manifestation are not merely quirks of nature but are deeply rooted in the fabric of each plane's existence, influenced by historical events, the presence of powerful entities, or inherent magical properties.

---

The Astral Plane and Time's Suspended Effects

The Astral Plane, a realm of thought and dream, mirrors the temporal flow of the Prime Material Plane in rate but diverges dramatically in effect. Here, the aging process, hunger, thirst, and natural decay are suspended, as if time itself holds its breath. This peculiarity makes the Astral Plane a refuge for those seeking escape from the ravages of time, yet it also renders it a place of stasis, where change is an anomaly rather than a constant.

Moonwilde's Enigmatic Temporal Flow

Moonwilde, the crystal sphere domain of the Eladrin, stands as a testament to the enigmatic nature of time. Within its bounds, time flows like a capricious stream, now fast, now slow, defying prediction or understanding. This whimsical behavior of time influences the very essence of the Eladrin, their culture, and their Magic, making them beings in tune with the unpredictability of existence. The Moonwilde's temporal anomalies are believed to be a reflection of the Eladrin's deep connection to the cycles of nature and magic, a manifestation of their realm's intrinsic enchantment.

The Accelerated Aging of Ephemoria

Ephemoria, a realm where time flows as expected but with amplified effects, presents a stark contrast to the Astral Plane and Moonwilde. Here, living creatures experience the passage of time at a normal rate, but the effects of time, particularly aging, are drastically accelerated. This phenomenon has led Ephemoria to be a place of short lives and rapid ecological cycles, where generations pass in the blink of an eye compared to other realms. The cause of Ephemoria's accelerated temporal effects remains a mystery, though some theorize it to be the result of a curse laid by a forgotten Deity, a natural anomaly, or the aftermath of an ancient magical cataclysm.

Ley Lines of Temporal Flux

Scattered across the multiverse are Ley Lines of potent magic energy, some of which possess unique temporal properties. These ley lines can create zones where time flows either faster or slower than the surrounding areas, or where time loops upon itself in perpetual cycles. Such zones can be both a boon and a bane, offering unparalleled opportunities for study and magical development, but also posing significant risks to the unwary traveler. The creation of these ley lines is often attributed to the alignments of cosmic forces, the convergence of powerful magical fields, or the intervention of deities and other transcendent entities.

---

The locales within Rolara where time behaves in unconventional manners underscore the diversity and complexity of the multiverse. From the stasis of the Astral Plane to the unpredictability of Moonwilde and the accelerated effects in Threnody, these variations highlight the intricate dance between the magical and the temporal. Such anomalies not only challenge the understanding of time but also offer a window into the profound mysteries that underpin the very fabric of the multiverse.

Table of Contents

Type

Natural