Enchanted bells have existed since civilization first started working bronze. It is widely believed that they were the first magitech items to have been created, before the concept of magitech itself came to be.
From the folk legends of yore, many believed that different sounds could scare away demons and spirits. Hence, the bells were commonly used along with runic fetishes and trinkets. As the gentle breeze of the wind motioned the bells to chime, it did not take many years before the tribes’ spiritual leaders had the bells engraved with runes.
They believed the ringing sounds would somehow spread the enchantments further. Like a synthetic chant constantly channeling warding spells. They were right.
The magicked bells function mainly due to a couple of sources. The runes themselves, which draw mana from the leylines around them. Secondly, from a physical source of motion. Either by a human hand, mechanism, or wind for lighter bells.
When the metal vibrates, the runes and the soundwaves are mechanically intertwined with the motion. A portion of the mana stored within the runes activate, transforming the soundwave into a wordless spell. These magical wavelengths then travel across the nearby area to spread the imbued enchantment within the zone.
Normally, these spells are rather weak and one tolling with a holy ward won't keep a demon with intent at bay. Their potency can, however, be increased by various means.
The size and loudness of the bell directly influence the maximum potential of the spell. The material also helps with reaching a higher potency for each chime. It is also possible to form geomantic webs by placing several bells of the same enchantment and rhythm, in a pattern. These webs draw the magical wavelengths to a central focal point - meaning that the bells turn into beacons for a zone that has their enchantment multiplied by their combined auras.
Protective enchantments are used far and wide across the world, yet the bells are mainly a human invention. Mostly due to a lack of deeper understanding of the cosmos.
The temples of primarily human worshipped deities are almost always magicked to protect against darker forces. Before the clock was invented though, these bells were also crucial for counting down the hour.
Some cities still hold onto old laws that make it illegal to walk the streets at night, unless one carries a light to signal their presence. The law is there both to prevent thief and cultist operations, but also to protect the poor and homeless from disappearing. Especially, as the bells can’t chime all night. Lest human civilization collapse from sleep deprivation.
In some armies, magicked bells are used to enhance their troops or to demoralize the enemy. The goblin Metalrazor Consortium has even managed to fully weaponize sound into their arsenal. Turning bells into massive cannons and mortars that can both kill those caught in the fire, but also destroy the eardrums and deafen those who are next to the impact.
Sometimes different chimes are also used in coordination with trumpets and drums, among the armies of Diestria. These tunes serve as orders to the soldiers, for when commands can’t be heard through the chaos.
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