Thieves' Cant
Amongst the major players a language has developed out of neccessity and convenience. There are many aspects to the language, and it may differ from region to region. However the belowed thigns are agreed.
A simple cypher has developed to show those 'in the know' they are users of the language and are seeking employment. A set of parallel jewelery or tattoos inidcate their skill set.
*Those skilled in espionage as assumed to have a pairing - it is largely unknown.
To avoid using the Cant with someone who doesn't know, a greeting is made of faux familiarity. If reciprocated it's assumed both sides are in the know with regards to the Cant. The types of greeting can also reveal more knowledge:
Aren't you a sight for sore eyes or Am I glad to see you or a simialr greeting will indicate a request for sanctuary. If the one donning the pairing begins with it, it may indicate they have a safe place should the intigator need it.
Long time no see or other references to sight indicates that there is a need to lay low due to pressure for rouges, recent trouble or a perceptive watch or guard.
Here comes trouble or a similar reference indicates they are looking to offer work.
It may seem obvious but just because someone is donning the apparel indicating the Cant or a particular skill doesn't mean they are doing so intentionally!
A customary in normal parlance it is polite and generally accepted to inquire into the other party early in on the conversation. In the Cant this also conveys extra information.
Should someone mention they've settled down would translate they are working as a group, settled and with a family would indicate involvement with a crime family or large scale gang.
Asking about a loved one would say how difficult the job will be, the health of the relative being the danger.
Talk about ages of people indicate pay (usually in terms of x100s) but is job dependant. If when talking about age it is stressed they're young it means in terms of x10 but if it is stressed they are growing its x100, old implies x1000s. Talk of Siblings is how many amounts of the amount is being offered (to be split accordingly).
Should haggling occur it is noted that it is rude to not give a straight answer to meet up again. Should any amount of haggling occur the agreement must be made then not later.
Sometimes a rogue may rant or complain about a problem they are having, complaining about things may result in a job but also may just be explaining an on-going issue.
During a conversation certain members of a family may get mentioned, doing so conveys informtion on their relation to the user of the Cant.
When a job is being offered in public there are several codes that are commonly conveyed.
The Lay of the Land
A simple cypher has developed to show those 'in the know' they are users of the language and are seeking employment. A set of parallel jewelery or tattoos inidcate their skill set.
| Predominant Skill | Pairing Location |
|---|---|
| Assassination | Neck |
| Burglary | 2nd & 4th Finger RH |
| Con Artist | Right Ear |
| Counterfeiting | Left Ear |
| Espionage | Unknown* |
| Fencing | Right Wrist |
| Forgery | 3rd Finger RH |
| Interrogation | 1st & 5th |
| Intimidation | Left Wrist |
| Kidnapping | 5th LH |
| Lockpicking | 3rd Finger LH |
| Pickpocketing | 5th RH |
| Theft | 2nd Finger RH |
| Trapfinding | 2nd Finger LH |
| Reconnaissance | 4th Finger RH |
| Smuggling | Armlet |
| Stalking | Anklet |
*Those skilled in espionage as assumed to have a pairing - it is largely unknown.
The Greeting
To avoid using the Cant with someone who doesn't know, a greeting is made of faux familiarity. If reciprocated it's assumed both sides are in the know with regards to the Cant. The types of greeting can also reveal more knowledge:
Aren't you a sight for sore eyes or Am I glad to see you or a simialr greeting will indicate a request for sanctuary. If the one donning the pairing begins with it, it may indicate they have a safe place should the intigator need it.
Long time no see or other references to sight indicates that there is a need to lay low due to pressure for rouges, recent trouble or a perceptive watch or guard.
Here comes trouble or a similar reference indicates they are looking to offer work.
An Honest Mistake
It may seem obvious but just because someone is donning the apparel indicating the Cant or a particular skill doesn't mean they are doing so intentionally!
A Catch-Up
A customary in normal parlance it is polite and generally accepted to inquire into the other party early in on the conversation. In the Cant this also conveys extra information.
Should someone mention they've settled down would translate they are working as a group, settled and with a family would indicate involvement with a crime family or large scale gang.
Asking about a loved one would say how difficult the job will be, the health of the relative being the danger.
Talk about ages of people indicate pay (usually in terms of x100s) but is job dependant. If when talking about age it is stressed they're young it means in terms of x10 but if it is stressed they are growing its x100, old implies x1000s. Talk of Siblings is how many amounts of the amount is being offered (to be split accordingly).
Should haggling occur it is noted that it is rude to not give a straight answer to meet up again. Should any amount of haggling occur the agreement must be made then not later.
A Game of Cards?
An offer of a game of cards is telling the other that they would like to get some local information. A card will be given folllowing the addition of a worthy amount of coing for the bet, usually a gold piece. Cards will be dealt whilst places, people or other information is being talked about.| Suit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hearts | Saftey |
| Diamonds | Wealth |
| Spades | Other Rogues |
| Clubs | Danger or protected |
Problems
Sometimes a rogue may rant or complain about a problem they are having, complaining about things may result in a job but also may just be explaining an on-going issue.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rabbits | Embezzler |
| Rodents | Spy |
| Step-Family | Rival Guild |
| Close Family | Their Guild |
| Family | Government/Officials |
| Pets | Actual Family |
| Body Part | See lay of the land table |
Relationships
During a conversation certain members of a family may get mentioned, doing so conveys informtion on their relation to the user of the Cant.
| Stated Relationship | Actual Relationship |
|---|---|
| Uncle | Government Official |
| Great Uncle | Monarch/Sovereign |
| Mother/Father | Rogue's Superior |
| Grandmother/Grandfather | Guild Master |
| Cousin | Rogue's Peer |
| Mother/Father in law | Superior Ranked Rogue |
| Step-Mother/Father | Member of a rival guild |
| Great-Grandmother/Grandfather | Over-Guild Official |
| Little Brother/Sister | Guild Initiate |
| Puppy/Kitten | Actual member of Family |
Chit-Chat
When a job is being offered in public there are several codes that are commonly conveyed.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Assassination |
| Birthday Party | Multiple-Assassinations |
| Looking for jewelry | Looking for a skillset - Lay of the Land for type |
| Number of candles | Number of targets |
| Intimate Gathering | No collateral damage |
| Celebration | Make it public |
| Party Planner | Inside informant |
| Party Invitation | Intel already gathered |
| Formal | Must follow guidelines |
| Informal | At rogues discretion |
| Family Reunion | Guild War |
| Vacation | Kidnapping |
| Family vacation | Multiple Kidnapping |
| Vacation Postcards | Ransom demands |
| Souvenirs | Need proof after |
| Ale Run | Smuggling Contraband |
| Special Delivery | Live Cargo |
| Marriage Proposal | Intimidation/Bribery |
| Gossip | Recon/Spy |
| Garden Patch | Small Scale Job |
| It's a surprise | Can Let Party Know |
| Bring a Date | Bring back up |
| Give credit | Frame Someone |
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