Divination Rods

Pseudoscience and Superstition, the people of Trel call it. Yet, there was a time when Divination Rods were a necessity, a skill passed through the generations. Survival depended on it. The Divination Rod was equal to the sword, as vital as the farmers who kept society functioning. Yet, as cities grew, people forgot their roots. The need for Divination Rods plummeted. Soon, the very notion of using one of these outdated tools brought incredulous looks. Even the most rural communities were filled with scorn, mocking any caught using these relentlessly. With guards stationed everywhere and no signs of the Under-Dwellers for years, the old stories turned into myths, stories passed among those who toiled in the kitchens to pass the time.

Yet, few would even consider traveling any significant distance without them.

Shamefacedly, dozens retain the knowledge of the Divining Rods, enduring the shame for those that cannot do without-- for as the sun dies, the old tales whispered in the safety of walls become a surrogate truth. Darkness reveals the true nature of man. Bravado and faux courage are laid bare, gripping fear eventually outweighing any perceived humiliation. The Kjurvog have inherited this technology and have made ample use of it. Metallic rods are necessary for tracking movement under the ground, acting as a poor imitation of Dwarf Soul-Sight. The friction caused by horseback riding sends electricity through the rods, responsible for their slight vibrations. Sparks, small yet vibrant, can be seen even in the daylight, acting as an additional, much-appreciated light in the darkness of night.

It is believed that many strange technologies lie below ground, belonging to a web of degenerate beasts that lie in wait: flesh-changers, goblins, and soul-snatchers. Should these machines come too close to the surface, or the vile beings gather in worrying numbers, the divination rod will alert the rider. It shakes at an alarming speed, and if the danger is great enough, lightning bursts forth from its identical ends. The strong electrical currents are pulled downward, signaling the areas that need to be secured and cleansed.

Item type
Navigational Aid / Instrument
Owning Organization



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