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| - The Manual of the Planes is the authoritative guide to the new cosmology presented in the 4th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Like previous versions of the book the 4th edition of the Manual of the Planes (MotP) is primarily a lore book, focusing on background information on each plane it covers rather than introducing new rules. At the end of the book, however, rule mechanics are presented for new , , and rituals. The book is divided into seven chapters, as follow:
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| abstract
| - The Manual of the Planes is the authoritative guide to the new cosmology presented in the 4th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Like previous versions of the book the 4th edition of the Manual of the Planes (MotP) is primarily a lore book, focusing on background information on each plane it covers rather than introducing new rules. At the end of the book, however, rule mechanics are presented for new , , and rituals. Information in the Manual of the Planes is considered canonical to the 4th edition variant of the Forgotten Realms insofar as it does not directly contradict other 4th edition Realms sources. For instance, the details of Arvandor are canon but the details on Shom, which does not exist in FR's version of the Astral Sea, are not. Similarly, the Feywild and Shadowfell sections are mostly apocryphal, since each campaign setting's variant of the parallel planes is a reflection of each setting's Prime Material Plane rather than having details wholly unique to itself. The book is divided into seven chapters, as follow: 1.
* Exploring the Planes — This early chapter introduces readers to the 4th edition cosmology and explains how rules referees or "dungeon masters" might use the cosmology in their campaigns. The chapter also details how planes are characterized and categorized, how one might traverse the planes, and provides information on Sigil, the Far Realm, and the Plane of Dreams. 2.
* The Feywild — This chapter details the realm of the fey, a bright and lively realm known as the Feywild. Details are provided as to what races are commonly found in the Feywild, including a definition of archfey, what the structure of the Seelie Court is, and what kind of locations a planewalker can expect to find on the plane as well as how to reach the Feywild. This chapter was primarily written by John Rogers 3.
* The Shadowfell — Written primarily by Robert J. Schwalb, his chapter focuses on the dark and shadowy twin of the Prime, a plane known as the Shadowfell, brimming with necrotic energy. Details are provided as to what races make their home on the plane and what kind of locations a planewalker might find while traversing to the plane, as well as how to reach it in the first place. 4.
* The Elemental Chaos — The Elemental Chaos is described here by James Wyatt. How to reach the Chaos as well as what locations and elemental realms a planewalker might visit are described here, as are the various races that make their home on the plane. 5.
* The Astral Sea — Written by Richard Baker, this chapter describes the Astral Sea and its inhabitants. The most prominent astral dominions are listed, as are the types of races who commonly make their homes on the plane. The chapter also describes how one might travel the Astral Sea. 6.
* — An alphabetical listing similar to that in the Monster Manual is provided here, from air archons to raavasta. Included alongside more "mundane" monsters are the demon lords Baphomet and Graz'zt as well as the archdevil Dispater. Rudimentary rules for playing a bladeling are also provided. 7.
* Planar Characters The final chapter provides information useful for players, including new paragon paths, such as the doomguard marauder or the Malec-Keth janissary, as well as new rituals and items.
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