Ring of the Day
A Ring of the Day is fine piece of metal work. Worn on a necklace, rather than a finger, it is a way to measure the cycle of the day.
Full Item Description
A Ring of The Day is a pendant with two rings, one sliding along the back of another in a channel. The outside of the outer ring (to the right or left of the channel) is usually decorated with knot work or some scroll work.
To use the item, simply hold it out to the sun. Adjust the outside dial to the proper month, and a small bead of sunlight shines on the hour inscribed inside.
History
This is a historical item, made in the 12th century. The design is also know as the Aquitaine Dial. It is expensive to make in the 1100s, but would become cheaper in later periods. However, the idea behind it was lost in the next two centuries because of the wars, the plague, and the fact that most people did not need to tell time in the European Feudal system. The principals behind it were not rediscovered until the Age of Discovery.
Magic/Cursed Properties
None.
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? Responses (6)
Pretty cool, mundane item. Based on how you write it up I assume this is a real life history, not a made up one, right?
If it says historical, it usually means real world historical. (Unless it is in quotes or in a passage from a fictional scholar writing about his fictional history).
Simple but useful.
Great idea because is solves that question on how DO you tell time in a world without watches. Sure, in a city they may have bells, countryside they have sun/stars/stick in the ground but how accurate is that really I wonder and how accurate would the interpretation of that be.
Nice use to coordinate armies at a distance without a messenger or visible signal as well. Not much good still inside, but it is a great start. Easy enough to imbue it with some magical properties to make this possible.
Nice little idea there. That is definately something to look into more. I wish more of the history or detailing it was here but I can look for it.
There is actually very little history behind the ring. Several have been found dating back to the 12th century. There is some mention of them in English Court Records. They were never "mass produced" and their creation was probably limited to one or two jewelers (names were not mentioned in my references). Since most people did not need to tell time in Feudal era, and they never caught on with the military side of things, their loss was not missed.
However in a historical/ fantasy world, they might be better distributed or the knowledge how to make them might be better distributed. These people might find better uses for the keeping of time.