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Technology in the Elysian Fields

With so many of the population living for hundreds — if not thousands — of years, societies tend to cling to tried and true ways of doing things, yet there is a constant drive from younger generations to find more economical and easier methods. In addition, Xanth has subtly guided the technological development of her Children since Elysia's creation, determined that this realm will remain pure.

For these reasons, and like many things in Elysia, technology is an eclectic mixture of old and new, familiar and alien. Zanaryans have harnessed elemental energy to fuel their society, but they refuse to give over such secrets to the other realms so Elysian scientists and inventors have turned to new and unique sources.

Crystals

Crystals, thought to have been planted in abundance by Xanth during the creation of Elysia, are the most commonly used power source and have any number of other uses as well.

Mercer Crystals

A man named Mercer discovered a new energy source in the form of a crystal he named after himself. These crystals vary in size, with more power available for longer periods from larger crystals. They range in colour from yellow to green and, once processed, have a smooth and glassy surface. Mined under the length and breadth of the Apolli Mountains, they're Elysia's primary power source and are found in any number of technological devices, including computers and communication devices.

Mercer crystals are recharged by placing them in direct sunlight. How long the charge lasts depends on the strength of the sunlight and the amount of time the crystal is left to recharge, but it averages out to about six hours of power for every hour of sunlight. Even the largest crystals can only power a device for about 30 hours in standby mode.

Kallia Crystals

This crystal was named Kallis after the town where it was discovered. It's usually quite small (barely larger than a pinky fingernail) and is mined all across the Dusky and Apolli mountains. Once processed, it's usually a translucent black with a smooth, glassy surface.

Kallia crystals transmit and receive the signals on which COMs and wireless internet run. They're programmed by tuning them into a particular frequency; COMs and the internet all operate on the same frequency so users don't have to worry about choosing a carrier service or compatibility.

There are no cables or routers involved with the CORWW or with COMs — it's all about the crystals.

Shevrocks

Despite the name, shevrocks are also a type of crystal. Discovered by the Therians in the deeper tunnels of the Rowan Caverns and once a closely guarded secret, shevrocks are large formations that glow in the dark and serve as lighting. No one has yet learned how they work, but they're often (very carefully) shaped by artisans and can be quite expensive, partially because they seem to last forever but also because Therians own full rights and allow no else to mine them.

Shevrocks can vary in colour from a bright white-blue to a soft orange, so they're sometimes used as mood lighting in restaurants and such. Brightness doesn't seem to be affected by size, but is more a luck of the draw.

Information Crystals

Many crystals can hold varying amounts of data so these are used instead of memory chips and discs. The act of transmitting information can degrade the crystals after only a few sessions, depending on the crystal's original quality, but they can be made to last longer by having them re-cut. Good-quality crystals usually last longer, and can store a great deal of information.

Devices

Just as crystals act as energy sources, they can also be programmed as multi-functional devices that preclude the need for silicon chips or plastics.

HoPs

A Crystal Holograph Projector (known as a HoP for short) is a self-powered crystal that can receive and translate signals into a three-dimensional projection. These projections are displayed directly above the HoP crystal, which is usually about the size of an adult male's head and often glows a dull red.

HoPCs

HoPs can be converted into computers (HoPCs) by adding an operating system, programmes and, most importantly, interactive function through a virtual keyboard display. Because there is no need then for a plug-in keyboard or mouse, HoPCs are fully mobile.

COMs

Elysia's version of a cell or mobile phone, basic Crystal-Operated Mobile Communication Devices (COMs for short) have been around for a couple of decades and offer telephone and text communication. Standard COMs have touchscreen interfaces to use their various features. More expensive units also access the CORWW for instant messaging, email, and chat. Some newer units have video communication capabilities.

COMs aren't available for purchase yet in Nirim, and aren't even allowed through the Zanaryan portals. Characters hailing from Earth might still refer to COMs as cell/mobile phones. However, the cases are made from organic materials such as wood, and often custom-designed by artisans.

The CORWW

The Crystal-Operated Realm-Wide Web (CORWW) is Elysia's answer to the internet and has been growing exponentially since its inception about forty years ago. It connects one way from Earth's World Wide Web via the Crystal-Operated Inter-Realm Interface (COIRI) and offers instant messaging, email and chat as well as all the other shiny things seen on the internet. [See HoPs]

Despite the differences, the majority of Elysians — especially those hailing from Earth — refer to the CORWW as the internet. However, it's not available yet in Nirim or Zanarya.

Communication Methods

Here are a few ways Elysians communicate with each other, telepathy and face-to-face conversation not included.

Courier

Couriers can be either official messengers paid by a courier merchant to carry packages and letters in and between cities on a daily basis, or messengers hired personally by the package/letter sender on a temporary or permanent basis. Personal messengers are faster and more direct than postal couriers who usually patrol only the most trafficked areas, but also more expensive.

Messengers are available in Nirim and Zanarya as well. They're especially well used by the Shrine Lords. However, it should be noted that Elysian and Zanaryan couriers both are hired privately. There is no official postal service.

Courier Bird

Specially trained birds of various species, from falcons to pigeons, can carry small packages and letters across the realms. They must first be familiarised with the various routes, so it's usually worth investing in a pre-trained animal, but they can cut delivery costs considerably if you're going to be sending a lot of packages beyond your city's limits.

Courier birds are not available in Nirim (they've proven too tempting a meal for overflying dragons), but they are widely used in inter-city messaging in Zanarya.