Streyburg Street Sigils

Streyburg street sigils are a local cipher used primarily in the cities of the kingdom of Streyburg in Judera.

Development

This cipher was developed before Streyburg became its own kingdom, in the months leading up to the Autumn Rebellion (or the Liberation of Skolia) which split Streyburg from the rest of North Skolia. It was initially intended to be used by the resistance in North Skolia to communicate with one another discreetly, without risk of a message's contents being deciphered by the government and its supporters.

The resistance in North Skolia found that its biggest obstacle in organizing was their inability to communicate secretly. After some thought, several resistance leaders began to work together on a code with which to disguise their messages. The first few iterations, however, were not well enough disguised and were quickly cracked by government agents. Eventually, the leaders of the resistance came upon the idea of disguising the cipher so that it would only be noticeable to those looking for it. This idea was inspired by druidic languages that were only apparent to those familiar with the language.

With the new idea in mind, those in the resistance began working together to devise a system of symbols, locations, and new words to create a hidden and difficult to decipher language. They strayed away from writing messages on paper and transporting by messenger in favor of placing their sigils on signposts, walls, and landmarks where they were visible to all but only recognizable to those who knew what to look for.

Since the initial development of this cipher, the code has evolved to include more complex messages. It has faded out of use in North Skolia but remains in Streyburg, where it is used by the back-alley communities to send one another signals without raising the suspicion of law enforcement.

The Code

Streyburg street sigils utilize very small but often extremely complex pictographic images. The meaning is spread by word of mouth and evolves at a faster pace than standard languages. These images are scrawled onto the walls of buildings, moving carts, or any other available surface. The object which carries the image also gives more context to the message - is it a local message for a specific target or is it meant for a more general audience? Is it time-sensitive or a standing offer?

Images are generally placed at levels that are often overlooked - just above the ground or far above eye level - so that they may only be spotted by those looking for them. They also are carved or drawn in such a way as to look accidental or natural, although they are anything but. All of these precautions are meant to guard the cipher from unwanted eyes and protect the privacy of those using the cipher.

Current Use

Streyburg street sigils are currently only in use in the kingdom of Streyburg, as indicated by their name. Despite their origin as a tool of resistance, they are currently only used as a means for the folk of the streets to communicate with one another. Certain images outside of wealthy homes, for example, can indicate how the folk inside will treat beggars, or warn others that a robbery is planned at that location for an indicated time and to stay away. Other images in other places may indicate a pickup location or a rendezvous point for any number of dealings.

The cipher develops quickly and requires one to be keyed in to the whispers of the streetfolk. To even be included in the knowledge of how to find and interpret each sigil would require a great amount of trust from one already in the know, or for one to have grown up on Streyburgish streets knowing the cipher.