In Arcadia, every creature, every plant, every insect is a part of the plane’s grand symphony of order.
Arcadia is an outer plane of lawful neutral and lawful good alignment, defined by its absolute dedication to order and harmony. Every element of the plane, from its geography to its inhabitants, exists in perfect symmetry. The sun rises and sets at precisely the same time each day, weather changes on a strict schedule, and even the wind blows at a constant speed.
The plane’s most prominent inhabitants are the archons, beings of pure law and good whose society models perfect order, and the formians, insect-like creatures with a hive mind whose colonies exemplify the plane’s dedication to symmetry. In the city of Empyrea, Anzu Dorje presides over a court where every trial follows identical procedure and every verdict is delivered with meticulous precision.
Despite its rigidity, Arcadia is not oppressive. Its inhabitants live in peace, free of chaos and uncertainty, their dedication to order expressed as genuine harmony rather than tyranny.
Geography
Arcadia is divided into two layers, Abellio and Buxenus, each a mirror image of the other.
Abellio, the first layer, is a landscape of idyllic farmland and peaceful forests. The farmland is a patchwork of perfectly square fields, each exactly the same size, with crops planted in straight lines stretching to the horizon. The forests display natural symmetry: every tree stands at the same height, every leaf the same shade of green. Rivers follow straight paths, their waters clear and calm beneath a serene blue sky.
Buxenus, the second layer, is a realm of majestic mountains and tranquil lakes. The mountains rise in perfect symmetry, their peaks reaching identical heights at identical slopes. The lakes are perfect circles, their waters still as glass, reflecting the mountains and sky with mirror-like precision. The cities of Buxenus are marvels of architectural symmetry, every building, street, and statue arranged in deliberate harmony.
Localized Phenomena
Arcadia’s inherent nature manifests in several unique phenomena.
Echoes of Symmetry. Harmonic resonances can be heard throughout the plane: a constant, soothing melody in the rustling of leaves, the flowing of rivers, and the whispering of wind. The sound reflects the plane’s perfect structural order.
Mirrors of Reflection. The tranquil lakes of Buxenus produce not ordinary reflections but perfect mirror images that capture every detail with meticulous precision. These reflections can reportedly be used to scry, providing glimpses into other parts of the plane or even into other planes of existence.
Circles of Harmony. Public squares found in Arcadia’s cities where inhabitants gather to discuss matters of importance. Those who enter find their thoughts becoming more orderly and their speech more harmonious, fostering cooperation and consensus.
Paths of Predictability. The roads and trails crisscrossing the plane are always straight and always lead to their destination. Travelers who follow them invariably find their way, no matter how far they journey.
Optional Rule: Planar Vitality
While on this plane, creatures cannot be frightened or poisoned, and they are immune to disease and poison.
Fauna and Flora
The flora and fauna of Arcadia are as meticulously ordered as the landscape itself.
The archons and formians are the most notable sentient species. Herds of deer graze in perfect formation, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the plane. Flocks of birds fly in symmetrical patterns across the sky, and even predators hunt in coordinated, precise attacks.
The trees grow in perfect rows with symmetrical branching patterns. Flowers bloom in perfect circles, their petals arranged in meticulous order, and grass grows at a uniform height across the landscape.
Arcadia is also home to unique creatures. The Harmonious Cranes are birds known for their symmetrical plumage and melodious song, which is said to echo the harmony of the plane. The Symmetry Spiders are small, harmless spiders that Weave perfectly symmetrical webs reflecting the plane’s order.