Talking Paper

Wondrous Item Very Rare

A set of talking paper consists of two identical pieces of expensive paper at least 2 feet by 3 feet. Whatever is said in the presence of one of the pieces of talking paper is magically reproduced in the vibration of the other. If you can sneak one piece of the paper into a room, you can sit in the presence of the other piece and hear any noise made within 20 feet of it, if the noise does not originate beyond an intervening wall or barrier and you are on the same plane of existence. Both pieces of paper must be stretched rigid on frames. For this reason, and because of the need to keep the item inconspicuous, talking paper is often embellished with a beautiful painting or calligraphed proverb, which is presented to the intended victim of the espionage. The piece of paper that is placed with the person being spied upon is called the ”listening” piece, and the piece kept by the spy is called the ”talking” piece. But those names are not precise, because both pieces of paper act as listeners and talkers. Anything said in the presence of the talking piece can be heard by someone in the presence of the listening piece. For this reason, the talking piece is usually placed in a room where no one is allowed to speak.