The Reaching Hand

"Let the hand be your guide." - Roctane proverb

Written by: jester2b

Cover Art by: Rafael Sewa

Mystery of the Wastes

At the center of the Ratr Isva Wasteland in central Stelwen, one will inevitably find the Reaching Hand, a series of five claw-shaped metal spikes that jut out from the earth and tower over the landscape. It is theorized that the creation of the Reaching Hand dates back to the Primeval Era, possibly existing at the dawn of Nostrina many millennia ago. Its purpose, if it ever had one, has long since been forgotten. It now stands as a monument to answers that will forever elude mortals in spite of our efforts.

Nebulous Conjecture

The longest-standing hypothesis, the Nebula Proposal, ties its origins to the nebula known as the Fingers of Creation, which can be seen in the night sky. This idea stems from the vaguely hand-shaped arrangement of the spikes and that they are pointed towards the sky as if they were reaching out towards the nebula. The Reaching Hand was the name given by Ulrike Mittermaier, the original writer of the Nebula Proposal. She spent years in Ratr-Isva studying the spires, becoming the worlds leading expert in the mysteries of the towers. Unfortunately, the majority of her research notes were lost when she disappeared unexpectedly in the wasteland, never to be seen from again.

Scars of Ages Past

According to the teachings of the Orkina Temple, Nostrinia was created when the god Udamar and the goddess Tubera gave purpose to the howling chaos of the Void by creating a plane in which creation can finally begin. This process came at a cost, however, as the only way Nostrina could stay together was if the two gods sacrificed themselves to prevent the newly formed world from falling apart entirely. The Reaching Hand, or as the Temple refers to it as, The Divine Remnant, is the last remaining part of Udamar and Tubera; their sacrifice forever memorialized into the earth. A shrine rests in the center of The Divine Remnant so pilgrims may honor the gods who gave their lives so that all life on Nostrinia may have a chance to flourish.

Marking the Path

As academics ponder over the secrets of The Reaching Hand, wanderers of the Ratr-Isva wastes call the structure The Markers, for they are used by travelers to orient themselves while traversing the dusty landscape. In the shadow of the towers, a group of hardy Roctane built the settlement of Bal-Assandi, where travelers can rest their weary feet and merchants and sell their goods. While no roads connect the Ratr-Isva region with the rest of Stelwen, the Markers stand as a lighthouse for those who trek through the treacherous wasteland.

Founding Date

Unknown

Alternative Names

The Markers, The Divine Remnant

Type

Natural Wonder

Parent Location

Ratr Isva Wasteland