@TheEdVerse, O sagacious one, I wanted to learn more about the Water Clocks of the Realms. Are they cumbersome? Do they require refilling? Is there any element of magic involved in their construction? Thank you for your time and stay safe!
— Richard Lorenzo (@richlore88) March 22, 2020
1)
It depends. When first introduced, they filled rooms. And required constant tending/refilling due to evaporation, because they had so many open bowls and spillways. Most bore enchantments (not to construct them, but for effects they produced, to mark the passing 2)
…time; linking them to horns or chimes or bells in cities or temple towers, for example).
But as time went on, waterclocks got smaller and less elaborate and better at running longer without tending. As the "proud display" of having one faded, and the need for…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 22, 2020
3)
…less consumption of indoor space, and weight, took over. In hot climates, unless really humid, evaporation is a problem for outdoor clocks. In cold ones, freezing is, so waterclocks have to be indoors, at least sheltered from wind.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 22, 2020
Why use magic on a water clock instead of just having a magical timepiece?
On a related note, how widely used is magic for keeping time? How accurate is magically-kept time? Does this magic need frequent renewals?
— Greysil (@Greysil_Tassyr) March 23, 2020
1)
Magic was used on early water clocks because they were installed hastily, on public display, as status symbols, and means of mechanically linking them to existing bells, chimes, and the like (to make the passage of time audible widely, not just in the same room) 2)
…was impractical, or impossible, or clumsy. The magic provided the link between clock and sounding device, in some cases.
Magic is almost never used for keeping time in the Realms. Most folk rise and go to bed with the sun (available light), or work by…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 23, 2020
3)
…lantern- or candle- or torch light on a task basis (we need to mix the dough, then knead it, then form loaves and put them into the ovens Loreth has readied to the right heat, as soon as possible, THEN start morningfeast). 4)
Although the game may seem to make magic plentiful and everywhere, in daily life most folk can't work magic, can't even dream of affording it, and wouldn't know where to access it. They hear of magic in tales, they don't use it for keeping time or anything else.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 23, 2020