Is Edge of Eternity Going too Far?
Lore forum
Posted on Jan. 27, 2025, 4:54 p.m. by DemonDragonJ
I personally feel that planes with higher levels of technological development, such as Mirrodin, Avishkar (formerly Kaladesh), Ravnica, Capenna, and, now, Kamigawa, are too far from traditional high fantasy for this game, but I do appreciate WotC taking chances and ensuring that not every plane feels too similar to each other, and I can even tolerate Aertherdrift, if only begrudgingly so, but I feel that the upcoming Edge of Eternity set is going simply too far; previous sets have dabbled in science fiction, but EoE is full-out science fiction/space fantasy, which I feel clashes with the previously-established tone of this franchise (I am not counting the Warhammer 40,000 set, as it used content from another franchise); I understand that, with the multiverse having a theoretically infinite number of planes, some shall have greater levels of technological develop than do others, but how can one reconcile the fact that planes such as Amonkhet (which is modeled after ancient Egypt), Theros (which is modeled after ancient Greece), and Eldraine (which is modeled after medieval England) can exist in the same universe as a set that is essentially exploring outer space? Why not make Space: the Convergence a reality, instead?
What does everyone else say, about this? Do you believe that Edge of Eternity is going too far into science fiction and/or space fantasy territory? I certainly am interested to hear your thoughts, on this matter.
RiotRunner789 says... #3
In an infinite universe having different planes at different, even substantially different, levels of technology makes sense. The question I have is, can the space travelers travel physically to other planes without need for sparks, trees, or portals?
But I agree with your underlying point of keeping all of the planes about fantasy / D&D tech level.
Having one Star Treck traversing plane would/will be weird (assuming planes could/are be physically connected albeit by lightyears). It also would point to other Space planes being in existence since, again, infinite universe.
January 28, 2025 10:24 a.m.
As I understand it (and I haven't been paying too much attention), the Eternity in Edge of Eternity is the Blind Eternities, the area between planes. So it might be less of a "space adventure plane" and more of an "adventure to space between planes", if that's an important distinction.
Still, and I've griped about this before, I'm more confused about all the planes that are exactly like Earth history and culture, but with magic. Of all the infinite planes out there, which seems more likely: an uncharted plane filled with voids of emptiness surrounding stars, ripe for exploration by anyone interested? Or a plane that's nearly indistinguishable from Middle Kingdom Egypt?
Technology differences and genre shifts never really bothered me in M:tG. Earth similarity breaks my immersion a lot more. How can Amonkhet, Eldraine, and Theros all exist in the same multiverse? Why should everywhere be in a similar stasis of swords and castles, or the local equivalent?
January 28, 2025 8:21 p.m.
Apologies for the double post, but I want to clarify my thoughts a little bit.
As I see it, lots of planes can invent sneakers, or electrical machinery, or spaceships. Each plane is probably going to have its own twist on that sooner or later, and some planes are at that point now.
But how many planes are going to have mummification rites and preparations for the dead next to pyramids, obelisks, and giant temples dedicated to animal-headed gods, all carved from sandstone, while the local economy and general survival is dependent on a regularly-flooding river delta in the middle of an immeasurable desert? And how many planes have all that without being a pop-culture Egypt pastiche?
I understand that everyone has different limits on what is acceptable in a fantasy game. My limit is, I simply don't see why non-Earthlike science fiction is weird and out of place while exactly-Earthlike premodern fantasy is not just acceptable, but encouraged.
IlLupo643 says... #2
I miss Dragons and Wizard fantasy. Bring back classic Magic
January 27, 2025 5:43 p.m.