HearthStone
Without these stone disks, there would be no Elventi Society. It is the HearthStones that hold the society together, allowing Elves to live together and in their beloved forests.
HearthStones are central to Elventi Culture. Without this first enchantment, Elventi society would not of flourished
A HearthStone is a stone disk. They are usually quite large, an arm span two in diameter (three to six feet); but smaller more portable versions exist (down to the size of one hand span.) These stones are intricately carved and carefully enchanted. The process takes a few weeks, but is well worth it. Once activated by a simple world (usually written on the stone), they will provide light and heat without fuel. This heat is quite intense and can be used for cooking as well as warmth in the forest nights. The Light can be quite bright and fill the room, or be near twilight in intensity.
The HearthStone is the focus of every Elventi dwelling. It dominates most common rooms in an Elventi house, as it is found in the center of said room. The use of HearthStones allows the Elventi folk to live in homes of living wood and live without having to resort to wood or oil fires.
Each HearthStone must be enchanted for a specific region, so they can not be imported from one place to another.
Magical Properties:
Each stone can be easily activated to generate a warmth and glow that is simular to a fire of moderate size. The Stones are enchanted as not to burn wood (which is good considering most Elventi homes are made of living wood).
There are more powerful version called ForgeStones, used to make metal and magical items.
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? Responses (12)
Mmm. Such a thing would be a worthwhile expense in any party, as it saves time and trouble looking for firewood.
If someone wrenched it from the owners hands in attempts to steal it, the victim would merely have to utter the word, and the thief would find their very skin of their hands sizzling and popping.
Deviating from basic campfire uses:
A weapon. Ever wondered what a flaming discus would do to somebody? If the edges of these stones were sharpened it would make a particuarly dangerous weapon. The heat and the weight aiding with the penetration - if thrown hard enough it may be capable of penetrating completely through someones stomach.
As the more evil part of me takes over, I think of a torturing device. Tie someone up and place a hearthstone on their stomach. If they dont tell you what you want to know, activate the stone for a second or two. repeat until information is gathered. Then if you dont want them to talk, just keep the hearthstone active afterwards, melting through their midsection. Gruesome, yes, but effective.
Morse code - activate and deactivate periodically, say at the middle of night, and someone may see the pattern of light flickerings.
Adding surprise in battle. A harmless piece of stone that someone is holding, but suddenly, FLASH! Bright light, temporarily blinding the foes. Also good for confusing and frightening wolves, bears and the like.
A perfectly menial item with absolutely extraordinary potential :) 5/5.
When I think of the way they are carved, I think of something like a more Elf-centric Aztec calendar, complete with face in the center.
Other than that, Shadow has said everything I could think of (Heating, weapon, communication), so....
5/5!
Since the Hearthstones have to be enchanted to a spot, you would only be able to find them at waystations and other well travelled camping spots. The flaming discus is out, but the interrogation device could still work, just more vlad the impaler style.
Imagine a holy city with intricatly carved stone courtyards. Invading army comes to strike down the 'heratics'. Army enters courtyard, a single word is spoken, army falls. Cooool. 8)
5/5
Aah, I missed that bit about done for a specific region :) Perhaps the elves could make a modification of hearthstones, however, which have no boundaries. Either way - I like the trap idea :D Take out entire armies by saying a single word :O
*Clapes feet together*
Excellent! I now have a proper manufacturing idea for my Imuricum! Your ForgeStone!
*Wags ears with glee*
(5/5)
Imuricum would be too rare to make all these Hearthstones :P Though I must admit i am impressed by your ability to wag your ears in glee. ;)
You people have determine much more 'creative' uses for this basically domestic item than I would of expected.
The only odd use I had thought of was a tiny HearthStone to keep in pockets as handwarmers and very small ones for campfires. But I was trying to think of items the Elves themselves would need.
We now see the difference between Elves, who only see these as domestic things (like we see toasters), and Humans (and associated species) who see items and a number of possible uses.
5/5 The simple items are often the best ones.
I just posted this item up in a thread on www.rpg.net. Someone was complaining on how these pointy ear ecological freaks could have civilization by being tree-huggers.
This and the related pieces make the Elven socio-ecology make sense.
Updated: updated for a spelling error
Don't forget to check out the two linked items CityCairns and HomeTrees . They are all with the free-text Keystones of Elventi Society
I agree with Cheka, sometimes the simplest of items can be the best.
I especially like the idea of a large one in a courtyard being used as a trap.
Will be adding this to my favourites. No doubt I'll find a use for it in a future campaign. (once I find new players that is..)
4/5
