Constellation of the Rod of Seven

Although lost from man's eye to see,

the Rod burns the sky eternally

Extract from City Beyond Time,

a poem by Eric Starfall

The Rod of Seven is an object of myth, hearkening back to the years before the chaos. It is this rod that can be seen in the night sky, when the moons are dim, shining in a thin line along the equatorial sky. It is composed of a thin band of seven stars, all of which glow brightly with a white light. These seven stars have had a large influence over the growth of Orlos. They have become entwined in the culture of many nations and are used as tools of navigation by the sailors navigating the equatorial seas.
The constellation forms an important part of many calendars. Once per year, on Orlosdir during the Festival of the Gods, as per the Amiron Calendar, the Constellation of the Rod of Seven appears perfectly parallel in the sky with the equator of Orlos. Although this is difficult to perceive from the ground it has been proven by several wizards over the centuries.
In addition to the calendars, the constellation appears in many pieces of art and fiction. One of the most illustrious descriptions can be found in Eric Starfall's City Beyond Time, an epic poem describing the City of Quartz. However, other works like Garnoff's Compendium of the Skies or Sam Leaffoot's Stars: Yes, those little things. Although each of these works give a different perspective on the constellation and its meaning across Orlos, they help to give an idea of the broad impact the constellation has had on the societies of Orlos.
The Constellation of the Rod of Seven also serves several more practical functions, navigation being foremost among them. Ships crossing the central sea or the open oceans rely on the constellation to determine their position and travelling speed. Even on land they are a sure method of obtaining directions.

The Rod of Seven is always there, its protective lights guiding those who have strayed too far from the path back onto the road of safety. Depend upon those lights and memorize them for some day they could be all that you have to save yourself.

Quote from Captain Swiftsale

of the Green Wave

Alternative Name(s)

The Protective Belt

Type

Star