Ancient Spider Scale

Malmi's Scales of Prophecy

Spider scales have been around La Chiave a Croce for centuries although their point of origin is unknown. 

Appearance

Spider Scales are mechanical tools designed to compare multiple weights at a time. Their name stems from the scale's resembalance to arachnids, given the eight branching limbs that reach from the center to carry chained bowls. It's become common practice to give spider scales more features resembling arachnids. For example, carving pattens of a black widow spider in the core or adoring the top with fangs, pedipalps, or chelicerae.

Trade & Shopping

Modern renditions of the Spider Scale are common amongst merchants. These scales are typically enchanted to maintain calibration. In areas where greed is prevelant or resources are scarce, the scales are sometimes calibrated incorrectly to favor the merchant. While some spells can determine the subterfuge, it's not a common practice to check. In most cases, it's considered rude at best.

Religion

To followers of Malmi, the Spider Goddess, the Spider Scales are a topic of serious debate. Some tarants believe they are a symbol for the balance found in life. Every action has a balancing force. However, others believe the scales are a reminder to watch out for someone tipping the scales in their favor. The rest tend to believe the item can tell the future or change it, if you know how to operate it. There are no known miracles outside of the individual communities. 

Regardless of their purpose, it's clear that Ancient Spider Scales are considered holy relics by worshippers of the Spider Goddess. Many of Malmi's temples have a set of scales located somewhere on the premises, whether in the main room of worship or in the inner chambers.

Item type

Mechanical

Malmi's Scales by Lauren Nelson (Lnphysics)