Cosmology of Molten Aether

Molten Aether's cosmology serves as a storytelling playground that blurs the lines between various religious, mythological, and fictional worlds. This design choice allows players to introduce characters and ideas from diverse backgrounds, such as Norse mythology or Dungeons and Dragons, without diluting their essence. The game also incorporates the concept of multiple planes, like the Astral and Ethereal Planes, to offer a more layered and intricate setting. Rather than imposing a rigid framework, the game's structure focuses on the tension between order and chaos, enriched by the idea of a single divine energy manifesting in various forms as discussed in Regarding Faith. The goal is to offer an expansive and inclusive setting for storytelling, allowing players to explore themes and characters as deeply as they wish.

The Multiverse - A Realm of Infinite Possibilities

The Multiverse theory posits the existence of multiple realities, each with its own governing rules, ranging from the laws of physics to realms of fantasy filled with magic and mythical creatures. This concept is a cornerstone of Molten Aether, serving as the mechanism that allows characters from these diverse realities to maintain their unique traits when they enter the game's universe. The game also employs a concept known as The Fudge, which addresses inconsistencies and allows for the melding of seemingly incompatible universes. By embracing this framework, Molten Aether offers a rich and diverse setting where characters from various backgrounds can interact in a cohesive narrative.

Mechanisms for Inter-Reality Travel

In Molten Aether, there are many ways for characters to move between different worlds. For example, in the futuristic world called Blazing Umbra, there's a random event known as the Splice that can bring characters into the game. But that's not the only way to travel. The game also offers other options, both magical and tech-based, to make the gameplay more interesting. Some of these options are the Umbral Passage, which is like a fantasy version of the Splice, and the Druthonae, a fixed portal that can take you to different places and times. There's also the Hermod Gate, inspired by the Stargate series, which allows for even more travel options. Lastly, there's the Verum Transitus, a special realm with doors leading to all kinds of places and times. These various methods make the game more engaging and give players lots of choices.

Planar Structure - A Layered Reality

Molten Aether's universe is structured into multiple planes, each endowed with unique attributes that allow for the inclusion of entities from a variety of belief systems. This multi-planar organization serves as a neutral ground where characters such as angels and demons can exist outside their traditional religious or mythological contexts. The design serves two primary functions: first, it accommodates a wide array of religious and mythological beliefs, and second, it offers a unified framework for understanding various supernatural entities. This architectural choice is geared towards enriching the storytelling experience and providing players with the utmost creative freedom, thereby making the game's universe a versatile and inclusive setting. While the setting contains its own codified planes, that is not the limit to what exists within the universe.

Demi-Planes: Sub-Realities Within the Structure

Demi-planes in Molten Aether are specialized sub-realities that exist either within or alongside the primary planes, serving as specific domains for religious or mythological concepts like Heaven or Valhalla. This feature adds another layer of complexity to the game's already intricate planar structure, allowing for the coexistence of multiple religious and mythological beliefs within a single cosmological framework. The result is an environment that is as inclusive as possible, offering a rich setting for storytelling that embraces a wide array of belief systems. Furthermore, the concept of planes and demi-planes has direct implications for character development; for instance, a character who is a follower of a specific deity would naturally fall under that deity's domain, which in turn influences their actions and experiences within the game. This multi-layered structure enhances both the storytelling and character development aspects of Molten Aether, making it a compelling setting for diverse narratives.

Order, Chaos, and the Balance of Forces

In Molten Aether, the core struggle between order and chaos is represented by two primordial entities: The Nammuzi and The Unutterable. The Nammuzi, a being of unimaginable benevolence, embodies order and clarity. Its name alone can restore order to a chaotic mind, but it also has the power to impose an overwhelming obsession with rules, leading to a different kind of chaos. On the other hand, The Unutterable is a malevolent force that embodies chaos and darkness. Its name is so corrosive that it can unravel the sanity of those who dare to utter or even think it. Both entities are beyond human comprehension, existing as elemental forces that shape the very fabric of reality across multiple universes.

Molten Aether itself is a paradoxical realm, born from controlled chaos within an ordered system. This balance creates endless realms, each with its own rules and characteristics, offering a storytelling platform where characters from various cultures and beliefs can interact seamlessly. The Nammuzi and The Unutterable are not just themes but active forces in the game, influencing the lives and even the sanity of those who come into contact with them. Their influence extends beyond just one universe, making the game's setting both unified and diverse.

While The Nammuzi feeds upon the life force of beings in the Aether, enhancing their vitality and identity, The Unutterable drains the life force of those in the Dark Aether, eroding their essence and perpetuating a cycle of suffering. These entities are not to be worshiped; they are elemental forces that players can choose to engage with at the risk of their characters' sanity and well-being. The game offers a rich tapestry of cosmic ideas, but its main aim is to provide a platform for diverse storytelling.