A piece of D'ni technology, actually a stone charged with with a great amount of energy. It is combustible but can be extinguished by water. Polished well, it produces bright light and can be used as a light source in special lanterns.[1] Fire-marbles came in various sizes (as big as clenched fists) and they radiated light of different frequencies (like blazing blue-white).
Fire-marbles were put to be suspended from tunnel ceilings to light the work during excavations.
The anniversary of the finding of the Book of Birenni was celebrated by re-enacting the search for the books by hiding fire marbles in homes and Ages for children to find.[2]
On Riven[]
Gehn had access to fire-marbles while stranded on Riven. While he couldn't use his books, he found out that fire marbles had such an enormous surge that could suppress the variance and hold a Descriptive Book in a stable matrix. After some modifications to the fire-marbles he managed to link to Age 233.[3]
Gehn also created a power system on the top of the Great Golden Dome that powered the rotating domes around Riven; it required fire marbles of various colors to be placed in the right combination on a grid, each representing a rotating dome on its specific location on each island.[4]
Gehn's pipe also operated with fire-marbles.[5]
The Moiety also made use of some stones that lit when touched. The underground gallery of the Jungle Island were lit with a series of those lamps. Their light was required to find the hideout of the Linking Book to Tay.
Use under Atrus[]
Atrus used fire marbles. Fire marbles of various colors were on the top of each "reflection pole" of J'nanin, as well as the path that lead to the Greenhouse.[1]
His study in Tomahna had such lanterns. It was with one of these fire marbles that Saavedro threw and started a fire.[6]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Myst III: Exile - Prima Official Guide
- ↑ The Finding of the Lost Books of Birenni
- ↑ Gehn's First Journal
- ↑ Riven (game)
- ↑ From Myst to Riven, p. 88
- ↑ Myst III: Exile