Signalum
The Signalum are devices spread across the Planet of Mir by its creator, Urye the Leviathan, typically found deep underneath the surface in caves and blackened caverns. A few have been discovered by humanity and temples carved out around the monumental instruments, but the humans have yet to understand what the purpose of the Signalum really are or do.
A colossal machine, they are a fork-like structure with two very tall blackened prongs that meet at the base entering the floor. Metal panels, large cogs and gears and various piping can be expected in the vicinity, and even switches and levers. A distant rumbling can also be heard more often than not from deep within the surround walls, in all directions.
These machines seemingly lie dormant, despite the input and experimentation of the human race. They have come to be left alone in modern times, and even revered or worshipped by some due to the mystery of their unknown origins. While many forms of legend exist and swirl around these monolithic structures, one thing is clear. They are meant to produce a great reverberant sound.
The reality of the great machines is much more sinister than just noise. Acting as giant tuning forks, when activated they produce a frequency great enough in unison it can be heard by Urye and awaken his dormant Ka found floating above the clouds to begin their observations and planning of Mir's great retooling, often foretold by cultures around the world.
There is a known Signalum beneath Aic Ocuel in Ur that is believed to be malfunctioning and causing the locals to find themselves affected by the condition known as Vibratum Hysterium. This fear of the disease and uncertainty in the town of the origins of the affliction has brought the attention of a group of Balal as well, eager to begin feeding off of the negative emotions of the terrified populace.
A colossal machine, they are a fork-like structure with two very tall blackened prongs that meet at the base entering the floor. Metal panels, large cogs and gears and various piping can be expected in the vicinity, and even switches and levers. A distant rumbling can also be heard more often than not from deep within the surround walls, in all directions.
These machines seemingly lie dormant, despite the input and experimentation of the human race. They have come to be left alone in modern times, and even revered or worshipped by some due to the mystery of their unknown origins. While many forms of legend exist and swirl around these monolithic structures, one thing is clear. They are meant to produce a great reverberant sound.
The reality of the great machines is much more sinister than just noise. Acting as giant tuning forks, when activated they produce a frequency great enough in unison it can be heard by Urye and awaken his dormant Ka found floating above the clouds to begin their observations and planning of Mir's great retooling, often foretold by cultures around the world.
There is a known Signalum beneath Aic Ocuel in Ur that is believed to be malfunctioning and causing the locals to find themselves affected by the condition known as Vibratum Hysterium. This fear of the disease and uncertainty in the town of the origins of the affliction has brought the attention of a group of Balal as well, eager to begin feeding off of the negative emotions of the terrified populace.
A sketch of a Signalum.
Associated Reading
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Are there any accounts of people trying to interact with the signalum? There are some technical terms here that could use defining, but other than that it's a good article, simple to understand with a clear premise.
Oh my goodness, good call out! And you're right! There are actually two pieces of historical texts that involve the Signalum, I'll be sure to add them to the sidebar! The journal entries of Alvus Solarum concerning his time in Aic Ocuel can be found here: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/mir-gerritdodd/a/notes-from-the-3rd-sevan-expeditionary-unit-article And a summary of a Zhoa Nation legend from their religios perspective can be read about here: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/mir-gerritdodd/a/zhao-lore-1-the-great-modification-article