Twin Paradises
The Twin Paradises are the homes of those spirits and powers that believe in the forces of good. They believe in organization only when necessary or when it is the best method of dealing with a problem. This plane is unique among the outer planes in that the barrier between the two is large, encompassing the upper regions of both layers, and very transparent, so that the surface of one layer can be viewed from the other as a ghostly mirror reflection against the sky.
- Twin Paradises Description
- Reaching Twin Paradises
- Color Pools
- Features of Twin Paradises
- Survival in Twin Paradises
- Movement in Twin Paradises
- Encounters in Twin Paradises
- Magic in Twin Paradises
The best analogy to the Twin Paradises is a book with no spine. The insides of the two covers are the surfaces of the two layers (facing each other). A traveler standing in one of the layers can look up and see the other layer hanging high overhead (and upside down, according to the traveler's perspective). Gravity functions normally for each layer (each looks look upside down to the other). The two layers are separated by a wide gulf of air (the separation is 20 miles from sea level to sea level).
Dothion is a pastoral paradise, filled with huge forests of great oaks and large meadows where wildflowers bloom. Seasons occur in this layer, but they are mild—the heaviest snowfall is no worse than the first of the season, and the summers are mild. It is filled with curious animals that are more Intelligent than their Prime planar cousins, but they do not have the power of speech.
Shurrock is a more lively place, for its weather runs to the dramatic. There are booming thunder squalls and hard rains. Its winters are long and cold, and its summers are hot. The plane seems to challenge those who inhabit it. Those found within—animals, humans, and Powers—are always at work. Both layers of the plane are positive and industrious. Natives of one layer often visit the other layer for a change of clime. Neither side considers itself the better of the two. The Twin Paradises impose no additional restrictions to those for the outer planes in general. The barrier between the planar layers is in midair, halfway between the layers. A traveler can fly up to the barrier, make the necessary Wisdom Check for crossing the barrier, and then fly down into the other layer. Travelers seeking a more discreet method of traveling between the barriers can climb one of several tall mountains that reach the barrier and connect to a mountain that reaches up from the other layer. Climbing a peak and crossing the barrier without preparation for the reversed direction in gravity can be hazardous, even fatal.
Each layer gives off a golden-white glow that provides the illumination for this plane.
These facing layers of the Paradises are named Shurrock and Dothion. Dothion is usually considered the topmost plane, (nearest the Astral). Portals to the other planes from either layer appear as caverns with patterns shining within. Those with concentric circle patterns lead to the Seven Heavens, those with radiating lines lead to Elysium, and those with spiderweb patterns lead to Concordant Opposition.
The Twin Paradises have not been extensively explored by travelers (they seem to prefer the greater challenges of the lower planes). The standard variety of powerful creatures have been reported in the Twin Paradises, including hollyphants, planetars, foo creatures, devas, solars, agathia, and baku. In addition, the animals and some of the trees are sentient. The former have Intelligences of at least average, while the latter at treated as treants. Neither has the power of speech. Of the powers that reside in that plane, the most is known of the gnomish pantheon, led by Garl Glittergold, that includes Baervan Wildwanderer, Segojan Earthcaller, and Flandal Steelskin. These beings make their home in Dothion, though they often wander (Randal Steelskin often sets up a lab in Shurrock to work during the cold months). Baervan's ancient oak tree, Whisperleaf, can be found on the side of one of the mountains that leads to a similar mountain from Shurrock. Gnomes are served by the spirits of their people, though there are occasional gnomish archons.
Ukko is the leader of the Suomi pantheon. He lives across the barrier in the region of Shurrock opposite the gnomish pantheon. His realm in Shurrock is relatively cold and snowy. When Ukko is angered, he raises a full-force blizzard to vent his wrath. Ukko tends not to interfere with other matters greatly, indeed, few of his pantheon journey to his abode to pay homage. Ukko is served by a multitude of air maidens (LL, page 57), whom he uses for both defense and to aid his Prime planar followers when they are in dire need.
Epimetheus, the greater titan of Greek mythos, wanders the Twin Paradises, making neither his home (he has settled several times in various locations of Shurrock and Dothion, but his tendency to act before thinking has brought about their destruction). Unlike Prometheus, his brother, he was not invited to join the Greek pantheon in Olympus, but he was also not incarcerated in Tarterus. He tends to wander between the Paradises and the Prime plane. The gnomish gods understand his problem (indeed, his actions seem almost gnomish). In Shurrock, Ukko is powerful enough to handle any of the major disasters Epimetheus creates.
Keldour, the home of the Keldorian Gods lies along the waters of Shurrock.
Time Distortion
Time distortion in the Twin Paradises results in time spent away from a character's Prime Plane being elongated though enjoyment. For every single month spent in the Twin Paradises only one day elapses on the Prime Plane.
