D&D Planescape - Adventures in the Multiverse Preview

In the vast and ever-expanding realm of Dungeons & Dragons, there comes, once in a while, a release that promises to redefine our notions of adventure and immersion. "D&D Planescape - Adventures in the Multiverse," slated for release on October 17, is one such gem.

This isn’t just another expansion, but a revival and deep dive into one of the most imaginative and beloved settings of the D&D multiverse. Whether you're a seasoned planeswalker or a newcomer eager to embark on interdimensional escapades, prepare to be entranced by the wonders of the City of Doors and the myriad realms beyond. Welcome, adventurer, to a preview of what lies ahead in this monumental release.

About Planescape

For those unacquainted, the Planescape setting is no mere backdrop. It represents a vast tapestry of interconnected realities, an intricate dance of philosophy, belief, and raw cosmic power. In the grand theater of the D&D multiverse, Planescape is the stage where belief can reshape worlds, where factions vie for dominance over ideas, and where adventurers find themselves in the intricate web of cosmic politics and existential dilemmas. The setting transcends the traditional boundaries of fantasy, merging the ethereal with the tangible, the cerebral with the visceral.

This book's impending release is not just the addition of another title to one's collection. It is a portal, inviting both veterans of the planes and newcomers alike, to embark on journeys where the stakes are as vast as the multiverse itself. With "Adventures in the Multiverse," we stand at the cusp of exploring the next chapter in this iconic setting, and the air is thick with excitement and possibilities.

The Legacy of Planescape

Planescape has always been more than just a setting; it's a sensation, a unique flavor in the vast banquet of Dungeons & Dragons worlds. Born from the imaginative minds at TSR in the early 1990s, Planescape emerged as a groundbreaking departure from the more traditional fantasy settings D&D enthusiasts were accustomed to. With its launch, players were whisked away from the familiar landscapes of the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance and plunged into the swirling, chaotic nexus of the multiverse - the city of Sigil, the heart of the Planescape setting.

For those who remember, the first brush with Planescape was akin to diving headfirst into a surreal painting, where everything they knew about D&D was challenged. Here, belief was power. Factions, not just kingdoms or guilds, waged wars over philosophical ideas. The Blood War raged between devils and demons, with planeswalkers treading carefully between these monumental conflicts. The art, lore, and even the slang of the setting (Berk! Cutter! Bashers!) had its unique flavor, punctuated by the iconic illustrations of artists like Tony DiTerlizzi.
However, Planescape was not just about its quirky aesthetics. It presented profound themes, prompting players to ponder questions of existence, morality, and the nature of reality itself. It became a playground for the mind as much as it was for one's character sheet.

A Dive into the Multiverse

At the very heart of Dungeons & Dragons lies the captivating allure of infinite realms and endless possibility. This is embodied in one of the game’s most profound and intricate concepts: the Multiverse. Not to be confused with a mere collection of worlds or dimensions, the Multiverse in D&D is an intricate tapestry of interconnected realities, each unique, yet bound by the threads of cosmic law and magic.

To grasp the importance of the Multiverse is to understand the scope and depth of D&D itself. It's not just about sprawling dungeons or mythical beasts; it's about entire planes of existence, each with its own rules, denizens, and cultures. This framework allows for endless variety in storytelling, ensuring that no two adventures, even if they tread the same plane, are ever truly alike. From the fiery abysses of the Nine Hells to the serenely alien landscapes of Elysium, the Multiverse is a testament to the boundless creativity that D&D has fostered over the decades.

Diving deeper, we encounter the distinct classifications of these myriad planes:

• The Inner Planes: These represent the elemental building blocks of reality. Comprising the Elemental Planes of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire, they also encompass the para-elemental planes where these primary elements merge, such as the Plane of Magma (Earth meets Fire) or the Plane of Ooze (Earth meets Water). These are primal, raw, and often hazardous to unprepared travelers.
• The Outer Planes: These are the realms of belief, divinity, and alignment. From the lawful architectures of Mechanus to the chaotic storms of Limbo, each of these planes resonates with a particular moral or ethical alignment, shaping not just its landscapes, but its very essence. It's here that gods make their homes and where souls journey after death, seeking their final rest or reward.
• The Transitive Planes: Acting as the 'spaces between', these planes, such as the Ethereal Plane and the Astral Plane, are often pathways to other realities. They are less 'solid' than the Inner or Outer Planes and are often used for travel, exploration, or refuge.
• And more: Beyond these primary classifications, the Multiverse boasts of countless demiplanes, alternate realities, and mysterious realms that defy categorization. Some whisper of the Far Realm, a place so alien and incomprehensible that merely glimpsing it can unhinge the mind.
• As "Adventures in the Multiverse" unfolds, players can expect not only a deeper exploration of these well-known planes but also the unveiling of new, hitherto unknown realms. Each page promises a step into the vastness of the D&D cosmos, beckoning adventurers to explore, dream, and discover.

What's In The Book?

Eagerly anticipated by fans old and new, "D&D Planescape - Adventures in the Multiverse" promises to take adventurers on a journey like no other. Below you can see an overview of what you’ll see in this three book set.

• Sigil and the Outlands (96-page hardcover setting book)
• The City of Doors: Central to the Planescape setting, Sigil stands as a bustling, dizzying nexus of infinite doors leading to anywhere and everywhere across the planes. Here, factions vie for power and portals can whisk you away to the most distant of realities with just a step. The guide dives deep into the intricate politics, key landmarks, and mysterious underpinnings of this iconic city.
• Planar Character Options: Ready to embody the very essence of the planes? New subclasses, backgrounds, and races await, designed to immerse your character in the multiverse. Ever wanted to harness the chaos of Limbo or embrace the order of Mechanus? Now's your chance.
• The Outlands and Gate-towns: As the neutral center of the Outer Planes, the Outlands serve as a buffer and transition between the wildly varied realms. Each layer has its own gate-town, acting as both a gateway and a reflection of the plane it connects to. This guide offers rich descriptions, hooks, and mysteries for each of these unique towns.
  
  
• Turn of Fortune’s Wheel (96-page hardcover adventure)
• Venture into a tale that challenges reality itself! Designed for characters of levels 3-10, this narrative promises intrigue, danger, and existential quandaries. Starting in the heart of Sigil, adventurers will face challenges that test their understanding of themselves and the very fabric of the multiverse.
• Level Jump: This adventure offers an unconventional progression system, allowing characters to leap from level 10 to 17, embodying the unpredictable and vast nature of the Planes themselves. Why this sudden jump? Without giving away too much, expect some reality-bending challenges and rewards!
  
  
• Morte’s Planar Parade (64-page hardcover bestiary)
• A bestiary like no other, this tome details the strange, wondrous, and sometimes terrifying inhabitants of the Outer Planes.
• Planar Incarnates: Entities that embody the pure essence of each plane, these beings are both allies and adversaries, challenges and guides. Their natures vary as widely as the planes themselves.
• Hierarch Modrons: Representing pure order, these geometric beings hail from Mechanus and serve in a rigid hierarchy. Whether you're looking to confront or converse, their presence introduces a whole new dimension of challenges.
• Time Dragons: These enigmatic entities weave through the ages, transcending linear time. They guard the temporal tides, and encounters with them promise to challenge not just your combat skills, but your understanding of continuity itself.

Conclusion

In all, "D&D Planescape - Adventures in the Multiverse" is shaping up to be a must-have for any D&D enthusiast. Whether you're returning to the City of Doors or stepping through its portals for the first time, prepare for an unforgettable journey. Mark your calendars for October 17 and set your sights on the infinite horizons of the multiverse!