Dungeons & Dragons' Averniad Reveals Souls' Journey Post-Mortem
The Averniad, a captivating tale from Dungeons & Dragons lore, sheds light on the final stages of plane alignment and the formation of the Great Wheel. It delves into the journey of souls and spirits post-mortem, their destinations, and the perils they face along the way.
Upon death, both souls and spirits embark on a journey through the Astral Plane. They are drawn towards their aligned plane or the plane of their chosen deity. This journey, while clearly marked, is not without danger, with monsters lurking in the ethereal and astral planes. The duration of this transit is 3d10 days, during which a 'raise dead' spell can still affect the soul.
Souls, the literal currency of some Outer Planes, remain there for eternity, fueling and powering these realms. They take 3d10 days to reach their aligned Outer Plane. In contrast, spirits return to the Material Plane and are reincarnated. The key difference lies in their eternal fate: souls stay in the Outer Planes, while spirits return.
The alignment of major planes into layers today is a result of alliances formed between planes and powers with shared interests. Humans, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, and half-elves have souls, while other beings that worship deities have spirits. The force that gives life and distinct existence to thinking beings is called the 'anima', which can be either a soul or a spirit.
The Averniad provides a fascinating insight into the afterlife in Dungeons & Dragons, detailing the journey of souls and spirits, the perils they face, and their ultimate destinations. It also sheds light on the alignment of major planes and the nature of souls and spirits among different races.
