So, before I ask the question I've posted for, I would like to state what I think I know regarding the nature of linkshells. They're quite basic, in that there is a shell (which I assume physically resembles an oyster shell) and to it are linked numerous pearls. Anyone possessing one of these pearls can speak directly into it, and their messages can be heard by the holders of the other pearls. The communication requires audible speech, and some sort of touch activation (as seen by various NPCs using linkshells throughout the main scenario.)
Right, so if I have that correct, awesome. If not, please feel free to fill in my gaps of knowledge. And now for the actual question:
How far would the RP community say is reasonable to take the function of linkshells? I've been considering this for a short while, wondering at different applications and the inevitable evolution of telecommunications devices in the real world (cellular/mobile phones.) In the world of technology, these things advance at a rapid rate, so what about in the world of magic?
I've been wondering about the following features and how the community would regard them (and in advance, none of them are either supported nor contradicted by canon.)
1. Telepathic link. Instead of speaking into the pearl and hearing words from the pearl, the user would think the outgoing message and then mentally perceive all incoming messages.
2. Visual feedback. I've been considering this in two different aspects. The first that the pearl itself would act as a camera, and fellow users could see as the pearl sees - much like video chat or Face Time. The other relies more on the telepathic link, and the pearl would transmit images as the user sees them, similar to a head-mounted camera or first person view video game.
3. Location tracker. The linkpearl would inform other users where the user is located, just like any cell phone tracker or global positioning device.
That's it, really. I don't RP as if my linkpearls can do any of these things at present, but they're things that I consider to be interesting and not categorically far-fetched. So I'm curious what others think.
EDIT: I'm not asking what the main scenario supports. I know what the main scenario supports. I'm asking what players think about the ideas presented above regarding the evolution of these devices, as it's completely unrealistic to assert that linkshells will always be limited to "touch and talk" functions.
Right, so if I have that correct, awesome. If not, please feel free to fill in my gaps of knowledge. And now for the actual question:
How far would the RP community say is reasonable to take the function of linkshells? I've been considering this for a short while, wondering at different applications and the inevitable evolution of telecommunications devices in the real world (cellular/mobile phones.) In the world of technology, these things advance at a rapid rate, so what about in the world of magic?
I've been wondering about the following features and how the community would regard them (and in advance, none of them are either supported nor contradicted by canon.)
1. Telepathic link. Instead of speaking into the pearl and hearing words from the pearl, the user would think the outgoing message and then mentally perceive all incoming messages.
2. Visual feedback. I've been considering this in two different aspects. The first that the pearl itself would act as a camera, and fellow users could see as the pearl sees - much like video chat or Face Time. The other relies more on the telepathic link, and the pearl would transmit images as the user sees them, similar to a head-mounted camera or first person view video game.
3. Location tracker. The linkpearl would inform other users where the user is located, just like any cell phone tracker or global positioning device.
That's it, really. I don't RP as if my linkpearls can do any of these things at present, but they're things that I consider to be interesting and not categorically far-fetched. So I'm curious what others think.
EDIT: I'm not asking what the main scenario supports. I know what the main scenario supports. I'm asking what players think about the ideas presented above regarding the evolution of these devices, as it's completely unrealistic to assert that linkshells will always be limited to "touch and talk" functions.
