‘Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse’ Makes a Splash in 5E

Ah, Planescape. Infinite adventures, realms beyond imagination, and lots and lots of treasure to be found. In the 5th edition release of the iconic interplanar setting, there are three separate resources, each of which assists your DM with the Herculean task of bringing a multiverse to life. Note that in this article there is a section for all readers and a section for Dungeon Masters. The Dungeon Master section is not meant to be read by anyone who will play an adventurer in a Planescape campaign, as this section includes spoilers and explanations to help DMs get ready to run their own game. If you’re looking to buy the boxed set, it’s available on Amazon.

For Players

The resource made to be used by players is called Sigil and the Outlands. There are new character customization options along with many details on Sigil (pronounced sih-gill, not si-jill), the Outlands, and the many political groups currently running the interplanar show.

Character Creation

Feats

The first major feature is the feat Scion of the Outer Planes: Gain a cantrip and resistance to a type of damage, based on the plane you are connected to. Both of the new backgrounds award the new feat, but your DM could approve the feat’s use with any background that fits the theme of your character better, so long as it’s a Planescape adventure. Players who have this feat can also choose between six other feats, each of which requires the Scion of the Outer Planes feat, at level 4. Some feats allow massively game-changing abilities, like the ability to open a planar portal without a key!

Backgrounds

There are two new backgrounds included in Sigil and the Outlands. The first is Gate Warden, a background that offers character customization options based on the effects planar portals have on mortals in their vicinity. The second background is the Planar Philosopher, which allows you to be allied with one of Sigil’s 12 (current) factions, which comes with various benefits when looking for information or lodging with that faction.

A Modron, some Mimirs, and an Equinal Guardinal. Image: Wizards of the Coast
Magic Items

There are only 3 new magic items, but none of them are inconsequential. The most impactful one is the Mimir, a skull-shaped magical item that can be made of (or look like) any kind of material, from precious gems to gears. The Mimir can be a guide, a quest-giver, or a friendly reference tool, allowing characters and players access to information only found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, or in later chapters of Sigil and the Outlands. Mimirs have the ability to completely reshape the trajectory of an adventure, and leave a lot of room for DMs to play with what information the players have access to throughout a campaign.

Doors, Doors, Doors

The rest of Sigil and the Outlands is focused on the many places in (and connected to) Sigil and the Outlands. Players can read this material without spoiling the campaign, but unless their character is specifically familiar with the relevant details, players should only read what their DM approves, so they can discover all the strange and wonderful things that can pop up in their campaign.

This Section Is for DMs

There are two other books in the boxed set, titled Turn of Fortune’s Wheel and Morte’s Planar Parade. Both of these resources are for the exclusive use of the DM, until the DM shares that content with the players. There are great mysteries to unpack, and the joy of discovery is very much an intended feature of the Planescape adventure. If you are a player, skip the spoiler box below, as it’s intended for DMs only.

TL;DR

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse is a boxed-set campaign, complete with an adventure, a setting, and a monster reference. Also included is the DM’s screen which offers tools to help DMs navigate their players through the Outlands. Whether you’re looking for a new way to play, or just looking to expand your toolbox, it’s hard to go wrong with Planescape. All in all, I’d have to say it’s one of the best introductions or re-introductions to Dungeons & Dragons that’s been released in quite some time. With a complex cosmology, unique mechanics, and an adventure spanning from level 3 to level 18, there’s a lot to love.