The Rain Jewel
A sacred necklace owned by the High Chieftain of the Dùnur Tribe.
Physical Properties
Appearance
At the heart of the pendant is a clear blue gemstone pebble. It has been set in a drop-shaped frame of Relòti bark which hangs from a purple silk cord.Cultural Influence
History
According to what is known, the gemstone was found centuries ago by a young woman during a particularly long drought. She was digging for water at a dried-out river bed when she found a peculiar rock, rough but with an unusual shine. She decided to polish it, revealing a nearly water-clear stone that she then presented as an offering to the Rain God Reshunlo. Within only three hours after the stone was placed on the altar, the sky turned black with clouds and the rain finally came. The downpour lasted for an entire day, flooding the village and loosening the tents. But when it stopped, the villagers were greeted by the sight of plants sprouting all over the area that made the devastation a small price to pay. As she helped with re-erecting the tents, the same woman who had found the gemstone earlier spotted it glistening in the mud at her feet. Soon, the news that it had returned to her spread among the people. The chief who had failed to reach the god for three months eventually declared that it was a divine message, and yielded his post to the one who had succeeded.Significance
The Rain Jewel is the symbol of the High Chieftain's position as the Chosen of the Rain God. As such, whenever a High Chieftain becomes too old to fulfill their duties or dies of unnatural causes, the pendant is passed on to their successor.
Said successor is selected from the High Chieftain's heirs, by having each one choose from a matching number of bowls filled with sand.
One of these bowls contains the necklace, and once the Rain Jewel and the new Chosen have found each other, the latter is appointed as the tribe's leader in an official ceremony.
Entry for WorldEmber 2020
In response to the prompt Describe a historically significant piece of jewelry in your world. What stories does it carry?
I like the myth behind the Rain Jewel - I can see why it is now used as a symbol of leadership.
Thank you, I'm glad you like it! :D
Creator of the Kaleidoscope System and the planet Miragia.