Vocks

Language is an interesting feature of sentient life, taking on multiple facinating forms across the diversity of creation. Among the folk of the Federation of Advent there are myriad means of communication, all suited uniquely to their marine environs. Spoken language is less viable, but a common language was needed for the fledgling nation to have any chance of success. A brilliant craftsman among the Adventi designed small devices which have come to be known colloquially as vocks among those who interact with the ocean dwellers. These small, stone-like objects have the unique property to allow mental communication. 

Whether under or above the waves, two individuals who bear vocks can gently tap them against each other to form a temporary connection. The vocks act as a conduit for communicating simple concepts and emotions between the bearers, even if the two share no linguistic knowledge, though a shared language does increase the complexity of what can be communicated effectively. The experience can be a bit disconcerting for those who've never done so before, but there are no deliterious effects and the connection only lasts a few minutes before fading.

Vocks are commonplace among the Adventi as they enable very different beings to communicate effectively and while most Adventi who interact with surface dwellers regularly can speak one or two Remani languages it is not unusual for seafaring merchants to keep one for their own use.