The Astral Plane

Lore & Background

The plane is particularly significant during the resurrection of Al Simmons, where his soul was snatched from this very threshold by Malebolgia to forge a deal with the Lord of Hell. It is here that the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, allowing for psychic warfare where thoughts become weapons. The environment often reflects the emotional state or memories of the traveler, making it a treacherous place for those with unstable minds.

In Their Own Story

Al's consciousness drifted through a corridor of swirling gray mist, the silence heavy with the weight of forgotten prayers. Suddenly, the fog coalesced into the faces of the innocent he had failed as a soldier, their eyes burning with accusation. A shadow detached itself from the darkness ahead, elongating into the jagged silhouette of a demon that whispered promises of power in exchange for his eternal servitude. Al reached out to grab his chain, but it felt like grasping smoke, pulling him further away from the light he thought was salvation.

Reader's Guide

The geography of the Astral Plane is non-Euclidean and entirely subjective; distances are measured in emotional intensity rather than miles. There are no fixed laws of physics here; gravity, time, and matter shift based on the dominant will or the specific spiritual conflict occurring at that moment.

Travelers often find themselves navigating landscapes constructed from their own memories, such as a battlefield replaying forever or a childhood home twisted by nightmare logic. The plane is governed by the metaphysical laws of the higher powers, meaning angels and demons can alter the terrain to suit their tactical needs instantly.

Key locations are transient but include the thresholds leading to the Pearly Gates or the gates of Hell, which appear as massive, shifting portals. These gateways are heavily guarded by spiritual sentinels who test the worthiness of passing souls before allowing them to cross into their final eternal destinations.

Did You Know?

• The Astral Plane is where Al Simmons' soul was captured, preventing his natural ascent to Heaven and forcing his pact with Malebolgia.
• Entities within this realm can project illusions that are physically tangible to the traveler, making psychological warfare a primary combat style.
• Necroplasmic energy flows differently here compared to Earth, often appearing as visible currents of light or shadow that power supernatural abilities.