Dimensions

A dimension is a portion of reality containing space, time, matter, and energy, and is separated from other dimensions by some physical difference in these elements. A dimension may be a universe, which contains a virtually infinite amount of space, or a pocket dimension, which is clearly finite and often relatively small. The term "realm" is used often to refer to dimensions, mostly of the second variety.

Dimensions can also be classified by their composition. "Earth-like dimensions" possess a similar makeup, physical properties, and laws of physics as the planet Earth 530 "Alien dimensions" have differing physical properties and laws than the Earth; and finally, "magic dimensions" which also have differing properties than the Earth, but are primarily governed by magic. Knave (Alison Edwards) describes them as places where everyone can magically breathe the atmosphere.

The collection of dimensions that make up a reality can be visualized as a spectrum based on their spatial magnitudes, and Earth's dimension can be arbitrarily placed in its centre. Earth's universe possesses three spatial magnitudes. Close to Earth's universe can be encountered other dimensions which may still have three spatial magnitudes, but their natural laws may be different, like Polemachus. Outward of these can be found pocket dimensions like Asgard. Further outward there are universes whose number of spatial magnitudes is irrational and any human visual representation of these universes is necessarily distorted or incomplete. Among these are the Sixth Dimension and the Dimension of Dreams.

There are universes whose number of spatial magnitudes (physical dimensions) range between 2.72 and 6.29. Lower universes with fewer than the former digit or higher than the latter are vastly different than Earth's universe with its three spatial dimensions. The Dark Dimension is an example of this, since it possesses a greater number of spatial magnitudes than Earth's universe. In the Dark Dimension, gravity is weaker and electrical forces are inexistent due to the behaviour of electrons. The Faltine in turn has an even greater number of magnitudes than the Dark Dimension, and it's only comprised of energy.

Mystic Dimensions are realms whose fundamental properties are governed by magical energies as opposed to laws of physics. Magic can be practised in mundane physical realms, such as Earth 530, though it is generally the exception rather than the rule. All the dimensions are reachable at any time from anywhere, if a traveller is powerful and knowledgeable enough. For those exploring the Planes for the first time or in need of a little help, there is a specific route that makes the journey less impossible. There are barriers that restrict movement between certain realms, creating subsets. There are four known levels/subsets of planar groupings. The different dimensions (or at least the mystical ones) can be somewhat sorted into these four groups: the Inner Planes, the Consecution of Colours, the Archipelago of Anguish and Redemption, and the Celestial Concordance. Passing within the subsets, such as between two realms in the Inner Planes to another of the Inner Planes, is comparatively simple.