Compass (South-Pointer)
“Something in Uthuria attracts the needle of the south-pointer, and not even the smartest scholars and mages can explain why.”
-Pelleas of Pailos, Cyclopean warrior, modern
Most Aventurians refer to compasses as south-pointers because the needle of this tool always points to the south regardless of weather conditions or location—whether deep in the jungle, on the high seas, or in subterranean catacombs. Even so, many Aventurians never get to see one. South-pointers are rare items, and only traveling adventurers, seafarers, and navigators use them with any regularity.
A typical south-pointer has the cardinal directions painted on a circular design called a compass rose, above which sits a rotating pointer called a needle, which always points south (hence the name).
Small compasses, common among seafarers, usually have a lid to protect the sensitive needle from the elements. Particularly magnificent specimens incorporate inlays of colorful glass, precious metals, or jewels. South-pointers come in many sizes. While most fit in one hand, those found on ships or used in officer’s academies and palaces are as large as carriage wheels. Such specimens hang from the ceiling or are built into a table.
On most compasses, the compass roses are surrounded by the cardinal directions. However, some especially pious mechanics inscribe the names of the gods there, instead. In such cases, Praios always corresponds to South, Firun to North, Efferd to West, and either Rahja or Aves to East. Many compasses’ faces also bear nautical or mythical figures.
South-pointers were invented millennia ago, and the ancient Tulamydes and Bosparanians used them for navigation at sea. Other races use south-pointers as well. The achaz and the dwarves, especially, have long valued this tool.
Crafting a south-pointer requires mechanical skill and durable materials. The needle must contain a tiny amount of meteoritic iron (a rare, expensive, and mysterious metal) but since the south-pointer needle is neither magnetic nor magical in any way, Aventurian scholars remain puzzled as to why it always aligns itself southward. Hypotheses suggest it may be due to an as-yet unknown source of energy, or perhaps something to do with Praios’ laws for the universe. Geologists, druids, and others who study the phenomenon of magnetism ponder this question, but there is no consensus. Some think the answer lies in the eternal fortress of the element of Fire, while others suspect a particularly large mountain or a rare meteorite located far to the south.
“I love south-pointers.”
— Carolan Calavanti, Vinsaltan vagabond
“Why? Do you often get lost?”
— Tjalva Garheltsdottir, Hetja of Prem
“No, but fences pay a small fortune for the fancier specimens.”
— Carolan Calavanti, Vinsaltan vagabond