Shard Pen

Shard pens are writing tools recently created by the Birdfolk and are usable by anyone, even those who cannot use magic. The outside is made of glass, with a layer of crystal inside and a small tube that can be filled with water. It takes a full night out under the full moon to charge for use, but can last for a month before needing to be refilled.

The water inside the shard pen, once charged with the power of the crystal, can write on nearly any surface and can even write in the air. The writing itself will have different effects based on the type of crystal used and the words that are written. For example, a message written with a dark crystal could be used to send a temporary message, as it would disappear when seen in direct light. A fire pen might be used to start a controlled fire on a single piece of wood.

Currently, shard pens are new and not terribly common except among the most wealthy or those who have come by them through less savory means. However, the birdfolk do hope to make this accessible to everyone as a new way to work with magic and allow those with little in the way of natural ability to still benefit. The most commonly accesible shard pens for now are air and light pens.

While this technology is generally considered safe, there have been some issues with the glass cracking after extended use. Birdfolk researchers are working on finding an additional outer shell alternative that is more durable and still allows the crystal to charge for use. Opaque options that keep the moon's light from hitting the crystal do not result in a charge, but there are few materials that are transparent enough to allow for a single night charge and are readily available.