Description
The armillary sphere is an elaborate bronze astronomical apparatus depicting the cosmological structure of Realmspace—the crystal sphere containing Toril and its celestial bodies. The device features a 10-foot-diameter globe mounted on a hinged arm, with its surface decorated by a topographic map showing landforms and oceans. Concentric brass rings rotate around the central globe, each bearing smaller spheres representing other planetary bodies. One distinctive sphere features sharp points to represent the sun.
Location & Setting
The armillary sphere is housed within a chamber in the Tomb of the Nine Gods, with walls decorated by carvings of tall, headless humanoids. The apparatus slowly rotates, demonstrating the movements of celestial bodies.
Recognition
Characters who have studied large-scale maps of Faerûn can identify specific geographical features depicted on the central globe of Toril, allowing them to recognize the device’s purpose and accuracy as a representation of their world’s place in the cosmos.