Gnomish Gogglebox

“Where words and faces cross the winds of Æther.”

Overview

The Gnomish Gogglebox is a remarkable fusion of magic and machinery—an arcano-technological communication device invented by the renowned gnome artificer Sundar Pidgeblin. With its blend of intricate mechanics, enchanted scrying crystals, and Ætheric conduits, the Gogglebox revolutionized the very nature of communication throughout Eothea, allowing users to transmit their voices and likenesses across vast distances instantaneously.

This tabletop-sized device resembles a brass and bronze cube adorned with gears, knobs, glowing glyphs, and a goggle-like screen made of enchanted glass. Despite its steampunk aesthetic, its core function is simple: real-time visual and auditory transmission, effectively a magical video call.

Functionality

Transmission Type: Visual and auditory (real-time)
Power Source: Stationary Ætheric energy tap or crystal battery (rechargeable)
Range: Unlimited, as long as both devices are attuned to the Ætheric Ley Network
Interface: Tuning dials, call buttons, adjustable scrying aperture
Security: Arcane encryption wards and feedback-nullifying runes

Each Gogglebox operates by tapping into Eothea’s natural Æther currents, which act as a magical carrier wave. By aligning to specific frequency runes, users can connect to another unit almost instantly.

Common Uses

Civil Communication: Families separated by cities or continents use it to stay connected.
Diplomatic Affairs: Royal courts and ruling councils employ secure Goggleboxes for international diplomacy.
Academic Collaboration: Mages and scholars share research findings across great distances.
Commercial Transactions: Merchants use them to negotiate trade deals and monitor supply chains.
Adventuring Use: Teams in the field maintain contact with home bases, guild halls, or patrons.

Limitations & Risks

While highly secure, misuse and magical tampering do occur:

Interception by skilled diviners or arcane hackers (rare but possible without protective runes).
Misinformation Campaigns can spread quickly if a public Gogglebox station is compromised.
Æther Feedback Loops may occur if improperly tuned, causing minor illusions or echoing spells.

Invention & Legacy

The Gogglebox was developed by Sundar Pidgeblin, a gnome from the Tinkergleam Enclave, who spent decades refining Ætheric transmission techniques. His work drew from ancient scrying rituals, Dwarven resonator cores, and elven light-weaving crystals. The final device stunned the world with its clarity, simplicity, and reliability.

Sundar’s legacy is preserved through the Guild of Gogglewrights, who now manage production, standardization, and public network access across major cities.

Cultural Impact

The Gnomish Gogglebox has profoundly reshaped society. Communication once bound by travel time is now near-instantaneous. Governments rely on Gogglebox networks for quick responses, rural communities feel less isolated, and even temples broadcast sermons and lessons through the network.

Some even refer to this era as the "Æther Age", in tribute to the transformative role played by this device.

Variants

Mini-Gogglebox: Pocket-sized unit used by diplomats and adventurers. Limited transmission time.
Public Goggle Hubs: Located in city plazas and guild halls for general use.
Encrypted Officer’s Box: Military-grade, resistant to divination and tampering.

Game Mechanics (Optional, D&D 5e)

Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires attunement)

Allows the user to send visual and auditory messages in real time to another attuned Gogglebox.
Requires access to a leyline or an Æther battery (1 charge per hour of use).
Can be intercepted with a successful Arcana check (DC 25) if not shielded.
Spell equivalent: Sending + Scrying (combined), but with mutual connection.

Related Species

Gnomes

Gnomish Gogglebox