Vyra's Hand
A stone hand, carved directly from the sheer rock face of a cliffside overlooking a reedy and overgrown portion of river. Imagined to be the hand of a giant buried in the stone itself or perhaps an unfinished statue, no other part of the hand's owner is found.
Purpose / Function
The purpose of the structure seems to have been an attempt to carve a giant statue from the natural stone, although if this were true, most of its body would be below the waterline of the river which passes beside it. Another oddity is why anyone would try to carve directly from a stone cliffside when a block of stone could be moved to a more suitable location, as no known settlement of its time was ever discovered nearby.
Alterations
Looters seem to have removed part of the thumb in an attempt to remove the giant ring that appears to have been cast in-place against the carved stone, probably passing through some holes to pin it in place.
Architecture
Carved and then polished the stone gleams brightly in the afternoon sun and can be seen for kilometers around. Tiny engraved lines of cryptic writing encircle the digits, never translated.
Defenses
It is seemingly defended by wildlife, as anyone who approaches catches the attention of a variety of hostile animals who seem hypnotically attracted by the surrounding area.
History
The hand was a common meeting point for lovers who might desire secrecy or perhaps to enjoy the romantic scenery. Many artists have depicted the structure, in paintings, tapestry, song and poetry. No historian has been able to identify the culture or persons responsible for its carving.
Tourism
It is not a very popular tourist destination due to hostile fauna in the area. In earlier times, a contingent of archers would station nearby along the roadside to train against the creatures that threatened travellers along that road. The occasional artist or adventurer may seek to visit it, but must prepare for combat against hyenas, wolves man-eating moths, and poisonous lizards that patrol the area.
Type
Statue
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