Girdle of the Gods

Known by different names in different cultures, the Girdle of the Gods is a thin golden line spanning the entire night sky and visible from anywhere on Kytheria once the sun sets. Constantly giving off bright light, anyone who has attempted to divine its true nature or purpose is inevitably blinded should they try using telescopes, while even the most puissant voidships are guided away and divination magics produce an eerily null result. What is known is that the gods fashioned it when they built the world for their children, and most wizards believe that there is a link between the Girdle and magic practiced by those with a Mark, as though the Mark itself was capable of channeling the awesome energies the Girdle produces.

Geography

The Girdle resides in the Heavens, and for those who travel the Void it marks the outer boundary of navigable space. Only three worlds reside within and one is the shattered world of the gods, where few dare tread. Whispers of worlds beyond the Girdle persist, but only the most skillful (and lucky) voidship captains venture beyond and manage to return. The Girdle itself doesn't present a barrier but does bar vessels from approaching it directly; one must go 'under' or 'over' it to travel the wild void beyond.
The Girdle's position in the night sky is fixed, and has been used by astrologers for thousands of years. Early sages noted the changing tilt of the planet over the millennia by observing changes in the Girdle's position relative to their vantage point and certain holy sites, and most long calendars take this into consideration. Combined with the Crossroads constellation, the Girdle facilitates navigation for sailors the world over.

History

The Girdle has existed since the first humans opened their eyes under the stars, and if the elves recall a time when it didn't exist none will say. It is as permanent a feature as the sun, moon, and stars, though obviously is unique in appearance and function.