Stone of Farspeech

A stone of farspeech starts out as a coloured, glass clear crystal, usually covered by a protective metal cage. The crystal can be shaved like a donair to produce a sliver (colloquially called a hue). The hue can be given to another user of such a stone and added to their crystal. The crystal receiving the hue takes on a small amount of that colour, and allows both users to communicate telepathically with each other.

A used crystal can be identified by a translucent and frosty appearance, while a fresh one is clear and glossy. As the crystals age, they become more brittle and prone to failure (going opaque, grey, and simply not functioning. All data is lost unless it is extracted by a retrieval expert, numeromancer, or decrypted/cryptarch).

There are various different designs and qualities of Stones of Farspeech, but the principle remains the same.

Uncommon - 100 GP market value. Example: The metal casing around the crystal appears a bit scratched and dull, and the crystal itself glows with a desaturated and dimmer light than you would expect. It has no additional features, and is a bit slow to connect. (May also come used. The frosted crystal glows dimly and with a colour like mixed resin) - Roll a 1d20 each time you attempt to make a call. On a 1, the stone becomes disenchanted (destroyed) - On a 2-3, the call does not connect and a charge is expended. - The stone can be used 3 times a day for calls of 3 minutes or less (unlimited incoming calls, though still limited to 2 minutes). - Calls can be spotty when it’s used at long distances (beyond 50km)

Rare - 200-350 GP market value. Example: The metal around the crystal is dark and warm like tungsten carbide, and a cross lattice cage with a fish/dragon scale pattern surrounds the crystal. There is a small hatch on the bottom that can be unlocked and opened to drop a new sliver of hue into it. There is a loop on the top that allows you to put a lanyard/strap through it so you can wear it around your neck. A satisfyingly tactile button on the side allows you to use it as a lantern or a firestarter too! - These can come with a small variety of utility functions. Lights, self cleaning, feather fall on itself (to protect from drops), etc. - The stone can be used 3 times a day for calls of 3 minutes or less (unlimited incoming calls, still limited to 4 minutes) - Calls are relatively stable at all distances barring atmospheric or mana interference.

Very Rare - 1000-2500 GP market value The craftsmanship of such stones is exquisite. They are made almost exclusively by commission from highly skilled metalworkers and artificers. They are also almost exclusively used by high ranking guild members, merchants, or other such white collars. Occasionally, high ranking guild operatives will possess such stones to maintain contact with their guild - These often come with a plethora of additional utilities and spells. Firestarter, circlet (or crystal) of blasting, wand of detecting traps/magic, create food/water, etc. - The stone can be used 10 times a day for calls of 10 minutes or less - Calls have perfect clarity under nearly any condition.