Quill of Dictation

Prior to the Arcane Cataclysm, there were a wide variety of common magical items that could be found in most item shops in the larger cities. One such item was the quill of dictation, an enchanted quill pen which could write down what was spoken to it.
There were a number of different kinds of quill of dictation with a variety of different abilities. More expensive models had built-in, infinitely-refilling ink chambers and nibs that could change size and shape on command, and some could even magically summon paper to write upon. Less expensive varieties required that an outside inkwell be provided, and were not as versatile in their applications.
Quills also ranged widely on sensitivity; most could only record clearly spoken words in one of the languages the quill was enchanted to understand. When exposed to nonspeech sounds or unfamiliar language, they often created erratic script. However, more sensitive models could record other sounds, such as coughing, environmental sounds, and even could record the sounds of languages they were not familiar with. Certain quills were also enchanted to write down musical notation when music was played for them.
Unfortunately, after the Arcane Cataclysm, most of these quills lost their enchantment or simply crumbled as the spells holding them together were destroyed. A few notable exceptions survived, the most famous being the Composer's Quill, a quill of dictation that was created to note down music and currently resides in the collection of magic items belonging to the University in the Hall of Brass and Ruby.

Item type

Tool

Rarity

During the Great Arcane Era, quills of dictation were quite common magical items and the simpler varieties could be purchased at most shops that sold magic items of any kind, and at nearly any stationery store. However, in modern times, quills of dictation are quite rare, as are all magic items.