The Shimmer

A blanket to keep us warm, shield to keep us safe.

"Look in the sky and what do you see? Only the shimmer protecting this tree!
Children come and adults go, whats after death none of us know.
Look in the sky and what do you see? Only the shimmer with its golden blue sea.
Do not worry do not cry, we will know what's behind it when we die.
Look in the sky and what do you see? Its the darkness coming for you and me!

— A common nursery rhyme sang by small children

Lights in the sky

The Shimmer can be seen from any and all locations of open sky in Verra'Talu. It is constantly weaving a magical loom of brilliant formless colour filling the air with arcane light. Lovers have often attributed this beauty to a dance, to the more world weary and cautious it is seen as a shield, separating Verra'Talu from the great expanse of the Cosmos and the Unending Darkness beyond. This dance of lights, if observed in the day, has golden streaks sprinkled with flashes of red and yellow. On colder nights and in the winter its airy colours turn darker and more pastel. Taking on the dull cold embrace of the hour.

In the night the Shimmer can be seen reflecting the light of the shattered moon. A distant and constant reminder of the Inhabitants of Verra'Talus long lost home. The Shimmer provides light and warmth but also serves a very valuable purpose. It's rainbow barrage shields the world from Planar Magic and protects the planet from monster invasions. In fact the Shimmer can often be seen, or in extreme cases even heard, to rebound something from outside of Verra'Talu back into the abyss where it came from. If it was not for The Shimmer some say this planet would have fallen to outside forces many moons ago.

The Problem of Perception

To the inhabitants of Verra'Talu The Shimmer is more than a barrier separating their world from outside. It was made by the very gods themselves as they left the planet. To fanatics of the The Shimmer represents the ultimate protection for it was built by the gods and nothing is strong enough to pierce it. However it has been known that some strong magic or magic in enough concentration will temporarily force a hole through the shimmer creating a bridge between two places. Though this is a very rare occurance.. When someone dies it is thought that Bhaal - The Warden of Decay guides them with his lantern and takes their soul beyond the Shimmer.

To others the Shimmer is thought of as a prision keeping the denizens clueless to the cosmos outside. These people are often caught looking up at the stars at night and wondering "There must be more?" Echoing the words of the Never-ending Shadow itself. For those who really desire to know what is beyond the Shimmer they set out to become Wayfinders. Tasked with finding and exploring the great beyond of our world. They do this by finding weak spots and holes within the Shimmer itself. Society sees the Wayfinders as necessary heretics and uncouth of the social order of things. They are the first to take the blame for things that go wrong in the world but they are also the first to be called on in dangerous times.

The Shimmer as it appears in the night sky

Type

Natural

Common Phrases associated with The Shimmer
"As sure as the Shimmer" - A common phrase meaning someone is sure beyond doubt
"The dance of the lights at night" - a very cliché way to court someone. Would usually be followed up with a compliment about beauty.
"God sneezes" - A moment that refers to when the Shimmer gets exceptionally bright or colourful.