Distance communication is an issue with spellcasters. Some wizards have forged mental links with close associates (
such as Harry and Elaine - I expect this is just them spending a Fate Point to Declare that their shared history allows them to do this otherwise completely unspecified rote spell
), while others have an item they can use (
such as the one McCoy gave to Harry
).
If the spellcasters in a group all had a shared Aspect reflecting their teamwork, shared training, etc., I could simply ask them to spend a Fate Point to Declare that this Aspect allows them to communicate using their minds using an unspecified rote spell of some sort.
If we wanted to go the item route, though, here is what my thoughts are so far...
If we go with Thaumaturgy as solving a mundane problem with magic, I read that a Resources skill of +2 is enough to get a cell phone, which would generally do the job of keeping a team in communication, but for the risk of Hexing.
The question then is how to beef up this imaginary cell phone so it can be used casually by spellcasters? Sounds like using Thaumaturgy to solve an impossible problem. An imaginary, heavy-duty, EMP-shielded combat communication device would probably require a total Resources skill of +4.
I opt to establish that this type of ritual ability would probably have a base duration of a scene/half an hour - long enough for an important conversation or to keep a tactical team in contact during a quick infiltration mission.
So the Complexity is currently:
Thaumaturgic equivalent of a Cell Phone: +2
Thaumaturgic equivalent of boosting that Cell Phone to resist Hexing/etc. +2
Base duration of a scene/half an hour: +0
Each member of the communication network (Circle) requires one of a set of ritually associated elements (example, multiple teeth from the same creature), each of which will contain or incorporate ritually significant elements from each member of the Circle (hair, or something like that).
Total Lore requirement: +4 for a 1-use Enchanted item granting communication with any/all members of a particular Circle, all of whom must also have this item.
How does the community feel about this item? Too generous? Too strict?