Dictation Stones

These magical items are used by their owners to carry messages without the need of a messenger. Small, portable and relatively private they are the standard method of high level correspondence. Dictation stones take many forms, often they are smooth river stones, sometimes wealthy individuals use semi-precious stones or gems when messages are formal announcing or inviting others to great events.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Dictation stones are an expensive item that can be purchased in large cities. They can be attuned to specific individuals through the application of droplets of blood. Once purchased, a dictation stone can be attuned to a future recipient by the application of one small drop of blood from that individual. The droplet is immediately absorbed by the stone and is considered "primed." When the owner of a stone is ready to use it they can apply a droplet of blood to activate its abilities. Once activated, dictation stones will not only absorb the drop of blood, but will absorb the words spoken by the activator until the message is complete. Upon completion of the message the dictation stone will speed through the air at tremendous speeds taking the shortest path possible toward the individual whose blood primed the stone. Once the stone has arrived only the recipient's blood can unlock the stone's recorded message. It can be heard only once with perfect clarity. If the recipient applies an additional drop of blood on the stone after the initial message has been played a muted, garbled and imperfect version of the message can be heard faintly.

Item type

Communication

Rarity

common

Weight

Only a few ounces on average.

Dimensions

Size of a small stone or large pebble.

Base Price

10gp

Raw materials & Components

A stone