How could sorcerers who are able to produce/manipulate almost all forms of energy communicate over large distances? Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara Planned maintenance scheduled April 23, 2019 at 23:30 UTC (7:30pm US/Eastern)How could a creator develop from pure energy to a conscious all knowing being

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How could sorcerers who are able to produce/manipulate almost all forms of energy communicate over large distances?



Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 23, 2019 at 23:30 UTC (7:30pm US/Eastern)How could a creator develop from pure energy to a conscious all knowing being










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Sorcerers possess the ability to sense, generate, and manipulate energy; however, their abilities are largely limited to controlling energy that they/other sorcerers have created, and not naturally occurring energy. So a sorcerer can't extract energy from a natural fire and turn it into kinetic energy or turn a human into a Popsicle with a snap of his/her fingers (not really relevant to the question, but for the sake of clarity).



What long-to-medium distance methods of communication might these sorcerers develop, in a medieval-like society. I'm not referring to mere visual-range signals with pre-determined meanings or short-range auditory communication, say by amplifying sound waves, but actual exchanges of detailed information over larger distances.



Edit: A sorcerer's range for sensing energy is about 100 meters and half that in order to manipulate the energy.










share|improve this question











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  • $begingroup$
    But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
    $endgroup$
    – Ender Look
    Apr 2 at 13:00






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Can they emit radio light?
    $endgroup$
    – BMF
    Apr 2 at 13:36










  • $begingroup$
    @EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 14:37







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Via earthquakes, of course!
    $endgroup$
    – Eth
    Apr 2 at 14:47






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
    $endgroup$
    – Cyn
    Apr 2 at 16:39















7












$begingroup$


Sorcerers possess the ability to sense, generate, and manipulate energy; however, their abilities are largely limited to controlling energy that they/other sorcerers have created, and not naturally occurring energy. So a sorcerer can't extract energy from a natural fire and turn it into kinetic energy or turn a human into a Popsicle with a snap of his/her fingers (not really relevant to the question, but for the sake of clarity).



What long-to-medium distance methods of communication might these sorcerers develop, in a medieval-like society. I'm not referring to mere visual-range signals with pre-determined meanings or short-range auditory communication, say by amplifying sound waves, but actual exchanges of detailed information over larger distances.



Edit: A sorcerer's range for sensing energy is about 100 meters and half that in order to manipulate the energy.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$











  • $begingroup$
    But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
    $endgroup$
    – Ender Look
    Apr 2 at 13:00






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Can they emit radio light?
    $endgroup$
    – BMF
    Apr 2 at 13:36










  • $begingroup$
    @EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 14:37







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Via earthquakes, of course!
    $endgroup$
    – Eth
    Apr 2 at 14:47






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
    $endgroup$
    – Cyn
    Apr 2 at 16:39













7












7








7


2



$begingroup$


Sorcerers possess the ability to sense, generate, and manipulate energy; however, their abilities are largely limited to controlling energy that they/other sorcerers have created, and not naturally occurring energy. So a sorcerer can't extract energy from a natural fire and turn it into kinetic energy or turn a human into a Popsicle with a snap of his/her fingers (not really relevant to the question, but for the sake of clarity).



What long-to-medium distance methods of communication might these sorcerers develop, in a medieval-like society. I'm not referring to mere visual-range signals with pre-determined meanings or short-range auditory communication, say by amplifying sound waves, but actual exchanges of detailed information over larger distances.



Edit: A sorcerer's range for sensing energy is about 100 meters and half that in order to manipulate the energy.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$




Sorcerers possess the ability to sense, generate, and manipulate energy; however, their abilities are largely limited to controlling energy that they/other sorcerers have created, and not naturally occurring energy. So a sorcerer can't extract energy from a natural fire and turn it into kinetic energy or turn a human into a Popsicle with a snap of his/her fingers (not really relevant to the question, but for the sake of clarity).



What long-to-medium distance methods of communication might these sorcerers develop, in a medieval-like society. I'm not referring to mere visual-range signals with pre-determined meanings or short-range auditory communication, say by amplifying sound waves, but actual exchanges of detailed information over larger distances.



Edit: A sorcerer's range for sensing energy is about 100 meters and half that in order to manipulate the energy.







magic medieval communication






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 2 at 16:37









Cyn

12k12758




12k12758










asked Apr 2 at 12:25









Red RobinRed Robin

1616




1616











  • $begingroup$
    But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
    $endgroup$
    – Ender Look
    Apr 2 at 13:00






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Can they emit radio light?
    $endgroup$
    – BMF
    Apr 2 at 13:36










  • $begingroup$
    @EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 14:37







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Via earthquakes, of course!
    $endgroup$
    – Eth
    Apr 2 at 14:47






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
    $endgroup$
    – Cyn
    Apr 2 at 16:39
















  • $begingroup$
    But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
    $endgroup$
    – Ender Look
    Apr 2 at 13:00






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Can they emit radio light?
    $endgroup$
    – BMF
    Apr 2 at 13:36










  • $begingroup$
    @EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 14:37







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Via earthquakes, of course!
    $endgroup$
    – Eth
    Apr 2 at 14:47






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
    $endgroup$
    – Cyn
    Apr 2 at 16:39















$begingroup$
But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Apr 2 at 13:00




$begingroup$
But if they had started the fire they could extract its energy?
$endgroup$
– Ender Look
Apr 2 at 13:00




3




3




$begingroup$
Can they emit radio light?
$endgroup$
– BMF
Apr 2 at 13:36




$begingroup$
Can they emit radio light?
$endgroup$
– BMF
Apr 2 at 13:36












$begingroup$
@EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
$endgroup$
– Red Robin
Apr 2 at 14:37





$begingroup$
@EnderLook No, that wouldn't be possible, even if the fire grew out of an initial application of a sorcerer's power. They are limited to manipulating/redirecting what they've created. @B M F They can emit all kinds of energy...so long as they have some understanding of it. This particular brand of sorcerery isn't purely intention-based. A sorcerer must have a working knowledge of what he is attempting to accomplish.
$endgroup$
– Red Robin
Apr 2 at 14:37





2




2




$begingroup$
Via earthquakes, of course!
$endgroup$
– Eth
Apr 2 at 14:47




$begingroup$
Via earthquakes, of course!
$endgroup$
– Eth
Apr 2 at 14:47




1




1




$begingroup$
I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
$endgroup$
– Cyn
Apr 2 at 16:39




$begingroup$
I added back the paragraph break your edit removed. I'm guessing you didn't mean to remove it, we were just working on the question at the same time. Questions are easier to read if they're broken up into paragraphs. If you really don't want it, change it back.
$endgroup$
– Cyn
Apr 2 at 16:39










6 Answers
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With radio, they could cause electrons in their local vicinity to vibrate at specific frequencies which would generate radio waves.



These waves would then span the distance between the two communicators at the speed of light. They could even manipulate the waves themselves to be sure they are moving in the right direction. So it would work just like a radio:



  1. The messenger manipulates the electrons which causes the wave. He then directs the waves to travel to a specific region.


  2. The waves travel at the speed of light to their destination.


  3. The receiver detects the waves and manipulates electrons in his area to decode the message.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 14:41







  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
    $endgroup$
    – Rob
    Apr 2 at 14:48










  • $begingroup$
    @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
    $endgroup$
    – Rob
    Apr 2 at 14:56






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
    $endgroup$
    – Rob
    Apr 2 at 15:09







  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
    $endgroup$
    – Shalvenay
    Apr 2 at 22:09


















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I am going to steal Eth's comment to eternalize it as an answer:




Via earthquakes, of course! – Eth




This works regardless of the time setting. Medieval people would never understand radio but Earthquakes would be something really concrete to them. They could then develop some sort of wizard morse code, or better yet, use earth or stone golems as modems.



Some advantages of using this method:



  • Signals travel 2 to 8 km/s on the crust, and up to 13 km/s in the mantle. They also follow straight lines to the destination. That is not only faster than a messenger on a horse or mail pidgeon - it is faster than sound in air!


  • Very good signal-to-noise ratio (except for those living in the Andes);


  • Omnidirectional, so perfect for broadcasts and group chat;


  • Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;


  • Can double as a weapon if you don't like the recipient.


For anyone thinking this is a joke answer: seismic activity doesn't have to be something that shatters the Earth and damages buildings. Most seismic activity in the world is so weak we don't feel it. And the OP said at the start of the question:




Sorcerers possess the ability to sense (...) energy;




Toph and the republic era earthbenders from Nicklodeon's Avatar come to mind, with their seismic sense.






share|improve this answer











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  • $begingroup$
    They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
    $endgroup$
    – Red Robin
    Apr 2 at 15:45






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
    $endgroup$
    – Renan
    Apr 2 at 15:58


















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Maybe using the whole quantum entanglement idea.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement?wprov=sfla1
I think this would work with your rules of being able to sense and manipulate energy



They could have a system of manipulating the energy locally that would then immediately have an effect on the energy in another location. It's a loose interpretation of the principle, but seems close enough






share|improve this answer











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  • 2




    $begingroup$
    This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
    $endgroup$
    – Alex2006
    Apr 2 at 13:43






  • 2




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    There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
    $endgroup$
    – TheDyingOfLight
    Apr 2 at 14:09










  • $begingroup$
    That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
    $endgroup$
    – Dakota Dutko
    Apr 2 at 14:16






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
    $endgroup$
    – aidan.plenert.macdonald
    Apr 2 at 16:29


















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$begingroup$

A wireless telegraph



Each sorcerer has a special box or slate they've created made of materials they can manipulate in color or light. Just very simple, like early telegraphs.



Now they can spell out messages in Morse Code. This code was not yet invented in Medieval times, but solely because there was no need for it. It would not be difficult to come up with a concise system for communicating digits. Morse Code uses 3 states: long, short, and off. That's all you need.



A servant on the receiving end could transcribe the incoming message. With the right buttons and levers, a servant on the sending end might be able to transmit the message, if the magic can work that way (if the sorcerer doesn't have to stand there and will each mode change into being).



A wireless teletype



A more sophisticated version could show letters on the receiving end. Single words, like a teletype, would be even better.



I'm imaging something like a Liquid Crystal Sheet only one made from materials available in the era and that uses manipulations of heat from below the glass to form letters. Glass was available in Medieval times, though it was expensive and not the same quality we are used to. But some magic may help in making clear flat sheets (about the size of a tablet).



enter image description here



Or perhaps an Etch A Sketch



If the sorcerers can finesse small lines that stay until the entire thing is reset, they could communicate some pretty complex messages. Etch A Sketch was a common children's toy back in my day. It uses a glass screen and aluminum powder. No electricity. You "reset" it by shaking the screen.



If your sorcerers can manipulate magnetic energy (and use iron powder), this could work.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$




















    2












    $begingroup$

    By using the Pen of Flame



    Sorcerer A and Sorcerer B wish to communicate at a distance.



    • "A" conjures a flaming pen.

    • "B" senses that a flaming pen (as he has the ability to sense energy created by sorcerers).

    • "B" then creates a flaming pen of his own which "A" senses.

    • They each place the pen on a nearby scorchable surface

    • They exchange control over their flaming pens so that the other sorcerer can burn messages into being.

    There are probably similar and simpler ways for them to do this, but if you're a sorcerer and can use a flaming writing instrument, why wouldn't you?






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$












    • $begingroup$
      I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
      $endgroup$
      – Red Robin
      Apr 2 at 15:43










    • $begingroup$
      @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
      $endgroup$
      – Mathaddict
      Apr 2 at 15:47











    • $begingroup$
      It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
      $endgroup$
      – Mathaddict
      Apr 2 at 15:53


















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    Depending on how much you care about being overheard and how much of an issue efficiency is, you could use something akin to Morse code or tap code... with lightning strikes or something of equivalent brightness. Since this is the Worldbuilding SE, the fact that this would be literally awesome can't be ignored.



    Quick search says that your average lightning bolt is five miles high... some quick math says you're going to get about 400 miles.






    share|improve this answer









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      6 Answers
      6






      active

      oldest

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      6 Answers
      6






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

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      active

      oldest

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      16












      $begingroup$

      With radio, they could cause electrons in their local vicinity to vibrate at specific frequencies which would generate radio waves.



      These waves would then span the distance between the two communicators at the speed of light. They could even manipulate the waves themselves to be sure they are moving in the right direction. So it would work just like a radio:



      1. The messenger manipulates the electrons which causes the wave. He then directs the waves to travel to a specific region.


      2. The waves travel at the speed of light to their destination.


      3. The receiver detects the waves and manipulates electrons in his area to decode the message.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$








      • 1




        $begingroup$
        That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 14:41







      • 2




        $begingroup$
        Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:48










      • $begingroup$
        @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:56






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 15:09







      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
        $endgroup$
        – Shalvenay
        Apr 2 at 22:09















      16












      $begingroup$

      With radio, they could cause electrons in their local vicinity to vibrate at specific frequencies which would generate radio waves.



      These waves would then span the distance between the two communicators at the speed of light. They could even manipulate the waves themselves to be sure they are moving in the right direction. So it would work just like a radio:



      1. The messenger manipulates the electrons which causes the wave. He then directs the waves to travel to a specific region.


      2. The waves travel at the speed of light to their destination.


      3. The receiver detects the waves and manipulates electrons in his area to decode the message.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$








      • 1




        $begingroup$
        That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 14:41







      • 2




        $begingroup$
        Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:48










      • $begingroup$
        @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:56






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 15:09







      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
        $endgroup$
        – Shalvenay
        Apr 2 at 22:09













      16












      16








      16





      $begingroup$

      With radio, they could cause electrons in their local vicinity to vibrate at specific frequencies which would generate radio waves.



      These waves would then span the distance between the two communicators at the speed of light. They could even manipulate the waves themselves to be sure they are moving in the right direction. So it would work just like a radio:



      1. The messenger manipulates the electrons which causes the wave. He then directs the waves to travel to a specific region.


      2. The waves travel at the speed of light to their destination.


      3. The receiver detects the waves and manipulates electrons in his area to decode the message.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$



      With radio, they could cause electrons in their local vicinity to vibrate at specific frequencies which would generate radio waves.



      These waves would then span the distance between the two communicators at the speed of light. They could even manipulate the waves themselves to be sure they are moving in the right direction. So it would work just like a radio:



      1. The messenger manipulates the electrons which causes the wave. He then directs the waves to travel to a specific region.


      2. The waves travel at the speed of light to their destination.


      3. The receiver detects the waves and manipulates electrons in his area to decode the message.







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Apr 2 at 19:24









      JakeGould

      190113




      190113










      answered Apr 2 at 14:19









      RobRob

      53017




      53017







      • 1




        $begingroup$
        That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 14:41







      • 2




        $begingroup$
        Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:48










      • $begingroup$
        @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:56






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 15:09







      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
        $endgroup$
        – Shalvenay
        Apr 2 at 22:09












      • 1




        $begingroup$
        That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 14:41







      • 2




        $begingroup$
        Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:48










      • $begingroup$
        @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 14:56






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
        $endgroup$
        – Rob
        Apr 2 at 15:09







      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
        $endgroup$
        – Shalvenay
        Apr 2 at 22:09







      1




      1




      $begingroup$
      That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
      $endgroup$
      – Red Robin
      Apr 2 at 14:41





      $begingroup$
      That's pretty great. Exactly what I was looking for. How could the sender prevent (unwanted) others from receiving, though?
      $endgroup$
      – Red Robin
      Apr 2 at 14:41





      2




      2




      $begingroup$
      Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 14:48




      $begingroup$
      Well, if both the sender and the receiver were to be aware of a particular coding algorithm. Then, in theory, the waves could be sent in a modulated pattern (coding) this pattern could require a decipher to understand and without it would seemingly be random, useless pulses.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 14:48












      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 14:56




      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin I take the back, it's simpler than that. The radio waves could be sent with normal audio but the language could be absolute garbage if you dont know how to speak it. So simply send the message in your own made up language.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 14:56




      1




      1




      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 15:09





      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin Maybe 'language' wasn't the right word what I meant was a cipher. Similar to how the Zodiac communicated with his ciphers. If you have the cipher it takes 10 seconds to decode the message but without it it could be impossible.
      $endgroup$
      – Rob
      Apr 2 at 15:09





      1




      1




      $begingroup$
      @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
      $endgroup$
      – Shalvenay
      Apr 2 at 22:09




      $begingroup$
      @Rob -- if you want to get sophisticated, just grab some orthogonal Walsh codes and XOR them with the datastream you want to transmit ;)
      $endgroup$
      – Shalvenay
      Apr 2 at 22:09











      10












      $begingroup$

      I am going to steal Eth's comment to eternalize it as an answer:




      Via earthquakes, of course! – Eth




      This works regardless of the time setting. Medieval people would never understand radio but Earthquakes would be something really concrete to them. They could then develop some sort of wizard morse code, or better yet, use earth or stone golems as modems.



      Some advantages of using this method:



      • Signals travel 2 to 8 km/s on the crust, and up to 13 km/s in the mantle. They also follow straight lines to the destination. That is not only faster than a messenger on a horse or mail pidgeon - it is faster than sound in air!


      • Very good signal-to-noise ratio (except for those living in the Andes);


      • Omnidirectional, so perfect for broadcasts and group chat;


      • Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;


      • Can double as a weapon if you don't like the recipient.


      For anyone thinking this is a joke answer: seismic activity doesn't have to be something that shatters the Earth and damages buildings. Most seismic activity in the world is so weak we don't feel it. And the OP said at the start of the question:




      Sorcerers possess the ability to sense (...) energy;




      Toph and the republic era earthbenders from Nicklodeon's Avatar come to mind, with their seismic sense.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$












      • $begingroup$
        They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 15:45






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
        $endgroup$
        – Renan
        Apr 2 at 15:58















      10












      $begingroup$

      I am going to steal Eth's comment to eternalize it as an answer:




      Via earthquakes, of course! – Eth




      This works regardless of the time setting. Medieval people would never understand radio but Earthquakes would be something really concrete to them. They could then develop some sort of wizard morse code, or better yet, use earth or stone golems as modems.



      Some advantages of using this method:



      • Signals travel 2 to 8 km/s on the crust, and up to 13 km/s in the mantle. They also follow straight lines to the destination. That is not only faster than a messenger on a horse or mail pidgeon - it is faster than sound in air!


      • Very good signal-to-noise ratio (except for those living in the Andes);


      • Omnidirectional, so perfect for broadcasts and group chat;


      • Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;


      • Can double as a weapon if you don't like the recipient.


      For anyone thinking this is a joke answer: seismic activity doesn't have to be something that shatters the Earth and damages buildings. Most seismic activity in the world is so weak we don't feel it. And the OP said at the start of the question:




      Sorcerers possess the ability to sense (...) energy;




      Toph and the republic era earthbenders from Nicklodeon's Avatar come to mind, with their seismic sense.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$












      • $begingroup$
        They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 15:45






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
        $endgroup$
        – Renan
        Apr 2 at 15:58













      10












      10








      10





      $begingroup$

      I am going to steal Eth's comment to eternalize it as an answer:




      Via earthquakes, of course! – Eth




      This works regardless of the time setting. Medieval people would never understand radio but Earthquakes would be something really concrete to them. They could then develop some sort of wizard morse code, or better yet, use earth or stone golems as modems.



      Some advantages of using this method:



      • Signals travel 2 to 8 km/s on the crust, and up to 13 km/s in the mantle. They also follow straight lines to the destination. That is not only faster than a messenger on a horse or mail pidgeon - it is faster than sound in air!


      • Very good signal-to-noise ratio (except for those living in the Andes);


      • Omnidirectional, so perfect for broadcasts and group chat;


      • Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;


      • Can double as a weapon if you don't like the recipient.


      For anyone thinking this is a joke answer: seismic activity doesn't have to be something that shatters the Earth and damages buildings. Most seismic activity in the world is so weak we don't feel it. And the OP said at the start of the question:




      Sorcerers possess the ability to sense (...) energy;




      Toph and the republic era earthbenders from Nicklodeon's Avatar come to mind, with their seismic sense.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$



      I am going to steal Eth's comment to eternalize it as an answer:




      Via earthquakes, of course! – Eth




      This works regardless of the time setting. Medieval people would never understand radio but Earthquakes would be something really concrete to them. They could then develop some sort of wizard morse code, or better yet, use earth or stone golems as modems.



      Some advantages of using this method:



      • Signals travel 2 to 8 km/s on the crust, and up to 13 km/s in the mantle. They also follow straight lines to the destination. That is not only faster than a messenger on a horse or mail pidgeon - it is faster than sound in air!


      • Very good signal-to-noise ratio (except for those living in the Andes);


      • Omnidirectional, so perfect for broadcasts and group chat;


      • Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;


      • Can double as a weapon if you don't like the recipient.


      For anyone thinking this is a joke answer: seismic activity doesn't have to be something that shatters the Earth and damages buildings. Most seismic activity in the world is so weak we don't feel it. And the OP said at the start of the question:




      Sorcerers possess the ability to sense (...) energy;




      Toph and the republic era earthbenders from Nicklodeon's Avatar come to mind, with their seismic sense.







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Apr 2 at 22:55

























      answered Apr 2 at 15:30









      RenanRenan

      54k15123267




      54k15123267











      • $begingroup$
        They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 15:45






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
        $endgroup$
        – Renan
        Apr 2 at 15:58
















      • $begingroup$
        They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
        $endgroup$
        – Red Robin
        Apr 2 at 15:45






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
        $endgroup$
        – Renan
        Apr 2 at 15:58















      $begingroup$
      They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
      $endgroup$
      – Red Robin
      Apr 2 at 15:45




      $begingroup$
      They would have to a find a way to distinguish their communication from all the background seismic activity, though.
      $endgroup$
      – Red Robin
      Apr 2 at 15:45




      1




      1




      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
      $endgroup$
      – Renan
      Apr 2 at 15:58




      $begingroup$
      @RedRobin "Can be modulated and filtered by amplitude or frequency to allow for different channels, so that quake conversations don't interfere with each other;"
      $endgroup$
      – Renan
      Apr 2 at 15:58











      3












      $begingroup$

      Maybe using the whole quantum entanglement idea.
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement?wprov=sfla1
      I think this would work with your rules of being able to sense and manipulate energy



      They could have a system of manipulating the energy locally that would then immediately have an effect on the energy in another location. It's a loose interpretation of the principle, but seems close enough






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$








      • 2




        $begingroup$
        This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
        $endgroup$
        – Alex2006
        Apr 2 at 13:43






      • 2




        $begingroup$
        There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
        $endgroup$
        – TheDyingOfLight
        Apr 2 at 14:09










      • $begingroup$
        That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
        $endgroup$
        – Dakota Dutko
        Apr 2 at 14:16






      • 4




        $begingroup$
        You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
        $endgroup$
        – aidan.plenert.macdonald
        Apr 2 at 16:29















      3












      $begingroup$

      Maybe using the whole quantum entanglement idea.
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement?wprov=sfla1
      I think this would work with your rules of being able to sense and manipulate energy



      They could have a system of manipulating the energy locally that would then immediately have an effect on the energy in another location. It's a loose interpretation of the principle, but seems close enough






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$








      • 2




        $begingroup$
        This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
        $endgroup$
        – Alex2006
        Apr 2 at 13:43






      • 2




        $begingroup$
        There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
        $endgroup$
        – TheDyingOfLight
        Apr 2 at 14:09










      • $begingroup$
        That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
        $endgroup$
        – Dakota Dutko
        Apr 2 at 14:16






      • 4




        $begingroup$
        You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
        $endgroup$
        – aidan.plenert.macdonald
        Apr 2 at 16:29













      3












      3








      3





      $begingroup$

      Maybe using the whole quantum entanglement idea.
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement?wprov=sfla1
      I think this would work with your rules of being able to sense and manipulate energy



      They could have a system of manipulating the energy locally that would then immediately have an effect on the energy in another location. It's a loose interpretation of the principle, but seems close enough






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$



      Maybe using the whole quantum entanglement idea.
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement?wprov=sfla1
      I think this would work with your rules of being able to sense and manipulate energy



      They could have a system of manipulating the energy locally that would then immediately have an effect on the energy in another location. It's a loose interpretation of the principle, but seems close enough







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Apr 2 at 12:58

























      answered Apr 2 at 12:34









      Dakota DutkoDakota Dutko

      393




      393







      • 2




        $begingroup$
        This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
        $endgroup$
        – Alex2006
        Apr 2 at 13:43






      • 2




        $begingroup$
        There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
        $endgroup$
        – TheDyingOfLight
        Apr 2 at 14:09










      • $begingroup$
        That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
        $endgroup$
        – Dakota Dutko
        Apr 2 at 14:16






      • 4




        $begingroup$
        You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
        $endgroup$
        – aidan.plenert.macdonald
        Apr 2 at 16:29












      • 2




        $begingroup$
        This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
        $endgroup$
        – Alex2006
        Apr 2 at 13:43






      • 2




        $begingroup$
        There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
        $endgroup$
        – TheDyingOfLight
        Apr 2 at 14:09










      • $begingroup$
        That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
        $endgroup$
        – Dakota Dutko
        Apr 2 at 14:16






      • 4




        $begingroup$
        You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
        $endgroup$
        – aidan.plenert.macdonald
        Apr 2 at 16:29







      2




      2




      $begingroup$
      This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
      $endgroup$
      – Alex2006
      Apr 2 at 13:43




      $begingroup$
      This is a very elegant suggestion. +1
      $endgroup$
      – Alex2006
      Apr 2 at 13:43




      2




      2




      $begingroup$
      There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
      $endgroup$
      – TheDyingOfLight
      Apr 2 at 14:09




      $begingroup$
      There is of cause the small issue that no information can be transmitted via quantum entanglement. That would violate causality and might lead to paradoxes whiping out the universe. quora.com/…
      $endgroup$
      – TheDyingOfLight
      Apr 2 at 14:09












      $begingroup$
      That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
      $endgroup$
      – Dakota Dutko
      Apr 2 at 14:16




      $begingroup$
      That's a good point, and unfortunately I guess then my answer is no good. :(
      $endgroup$
      – Dakota Dutko
      Apr 2 at 14:16




      4




      4




      $begingroup$
      You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
      $endgroup$
      – aidan.plenert.macdonald
      Apr 2 at 16:29




      $begingroup$
      You can't violate Causality. There is a maximum speed of interaction in the universe and you can't beat that. That's speed happens to be the how fast light moves, but that is coincidental
      $endgroup$
      – aidan.plenert.macdonald
      Apr 2 at 16:29











      3












      $begingroup$

      A wireless telegraph



      Each sorcerer has a special box or slate they've created made of materials they can manipulate in color or light. Just very simple, like early telegraphs.



      Now they can spell out messages in Morse Code. This code was not yet invented in Medieval times, but solely because there was no need for it. It would not be difficult to come up with a concise system for communicating digits. Morse Code uses 3 states: long, short, and off. That's all you need.



      A servant on the receiving end could transcribe the incoming message. With the right buttons and levers, a servant on the sending end might be able to transmit the message, if the magic can work that way (if the sorcerer doesn't have to stand there and will each mode change into being).



      A wireless teletype



      A more sophisticated version could show letters on the receiving end. Single words, like a teletype, would be even better.



      I'm imaging something like a Liquid Crystal Sheet only one made from materials available in the era and that uses manipulations of heat from below the glass to form letters. Glass was available in Medieval times, though it was expensive and not the same quality we are used to. But some magic may help in making clear flat sheets (about the size of a tablet).



      enter image description here



      Or perhaps an Etch A Sketch



      If the sorcerers can finesse small lines that stay until the entire thing is reset, they could communicate some pretty complex messages. Etch A Sketch was a common children's toy back in my day. It uses a glass screen and aluminum powder. No electricity. You "reset" it by shaking the screen.



      If your sorcerers can manipulate magnetic energy (and use iron powder), this could work.



      enter image description here






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$

















        3












        $begingroup$

        A wireless telegraph



        Each sorcerer has a special box or slate they've created made of materials they can manipulate in color or light. Just very simple, like early telegraphs.



        Now they can spell out messages in Morse Code. This code was not yet invented in Medieval times, but solely because there was no need for it. It would not be difficult to come up with a concise system for communicating digits. Morse Code uses 3 states: long, short, and off. That's all you need.



        A servant on the receiving end could transcribe the incoming message. With the right buttons and levers, a servant on the sending end might be able to transmit the message, if the magic can work that way (if the sorcerer doesn't have to stand there and will each mode change into being).



        A wireless teletype



        A more sophisticated version could show letters on the receiving end. Single words, like a teletype, would be even better.



        I'm imaging something like a Liquid Crystal Sheet only one made from materials available in the era and that uses manipulations of heat from below the glass to form letters. Glass was available in Medieval times, though it was expensive and not the same quality we are used to. But some magic may help in making clear flat sheets (about the size of a tablet).



        enter image description here



        Or perhaps an Etch A Sketch



        If the sorcerers can finesse small lines that stay until the entire thing is reset, they could communicate some pretty complex messages. Etch A Sketch was a common children's toy back in my day. It uses a glass screen and aluminum powder. No electricity. You "reset" it by shaking the screen.



        If your sorcerers can manipulate magnetic energy (and use iron powder), this could work.



        enter image description here






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$















          3












          3








          3





          $begingroup$

          A wireless telegraph



          Each sorcerer has a special box or slate they've created made of materials they can manipulate in color or light. Just very simple, like early telegraphs.



          Now they can spell out messages in Morse Code. This code was not yet invented in Medieval times, but solely because there was no need for it. It would not be difficult to come up with a concise system for communicating digits. Morse Code uses 3 states: long, short, and off. That's all you need.



          A servant on the receiving end could transcribe the incoming message. With the right buttons and levers, a servant on the sending end might be able to transmit the message, if the magic can work that way (if the sorcerer doesn't have to stand there and will each mode change into being).



          A wireless teletype



          A more sophisticated version could show letters on the receiving end. Single words, like a teletype, would be even better.



          I'm imaging something like a Liquid Crystal Sheet only one made from materials available in the era and that uses manipulations of heat from below the glass to form letters. Glass was available in Medieval times, though it was expensive and not the same quality we are used to. But some magic may help in making clear flat sheets (about the size of a tablet).



          enter image description here



          Or perhaps an Etch A Sketch



          If the sorcerers can finesse small lines that stay until the entire thing is reset, they could communicate some pretty complex messages. Etch A Sketch was a common children's toy back in my day. It uses a glass screen and aluminum powder. No electricity. You "reset" it by shaking the screen.



          If your sorcerers can manipulate magnetic energy (and use iron powder), this could work.



          enter image description here






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$



          A wireless telegraph



          Each sorcerer has a special box or slate they've created made of materials they can manipulate in color or light. Just very simple, like early telegraphs.



          Now they can spell out messages in Morse Code. This code was not yet invented in Medieval times, but solely because there was no need for it. It would not be difficult to come up with a concise system for communicating digits. Morse Code uses 3 states: long, short, and off. That's all you need.



          A servant on the receiving end could transcribe the incoming message. With the right buttons and levers, a servant on the sending end might be able to transmit the message, if the magic can work that way (if the sorcerer doesn't have to stand there and will each mode change into being).



          A wireless teletype



          A more sophisticated version could show letters on the receiving end. Single words, like a teletype, would be even better.



          I'm imaging something like a Liquid Crystal Sheet only one made from materials available in the era and that uses manipulations of heat from below the glass to form letters. Glass was available in Medieval times, though it was expensive and not the same quality we are used to. But some magic may help in making clear flat sheets (about the size of a tablet).



          enter image description here



          Or perhaps an Etch A Sketch



          If the sorcerers can finesse small lines that stay until the entire thing is reset, they could communicate some pretty complex messages. Etch A Sketch was a common children's toy back in my day. It uses a glass screen and aluminum powder. No electricity. You "reset" it by shaking the screen.



          If your sorcerers can manipulate magnetic energy (and use iron powder), this could work.



          enter image description here







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Apr 2 at 16:34









          CynCyn

          12k12758




          12k12758





















              2












              $begingroup$

              By using the Pen of Flame



              Sorcerer A and Sorcerer B wish to communicate at a distance.



              • "A" conjures a flaming pen.

              • "B" senses that a flaming pen (as he has the ability to sense energy created by sorcerers).

              • "B" then creates a flaming pen of his own which "A" senses.

              • They each place the pen on a nearby scorchable surface

              • They exchange control over their flaming pens so that the other sorcerer can burn messages into being.

              There are probably similar and simpler ways for them to do this, but if you're a sorcerer and can use a flaming writing instrument, why wouldn't you?






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$












              • $begingroup$
                I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
                $endgroup$
                – Red Robin
                Apr 2 at 15:43










              • $begingroup$
                @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:47











              • $begingroup$
                It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:53















              2












              $begingroup$

              By using the Pen of Flame



              Sorcerer A and Sorcerer B wish to communicate at a distance.



              • "A" conjures a flaming pen.

              • "B" senses that a flaming pen (as he has the ability to sense energy created by sorcerers).

              • "B" then creates a flaming pen of his own which "A" senses.

              • They each place the pen on a nearby scorchable surface

              • They exchange control over their flaming pens so that the other sorcerer can burn messages into being.

              There are probably similar and simpler ways for them to do this, but if you're a sorcerer and can use a flaming writing instrument, why wouldn't you?






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$












              • $begingroup$
                I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
                $endgroup$
                – Red Robin
                Apr 2 at 15:43










              • $begingroup$
                @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:47











              • $begingroup$
                It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:53













              2












              2








              2





              $begingroup$

              By using the Pen of Flame



              Sorcerer A and Sorcerer B wish to communicate at a distance.



              • "A" conjures a flaming pen.

              • "B" senses that a flaming pen (as he has the ability to sense energy created by sorcerers).

              • "B" then creates a flaming pen of his own which "A" senses.

              • They each place the pen on a nearby scorchable surface

              • They exchange control over their flaming pens so that the other sorcerer can burn messages into being.

              There are probably similar and simpler ways for them to do this, but if you're a sorcerer and can use a flaming writing instrument, why wouldn't you?






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$



              By using the Pen of Flame



              Sorcerer A and Sorcerer B wish to communicate at a distance.



              • "A" conjures a flaming pen.

              • "B" senses that a flaming pen (as he has the ability to sense energy created by sorcerers).

              • "B" then creates a flaming pen of his own which "A" senses.

              • They each place the pen on a nearby scorchable surface

              • They exchange control over their flaming pens so that the other sorcerer can burn messages into being.

              There are probably similar and simpler ways for them to do this, but if you're a sorcerer and can use a flaming writing instrument, why wouldn't you?







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Apr 2 at 15:26









              MathaddictMathaddict

              4,833534




              4,833534











              • $begingroup$
                I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
                $endgroup$
                – Red Robin
                Apr 2 at 15:43










              • $begingroup$
                @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:47











              • $begingroup$
                It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:53
















              • $begingroup$
                I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
                $endgroup$
                – Red Robin
                Apr 2 at 15:43










              • $begingroup$
                @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:47











              • $begingroup$
                It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
                $endgroup$
                – Mathaddict
                Apr 2 at 15:53















              $begingroup$
              I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
              $endgroup$
              – Red Robin
              Apr 2 at 15:43




              $begingroup$
              I suppose that a perfectly valid response to the question I posed, but there's certainly a range factor that I didn't include in my description. Sorcerers cannot sense and control energy at any distance where your method might be useful. If they're close enough to do what you're saying, then they're close enough to shout. But your proposal could still have other utility, such as an intercom system.
              $endgroup$
              – Red Robin
              Apr 2 at 15:43












              $begingroup$
              @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
              $endgroup$
              – Mathaddict
              Apr 2 at 15:47





              $begingroup$
              @RedRobin Please revise the original post to include any limitations on distance (both for sensing and controlling), types of energy, and power that your sorcerers may have.
              $endgroup$
              – Mathaddict
              Apr 2 at 15:47













              $begingroup$
              It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
              $endgroup$
              – Mathaddict
              Apr 2 at 15:53




              $begingroup$
              It would also be helpful to define what you mean by "long to medium range" in your society. It may be vastly different if we're talking about thousands of miles instead of tens or hundreds.
              $endgroup$
              – Mathaddict
              Apr 2 at 15:53











              1












              $begingroup$

              Depending on how much you care about being overheard and how much of an issue efficiency is, you could use something akin to Morse code or tap code... with lightning strikes or something of equivalent brightness. Since this is the Worldbuilding SE, the fact that this would be literally awesome can't be ignored.



              Quick search says that your average lightning bolt is five miles high... some quick math says you're going to get about 400 miles.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$

















                1












                $begingroup$

                Depending on how much you care about being overheard and how much of an issue efficiency is, you could use something akin to Morse code or tap code... with lightning strikes or something of equivalent brightness. Since this is the Worldbuilding SE, the fact that this would be literally awesome can't be ignored.



                Quick search says that your average lightning bolt is five miles high... some quick math says you're going to get about 400 miles.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$















                  1












                  1








                  1





                  $begingroup$

                  Depending on how much you care about being overheard and how much of an issue efficiency is, you could use something akin to Morse code or tap code... with lightning strikes or something of equivalent brightness. Since this is the Worldbuilding SE, the fact that this would be literally awesome can't be ignored.



                  Quick search says that your average lightning bolt is five miles high... some quick math says you're going to get about 400 miles.






                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$



                  Depending on how much you care about being overheard and how much of an issue efficiency is, you could use something akin to Morse code or tap code... with lightning strikes or something of equivalent brightness. Since this is the Worldbuilding SE, the fact that this would be literally awesome can't be ignored.



                  Quick search says that your average lightning bolt is five miles high... some quick math says you're going to get about 400 miles.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Apr 2 at 16:25









                  William - RemWilliam - Rem

                  1412




                  1412



























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