Netherworld

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The Netherworld
The Netherworld.
(Plane)

Titles
Shadow Plane
The Plane of Death
Sphere
Gravity
Normal
Time
Normal
Realm
Immeasurable
Structure
Morphic
Essence
Mixed
Alignment
Mildly neutral
Magic
Enhanced and impeded
Denizens
Divinities
Description
Dark reflection of the Universe
Source: Planar Adventures, pg(s). 106–111 (1E)
GM Core, pg(s). 178 (2E)
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The Netherworld, also known as the Shadow Plane, is coexistent with both the Universe and the Void,1 and seems to be a warped reflection of the former.2 It is a plane where the things born here have their colors, sounds, tastes, and all other forms of perception lessened.3

Geography

Much of the Netherworld has similar, but distorted, features that can be found in the corresponding place within the Universe. Where a city might exist in the Universe, on the Netherworld in its place might be ruins or some twisted representation of that city. Distances do not correlate between the planes, however, so that a person who takes a short walk in the Netherworld might be transported leagues away after returning to the Universe.43

Inhabitants

See also: Category:Netherworld/Inhabitants

Just as the lands of Golarion have a twisted reflection on the Netherworld, the people do as well. Fetchlings, sometimes known as kayals, are descended from humans who became trapped on Netherworld long ago. They have become infused with its essence and have yellow eyes and no pigmentation in their skin. Fetchlings often serve as middlemen for planar travelers and are the most populous race in their realm.5

In many people's minds, the Netherworld has very strong ties with undeath, and for good reason: the Netherworld's connection to the Void,21 which causes the creation of many of the undead that exist within the Netherworld,4 including nightshades.6 Undead are not the only creatures found on the Netherworld. Other living inhabitants include shadow giants7 and the infamous velstracs.8[citation needed]

Zon-Kuthon

The plane has largely been tainted by Zon-Kuthon's imprisonment here long ago. Portions of the plane show his influence more strongly than others. While he is no longer imprisoned, Zon-Kuthon still makes his home on the Netherworld4 in a region known as Xovaikain.9

Places of interest

See also: Category:Netherworld/Locations and Category:Netherworld/Settlements

References

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

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Pathfinder Second Edition Remaster Project changed the cosmology of the Great Beyond and how planes connect to each other. See Meta:Netherworld.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Logan Bonner, et al. “Age of Lost Omens” in GM Core, 178. Paizo Inc., 2023
  3. 3.0 3.1 James Jacobs, et al. “The Great Beyond” in The Inner Sea World Guide, 239. Paizo Inc., 2011
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 3: Religion” in Campaign Setting, 181. Paizo Inc., 2008
  5. Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Chapter 2: Featured Races” in Advanced Race Guide, 108. Paizo Inc., 2012
  6. Amber Stewart, et al. Nightshade” in Undead Revisited, 34–39. Paizo Inc., 2011
  7. Jim Groves, et al. Inner Sea Bestiary, 15. Paizo Inc., 2012
  8. Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 185. Paizo Inc., 2009
  9. Robert Adducci, et al. “Demigods and Other Divinities” in Gods & Magic, 80. Paizo Inc., 2020