| Type | Terraforming tool/musical instrument |
| Function | Controlling and conjuring rainfall • terraforming |
| Materials | Unknown • magnetic field |
| Replicability | Unattainable by later civilizations |
| Musical powers | Rhythmic power • weather manipulation • mystical |
| Place of origin | Prehistoric super-civilization |
The rainstick is an enigmatic tool and musical instrument believed to have been first created by an as yet unknown prehistoric super-civilization. These mysterious devices are constructed from materials unknown to later civilizations but most typically take the form of a tubular or conical object, often adorned with anthropomorphic or geometric decorations.
Rainsticks are typically associated with the summoning and control of rain through a magnetic field. It is believed that the scientifically advanced civilization that created them intended for them to be used as a tool for terraforming planets, allowing for controlled precipitation to nourish plant life and create the necessary conditions for ecosystems to develop.
However, the true nature of their functioning remains unknown to post-collapse civilizations, causing them to assign magical or divine properties to the rainstick. In some cultures, the sound of the rainstick is said to be the rhythmic chanting of the gods, coaxing the clouds to release their water.
Despite their mysterious origin and true purpose, rainsticks have also been valued for their unique percussive sound. This is achieved through the manipulation of small pellets inside the rainstick's central column, which produce distinct, rhythmic patterns when the instrument is tilted. The sound of a rainstick is often reminiscent of falling rain and is said to evoke feelings of calmness and peace.
In many societies, rainsticks hold a significant cultural and even religious significance. They are often used in rituals for summoning rain, particularly during times of drought. The sound of the rainstick is also said to have therapeutic qualities, promoting relaxation and alleviating stress.
Today, rainsticks are often used as an educational tool to illustrate the importance of meteorology and the water cycle. They are also popular as decorative pieces, showcasing the intricate designs and craftsmanship that has been preserved through the centuries. However, the true function and origin of the rainstick remains a mystery, perpetuating its mystical allure for future generations.
