Orb Technology

The highlight of magic and technology coming together, the orb is both television and video phone. It is a magical glass or crystal orb usually paired with a magical mechanical rune-etched device that can allow users to communicate and see each other. They were originally used on airships to communicate nearly planetwide distances, once they entered the commercial market people realized they could broadcast the news, plays, or talk shows if singular users were all connected to a master broadcast orb. Although some users don't realize that even these public connections work both ways, and those with ill intent can spy on or torment an owner of the orb.   The concept of a magical orb to communicate is a centuries-old spell, but tinkerers and engineers have figured out ways to fine-tune the wavelength for longer distances, more accurate calls, and the ability to broadcast to more than one orb at a time.   The Glass Engineered Communication Orb (abbreviated GeCO and sometimes colloquially called a gecko) is a small pocket-sized version that can only send audio messages short distances and is a new toy for the nouveau riche of the upper Water Towers.   Orb Shows are the newest form of entertainment for people in the city-states and have very similar entertainment to the early television era of the 30s/40s. They do not need a live studio audience, because the person watching at home is basically in an audience full of other people in the "call". Bars and taverns usually have a large orb above the bartender attuned to violent sports, far-off musicians, or races to bet on.