Zircon quill

Zircon quills are a special kind of quill that produces texts that are immune to most magic-based means of alteration or deciphering. It's based on the selenurgic properties of zircon, which can be used to repel magic. Due to the complex process employed to make them, zircon quills are highly valued.

Mechanics

Since the crystaline structure of zircon is what makes it special, melting it to try to mix it with ink would work (and it would be too hot to use anyway). This means that selenurgist artisans have looked for workarounds to get zircon work with ink. There are two main types of zircon quill:

• Zircon dust quill: zircon dust is mixed with regular ink. This makes it almost impossible to read using only magic, but if the quill is poor quality, it might be possible to modify the text by making minor alterations in specific places where no zircon dust has been placed.
• Zircon brush: this is actually more of a method than a quill, as it can use any writing tool with normal ink. Once the text is complete, the writer can use a brush to spread a solution of glue and zircon dust over the surface of the paper (both sides should be covered). This is a far safer method, as most people won't be able to alter or read the text in any way using magic. However, the paper can easily be identified as having been painted with zircon, which might not always be desirable.

Usage

Zircon quills have been important elements in a spy's or informant's toolbox since their invention. Organizations like the White Eye use zircon quills for all their communications among other safety measures. Many official documents that are supposed to last a long time are also written with zircon quills, and some nobles or aristocrats use zircon as a sign of wealth.

Item type

Communication