Smithhand

In the forges and armouries of Kingsholm hammer and anvil ring out their joyous melody of manufacture. Alas, against such music the human voice fails as a means of communication and the smiths, armourers, forgemsaters and allied trades have adopted the set of hand signals commonly known as "Smithhand".

Writing System

As a language based on hand signs, gestures and body language it has not been written down save occasionally in transcription to the normal written tongue of the area. The great choreographer Demicerebellev attempted to use a modified choreographic notation to record the body linguistic elements but, alas, never learnt the meanings resulting in his ouvre "Springtime in the Forge" becoming a surprise success among the metalwork trades¹. Some hold that Demicerebellev was taking the rise out of the typical audience for his works; others point to him never returning to Kingsholm despite his popularity at court.

¹ Largely owing to the unintended counterpoint between the intent of the scene and the meaning of the Smithhand. Who could forget the tender love scene accompanied by "This job will need my biggest hammer, stand back lads!"

Vocabulary

Yes - A nod of the head, or a fist raised with the thumb pointed upwards.
No - A shake of the head, or a fist raised with the thumb pointed down.
You/him/her/there (singular) - an arm extended with the open hand pointed in the direction of the object.
You/them/there (general) - both arms extended with open hands indicatign the span intended.
Me - patting the top of ones head with one hand.
Strike or hammer (action or took) - bringing the closed fist down onto an open hand.
Quickly, or with urgency - rapid and repeated raising and lowering of a fist.
Come closer - with arms extended to the front, bring them towards the body with the palms facing inwards.
Stand back - push the hands away from the body with the palms facing out.
Drink break - raise the fist and then bring it to the mouth.