The Void

The Void is a celestial body that orbits above the world of Godsbane. It reflects almost no light and is incredibly difficult to see with the naked eye unless it is eclipsing the sun or passing in front of the stars at night. It also does not adhere to any consistent orbit and has been known to veer off at odd angles, reverse direction, or even come to a complete stop for months on end for seemingly no reason.

Little is known regarding the Void's origins or it's purpose in the heavens. Records seem to indicate that the Void was not always orbiting Godsbane, as the first historical accounts of its presence don't appear until a few decades after the hellwinds of Firstfall. The widely accepted theory among the scholars of the Academy speculate that the Void may be the source of an unknown form of magic. The observers of the Orrery contest this theory, claiming that the Void doesn't fit into the known model of the magical system. Despite their stance, however, the observers have launched several studies in an attempt to find any connection between the Void and magical concepts.

Perhaps the most extreme and outlandish theory of the Void's purpose and origin was put forth by Grandscholar Syliam of Lyrios in his academic study The Void: Eye of the Hidden, published in 1F4017. In the essay, Syliam claims that the Void is an object used by the Hidden Gods, a theoretical pantheon, to scry upon the world without the risk of emerging from their hiding. According to his theory, this would explain why the Void did not appear until after the end of the Unfallen Era, when the Hidden Gods supposedly went into hiding. Most reputable scholars reject this theory as there is no solid foundation for the existence of the theoretical pantheon.

Culturally, the Void is largely viewed as a bad omen by the people of Godsbane, and many prefer to remain indoors whenever the Void appears in the sky. Many believe that the odds of bad luck are increased on days when the Void darkens the sky and that any and all business transactions, governmental matters, and military efforts are best postponed until it passes. Other smaller groups attach a vague religious connotation to the Void, claiming that it is it's own sentience, greater than even the gods themselves, and that it serves as the observer and protector of Godsbane.

Despite all of this, the Void has never had any known impact, be it positive or negative, upon the people or land of Godsbane.