Speaking Stones

Speaking stones are enchanted stones that carry a voice across distance. They are among the simplest and most personal communication devices in Geminaea: small enough to hold in one hand, and used to speak with someone far away as though they were close by.

How It Works

Aethyr connects all things through the Aethyrweave, and it can carry energy through enchanted objects almost instantly. A speaking stone puts that connection to use: it is attuned to one or more partner stones, so that words spoken into one are heard from the others. Like other Aethyr devices, a stone needs power, whether its own stored charge or a flux cell.

Common Uses

Speaking stones serve merchants, travelers, families and officials who need to talk without waiting for a courier. Guards, soldiers and ship crews use them to coordinate their work.

Availability

Simple stones are found in most cities that use Aethyr technology. Stones with a long range or many partners cost more and are harder to obtain. For messages between distant places, many people turn instead to the Aethyrline.

Risks

Messages are only as private as the stones themselves: anyone holding a partner stone hears what is said. A lost or stolen stone can expose its owner’s secrets, and a stone with a failing charge may cut out mid-sentence.