Plane

A map of the River of Souls showing relationships between different planes.

A labeled map of the planes.

A plane is a vast dimension with various physical traits, such as gravity and chronology, and metaphysical traits, such as alignment and quintessential composition. Each plane in the Great Beyond represents a separate, concurrent, encapsulated universe that exists independently of each other, although most have connections linking them together.

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Properties

Each plane is effectively a standalone infinite universe, differentiating them from demiplanes, which are finite and measurable. Planes are also often traversable via means of planar travel, while demiplanes are sometimes subject to more restrictive access.

Coterminous planes

Planes might intersect at specific coordinates of each plane's physical dimensions, making them coterminous with one another. Planar travel between the intersecting planes is possible at these points. One example in the Great Beyond is the intersection of the Universe and Plane of Air.

Coexistent planes

Planes that are coterminous at every point, resulting in a total overlap between one another, are considered to be coexistent planes. The Ethereal Plane and Netherworld planes, for example, are coexistent with the Universe.

Layered planes

Planes might be subdivided into layers, each having their own physical properties similar to distinct planes. These layered planes are interconnected in similar ways as coterminous planes, but might also have physical connections, gates, and fluid edges. Layers are usually traversed in a specific order most often visualized as a stack, with connections to other external planes occurring on the top or bottom layers. The levels of Hell represent the most prominently known example of layered planes in the Great Beyond.

References

Paizo published a Pathfinder Campaign Setting sourcebook on planes titled The Great Beyond, A Guide to the Multiverse, and a Pathfinder Roleplaying Game sourcebook titled Planar Adventures.

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.