Cosmology of Norune – The Realms Beyond
The world of Norune exists within a complex cosmological structure that includes upper realms, lower realms, and transitory planes. These realms exist in metaphysical layers surrounding the Mortal World, each distinct in form, inhabitants, and nature. One realm, the Golden City, stands beyond and apart from all others, having been linked to the world of Norune through the actions of the Holy Church of Divine Luminance and its adherents.
For more information, see the in-universe books:
- Book: On the Realms Beyond: A Treatise for the Worthy, A book by Father-Presbyter Altherion Kael, a senior priest of the Order of the Sacred Blades
- Book: The Realms of Creation: A Canonical Cosmology, A book by Prelate Seraphon Vale, a theological Scholar of the Holy Church of Divine Luminance
The Golden City (Transcendent Realm)
The Golden City is not part of the native layered cosmology, but exists above and beyond all other realms as it transcends planes. It is said to be a perfect, radiant city of gold and light, where harmony, order, and eternal peace reign. The City is untouched by time, decay, or corruption, and no known portal or path connects it to the other realms. Inhabitants are believed to be divine beings or souls chosen for eternal reward, and of course Oriens, the god of light, justice, and order. To the adherents of the Holy Church, it is the highest ideal of spiritual fulfillment, beyond mortal comprehension.
The Upper Realms
The Empyrean
A realm of celestial order and justice, defined by shining spires, luminous skies, and cities built from crystal and gold. Beings of law, balance, and virtue reside here, including celestials, spirit-judges, and guardians. The Empyrean enforces cosmic stability and serves as the seat of incorruptible law. For the followers of the Order of the Sacred Blade, this is where they believe their
The Peaceful Vale
A serene pastoral realm of rolling hills, calm rivers, and gentle light. It offers rest and fulfillment to peaceful souls and tranquil spirits. There are no rulers here, only eternal calm and communal harmony. Time flows gently, and no conflict stirs the stillness.
The Wildlands of Aether
A realm of vibrant beauty and perpetual change. Skies are filled with auroras, and the land pulses with creative energy. Beings of joy, freedom, and artistic expression dwell here — dancing winds, shifting fae, and spirits of inspiration. The Wildlands are ever-changing and resist structure of any kind.
Transitional Realms
The Azure Dominion
A cosmic realm of stars, fate, and arcane power. It contains vast astral seas, floating fortresses, and crystalline landscapes. Beings of knowledge, prophecy, and cosmic balance dwell here, such as astral dragons and starborn seers. Time flows irregularly, and the laws of magic are dominant. It is from here the magic users of the world call for their abilities.
The Verdant Court
An ancient fae realm, where nature and magic intertwine. The land is wild, with shifting seasons and landscapes shaped by fae whim. Rulers include powerful fae lords, and inhabitants are bound by pacts and ritual etiquette. The Verdant Court is neither kind nor cruel, only primally balanced. It is from this realm the druids of the world obtain their powers over nature.
Mortal Realm
Norune, et al
The material plane and home to mortals. It features diverse continents, cultures, and natural environments. Magic exists but does not dominate. Here, choice, conflict, and consequence define reality. Norune’s world is the center of the cosmological structure, encircled by all other realms.
Lower Realms
The Umbral Court
A realm of shadow, sorrow, and treachery. It mirrors the Verdant Court, but with decay and cold. Dark fae, wraiths, and oathbreakers dwell here, ruled by lords of vengeance and memory. The land is bleak, filled with mists, ruins, and twisted forests.
The Bleeding Hells
Realms of tyranny, fire, and torment. Here, devils and infernal warlords impose strict hierarchies and punish the condemned. Cities of black stone rise amidst rivers of blood, and law is wielded as a weapon. Power is absolute, and freedom nonexistent.
The Forsaken Vault
A place of spiritual ruin and forgotten divinity. Temples lie shattered, and the air is still and cold. Inhabitants include remnants of lost gods, corrupted spirits, and seekers of forbidden power. The Vault represents faith lost and twisted into desolation.
The Abyss of Hungers
A chaotic, monstrous realm of endless appetite and violence. Land and sky churn with living matter, teeth, and claws. Demons and predators dominate, and strength alone ensures survival. It is a place of war, rage, and consumption.
The Void Beneath All
The lowest and most alien realm, defined by darkness, entropy, and madness. It is antithetical to creation, filled with eldritch horrors, necromantic forces, and shadowed whispers. Light and form are devoured, and reality breaks down. The Void is the origin of necromancy, shadow magic, and void energy.
Cosmology of Norune – The Realms Beyond
The world of Norune exists within a complex cosmological structure that includes upper realms, lower realms, and transitory planes. These realms exist in metaphysical layers surrounding the Mortal World, each distinct in form, inhabitants, and nature. One realm, the Golden City, stands beyond and apart from all others, having been linked to the world of Norune through the actions of the Holy Church of Divine Luminance and its adherents.
For more information, see the in-universe books:
- Book: On the Realms Beyond: A Treatise for the Worthy, A book by Father-Presbyter Altherion Kael, a senior priest of the Order of the Sacred Blades
- Book: The Realms of Creation: A Canonical Cosmology, A book by Prelate Seraphon Vale, a theological Scholar of the Holy Church of Divine Luminance
The Golden City (Transcendent Realm)
The Golden City is not part of the native layered cosmology, but exists above and beyond all other realms as it transcends planes. It is said to be a perfect, radiant city of gold and light, where harmony, order, and eternal peace reign. The City is untouched by time, decay, or corruption, and no known portal or path connects it to the other realms. Inhabitants are believed to be divine beings or souls chosen for eternal reward, and of course Oriens, the god of light, justice, and order. To the adherents of the Holy Church, it is the highest ideal of spiritual fulfillment, beyond mortal comprehension.
The Upper Realms
The Empyrean
A realm of celestial order and justice, defined by shining spires, luminous skies, and cities built from crystal and gold. Beings of law, balance, and virtue reside here, including celestials, spirit-judges, and guardians. The Empyrean enforces cosmic stability and serves as the seat of incorruptible law. For the followers of the Order of the Sacred Blade, this is where they believe their
The Peaceful Vale
A serene pastoral realm of rolling hills, calm rivers, and gentle light. It offers rest and fulfillment to peaceful souls and tranquil spirits. There are no rulers here, only eternal calm and communal harmony. Time flows gently, and no conflict stirs the stillness.
The Wildlands of Aether
A realm of vibrant beauty and perpetual change. Skies are filled with auroras, and the land pulses with creative energy. Beings of joy, freedom, and artistic expression dwell here — dancing winds, shifting fae, and spirits of inspiration. The Wildlands are ever-changing and resist structure of any kind.
Transitional Realms
The Azure Dominion
A cosmic realm of stars, fate, and arcane power. It contains vast astral seas, floating fortresses, and crystalline landscapes. Beings of knowledge, prophecy, and cosmic balance dwell here, such as astral dragons and starborn seers. Time flows irregularly, and the laws of magic are dominant. It is from here the magic users of the world call for their abilities.
The Verdant Court
An ancient fae realm, where nature and magic intertwine. The land is wild, with shifting seasons and landscapes shaped by fae whim. Rulers include powerful fae lords, and inhabitants are bound by pacts and ritual etiquette. The Verdant Court is neither kind nor cruel, only primally balanced. It is from this realm the druids of the world obtain their powers over nature.
Mortal Realm
Norune, et al
The material plane and home to mortals. It features diverse continents, cultures, and natural environments. Magic exists but does not dominate. Here, choice, conflict, and consequence define reality. Norune’s world is the center of the cosmological structure, encircled by all other realms.
Lower Realms
The Umbral Court
A realm of shadow, sorrow, and treachery. It mirrors the Verdant Court, but with decay and cold. Dark fae, wraiths, and oathbreakers dwell here, ruled by lords of vengeance and memory. The land is bleak, filled with mists, ruins, and twisted forests.
The Bleeding Hells
Realms of tyranny, fire, and torment. Here, devils and infernal warlords impose strict hierarchies and punish the condemned. Cities of black stone rise amidst rivers of blood, and law is wielded as a weapon. Power is absolute, and freedom nonexistent.
The Forsaken Vault
A place of spiritual ruin and forgotten divinity. Temples lie shattered, and the air is still and cold. Inhabitants include remnants of lost gods, corrupted spirits, and seekers of forbidden power. The Vault represents faith lost and twisted into desolation.
The Abyss of Hungers
A chaotic, monstrous realm of endless appetite and violence. Land and sky churn with living matter, teeth, and claws. Demons and predators dominate, and strength alone ensures survival. It is a place of war, rage, and consumption.
The Void Beneath All
The lowest and most alien realm, defined by darkness, entropy, and madness. It is antithetical to creation, filled with eldritch horrors, necromantic forces, and shadowed whispers. Light and form are devoured, and reality breaks down. The Void is the origin of necromancy, shadow magic, and void energy.