Overview

If there is one universal across all realities, it is probably the appeal of music. However, that music has not always been easily accessed... and certainly it has not always been easily recorded. This was certainly the case until the arrival of Isaiah Guillen, an Aedvect who, according to him, had a background in music in the Otherworld. Shortly after his arrival, Guillen made it a mission to make music as accessible as it was on his own world... though there was one complication:

A musicbox style Void Echo.

Guillen was not actually an inventor. Which means, he would need to form alliances and make compromises in order to achieve his goal.

Guillen went in search of an ally capable of taking his vision and making it into reality. Initially, he hoped for a true recreation of "record players," as he was a "vinyl enthusiast." However, ultimately the combination of Empirica Sin's uneven technology level and his own lack of invention and engineering experience proved a hurdle that could not be overcome.

In lieu of a fully technological solution, he allied with the Sisthenos voiddancer, Invarus, and the Aurali sculptor Belali. Together they were able to create what would become known as the Void Echo.

Early Void Echoes heavily resembled simple and functional Otherworld phonographs. However, as the appearance of the Void Echo does not directly affect the function or sound, people soon became more creative. Today a Void Echo "technology" can be used to create players with any number of appearances.

That said, phonographs (either simple or elaborate) and music boxes remain the most comment presentation.

Utility

Void Echoes play music or other sounds as stored in Echo Vials, or Echo Discs. Sound can be recorded onto these (or captured inside) these media by the use of either somewhat complicated spells or pre-enchanted vials or discs.

An Echo Vial.

Both the Void Echoes themselves and the discs or vials they use are typically created and sold locally by void-dancers who work in enchanted items either generally or as Void Echo specialists. Some creators are renown for their exceptionally beautiful work.

Regardless of how plain or beautiful the Void Echo, Echo Vials or Echo Discs are, they all work similarly: A disc or vial is placed in the appropriate spot or spots on a Void Echo, and an activation word is spoken. At this point, the Void Echo will begin to project whatever sound was trapped on the media of choice.

Some of the most complicated and expensive Void Echoes can play multiple discs, vials or both simultaneously. This can be used to create unique music or soundscapes in the moment.

Manufacturing

There are three basic portions of the manufacturing process for a Void Echo:

An example of cosmetic enchantments for Void Echoes - in this case, multicolored light.

First, the body of the Echo must be created. This can be a multistep process in itself, as the body can be as complicated or simple as the creator wishes. Many recent Void Echoes are partially mechanicalized, allowing easy swaps of vials or discs in a set order. It might also just be aesthetics.

Second, spells must be bound to the body of the Void Echo. This includes spells to attune the Echo with vials, discs or both as well as spells to amplify the sounds caught inside the played media .

Third, finalizations must be made - this includes little things like setting the activation word or applying cosmetic enchantments (for example, the Void Echo might glow or produce visible colored sound).