Cynosure Stone

The place to which all compasses point.

From before the Time of Darkness to the Time of Rebuilding the Cynostone was an object of wonder. An island shaped like a sphere has intrigued artists, poets, and recently scientists. But when the Time of Exploration began it gained a new purpose, with its pull explorers were able to safely return home from their voyages on the skies no matter which direction they headed. On the second last voyage of Darosi, he discovered that there is a point at which the pull of the Cynostone becomes too weak to pull a compass needle. This point has become known as the Line and travelling towards it Linebound.
-Excerpt from A History of Travel: The Tools of Explorers by Arueal

Geography

The Cynosure Stone, or Cynostone, is a barren rocky sphere about four kilometres in diameter. The surface is rough and has channels running along it believed to be from rains wearing away the rock. Early records indicate it was much larger, some argue it has been worn away and others that the tools used to measure it at that time were not accurate.

Fauna & Flora

Nothing lives on the stone. Birds and skyfish won't fly within approximately a kilometer of the stone, presumably because they are sensitive to the magnetic field it gives off.

History

The Cynostone is visible from many areas and has often attracted attention. Early travellers used primitive compasses and other navigational tools to traverse Breharan along the ground using the Cynostone's magnetic qualities or position.
The Forgers of the Strewn Sky believe that the Cynostone will be at the center of their massive joined island. The sphere appears in other faiths as well, usually in a minor role.

Tourism

Being the center of the joined world, joiners often travel to Darapur to view the Cynostone. These pilgrims often sing and dance at the closest point to the stone, which has caused the authorities to close the skyport for people not there on business or for sky travel as the docks became too crowded. Now they sing atop the Great Dam of Darapur.
As a nexus for exploration in recent decades it has become tradition for skyfarers to ask for the blessing of the stone before departing. It is considered back luck not to ask the stone to guide you on your travels.

Stub Article

This article is just a stub for now and will be expanded upon later.

Old Article

This article was written in the past and does not meet my current standards for any number of article quality, layout, or content.

In-Progress Article

This article is being worked on, perhaps not at this very moment, but it is being worked on.

Type

Island, Floating