Layer Theory
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The Layer Theory of Dimensional Cosmology is a framework used to describe the overall layered structure of planes in Local Reality. These layers are usually called Dimensions or Quintessential Strata. This framework has existed in various forms for millennia—for example in antiquities Lorgain and Rozsa—but is most rigorously described by scholars of the Eridún-based Daybreak Empire. There are four known strata and a fifth, theoretical one.
The Empire classifies planes—at least in this regard—as Class I-IV, in order of how many layers of reality they possess. This classification is one digit in their Planar Classification scheme.Planes
"Plane" is a common term for pockets of observable phenomena, or simply reality, within the vast sea of Voidstuff that makes up most of the Known Universe, also called Local Reality. Planes represent breaches, or mounds, of Quintessential Strata in Voidspace, after crossing the threshold from "Remote Reality" or just "the Beyond". Only inside Voidspace are these strata stable enough to create observable phenomena. These mounds of strata seem to always breach the threshold in a perfectly circular shape, making planes "domes" of sorts, with circular bases.
At least two "phenomena", for lack of a better term, exist in Remote Reality: the jittering, red-black chaos of Kos and the cold, alien stagnancy of Pandæmonium. Neither are known to host planes of their own, though Kos is known to manifest sentient(?) creatures known as Extites. Local and Remote Reality are sometimes called the Slow Void and Quick Entropus, respectively.
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Oloraan, capped with Luminiferous Aether, a visual domain
of the Arcane layer of Reality.
Quintessential Strata
The Author is aware of four such layers. The strata are always "stacked" in the order listed below; lower strata never occur in a plane without the above strata. The more strata expressed in a plane, the rarer it is.1. The Wyld
Also known as Arcanus, the Aurora, the Luminiferous Æther and the Arcane Paraecologies. The Wyld is the topmost Quintessential Strata, and as the name implies is the source of the mysterious forces that arcane casters summon and shape.
The most basic plane is one where only Arcanus breaches the threshold between Reality and Unreality. Simple pools or discs of arcane energy within Voidspace, these planes are sometimes called "torch worlds", "lantern worlds" or "stars". They are used by travelers to navigate between planes.
Purely arcane or Class I planes are far and away the most common type of plane, representing about 92% of the total.2. The Weave
Also known as Mundus, Logos, Incarnus, Matter or the Autochthon. The Weave is the second strata, and represents physical matter. The most basic mundane or telluric realms are barren islands of rock or liquid with the usual crown of arcanum. Some more complex telluric realms host their own flora & fauna, but without any esoteric strata or "Pathos" beneath (see #3), any civilizations on these planes tend to remain primitive.
Basic "Class II" worlds, with only an arcane and mundane layer, represent about 7% of Known planes.
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3. The Wyrm
Also known as the Spective Layer, Pathos, the Gloaming or Nod. On Waking Materia it is known as the Duskscape. The Wyrm is the third strata, and represents conceptual phenomena. Planes with conceptual strata beneath their material ones tend to give way to sapient civilizations given enough time. Dead and dreaming souls may traverse the Spective layer, and this interaction seems to be what brings about "higher" questions of philosophy, science and technology in their material civilizations.
These "Class III" civilizations may of course colonize basic, Class II planes and are in no danger per se, but prolonged existence on Mundane planes is tied to cognitive and emotional dulling. Advanced civilizations who are aware of this effect, for example the Daybreak Empire, tend to post important personnel in shifts as a result, and even take advantage of the cognitive dulling to keep certain groups, like criminals or enemies of war, docile.
Class III worlds are rare, representing perhaps 1% of planes at most.4. The Wane
Also known as the the Interesoteric Layer, Apeiron, the Twilight Eternities or kos-mos. The full function of the Wane is not fully understood even by the Author, however there seems to some manner of non-physical, non-spatial relationship between the Class IV "Interesoteric" planes, or planes which have all four quintessential strata.
On Waking Materia, one manifestation of the Wane occurs as the roiling abyss known as Quietus, surrounded by the towering, demonic metropolis of Dis. Another is the "pocket" realm of Liminos, occupied by a Material demigoddess of fate and omens named Shennuvriex Shauku.
"Class IV" planes are exceedingly rare, representing only about 0.002% of Known planes.
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