Other Realms of the Grim North

This way to adventure, and by adventure we mean death

It is explicit on the Big F’ing Rumour Table that it is possible to access other dimensions from hidden doors and portals within the city. 

For example:

1. The Copper Door in the Spirals leads to other planes of existence. 

Which planes of existence is obviously the subject of further conjecture. Such things are studied and debated in the draughty halls of the Immaterial University. Academics are somewhat divided on the existence of the Farthest Black for instance. How would such a place manifest? Are incidents believed to be caused by breaches from said dimension evidence of anything other than the fact that outside the reality of the Grim North things are not very nice? Also there is debate whether it is the same thing as the Outer Dark or they are in fact two distinct realms so alien to our own that comprehend of their nature is impossible. It is hard to determine such things when travel seems to be one way and breachers from both dimensions seem to be as far beyond demons, as demons are to humans. 

Seemingly, the Gloom is everywhere (and nowhere) at once. A shadowy reflection of our reality. Travellers there do so supposedly by detaching their spirits from their physical body, because to transport your material form there risks it being lost in the Gloom. While it is not as well populated as the Material Realm there are things that lurk, and they are nearly all hostile to humanity. 

The Wyrd is a hotly debated subject in places where such things are actually debated. The actual existence of the Wyrd as a force or as a dimensional location are unresolved in scholastic circles. That things, people and places are Wyrd Touched is evident by the strange effects it has upon them. There are no written records known of travel to the Wyrd Realms and if anyone living has achieved such a feat and returned they are not making themselves known. 

Similarly it is believed there are doors and pathways that lead to all sorts of other strange places. The River Skarrion is reputed to have secret branches that allow boats to cover vast distances in short spaces of time. If the River Priests even know of these it seems they’re not telling. Likewise the Plane of Gennera, which rumours suggest to be populated by talking animals and weird puppet children, can be access from various locations within the city. Travellers can even make their way to the Moon of the Grim North if they can locate the correct door, although tales tell of strange arks and temples of incomprehensible geometry populated by faceless monks and twisted giants. 

It’s probably safer to stay at home.