Arcane Beacons

Arcane Beacons are crystalline structures, found in each ranked Guildhouse, Guard post, and the Sterian palace itself. They are used to establish an efficient and rapid communication network over great distances, able to transmit messages instantaneously to other beacons within their network. 
The Beacons need specialized rooms where they are housed, shielding the rest of the building and its inhabitants from the rapid pulses of strong arcane magic. Long-term exposure to these pulses can have unwanted side effects, including but not limited to intrusive psychic disturbances. The specialized rooms are enchanted to provide exterior alerts when messages are received, prompting someone to enter the room. 
In order to instantaneously communicate with the larger Arcane Beacons in the same network, smaller fragments of the crystal must be chipped away and kept by those who wish to use them. They require no magical aptitude to make use of and provide secure communications between beacons. The smaller fragments may only receive one communication at a time. The larger Beacons are capable of receiving many at once, with the ability to listen collectively or singularly. 
Small fragment crystals may communicate with each other, but such communications must pass through the primary Beacon. For this reason, guildmates who wish to communicate amongst themselves tend to use other enchanted items or familiars to accomplish the task. 
Each major city or guild stronghold houses a central Arcane Beacon, which serves as the hub of the communication network. These beacons are strategically placed to cover vast territories, ensuring that guilds operating across the land can be connected. Each Beacon has the capability to stretch communications with its fragments hundreds of miles. 
Only authorized guild members can access the beacons, ensuring the privacy and security of the messages transmitted. 
The Arcane Beacons are about 5 feet tall and sharply tapered on either end. They shine with oscillating arcane light in whites and rainbows, the light growing brighter as they receive a message. They hover about six inches above stone tables inscribed with complex and delicate arcane runes, allowing the Beacon to function without constant mage input. If the crystal is removed from the table's field, the Beacon ceases to function until it is returned.