Sticks and stones

Sticks and stones may break my bones but at least words can be made from them.

Sticks and stones are common objects, specifically a small branch from a tree or similar shrubbery, and a small round object made of rocks, found across the island, which are often used by the Ghost Ship Hunters to communicate with each other.
By arranging the sticks and stones in specific patterns, simple messages can be communicated. These messages are symbols which most Ghost Ship Hunters can understand. Most new Hunters will gradually pick up on them, if they are not taught what they mean by another Hunter

Common symbols:

(| or -- = stick, O = stone)
O -- : Turn left

O : Turn right.

O O = Straight ahead --| = turn back |--| = Split up. O -- O = Do not split up | O = obstacle left. O | = obstacle right. OOO = Danger OOO| = Help --|-- = will help

The messages are sometimes also signed with a 'tag', a unique symbol that identifies a singular Ghost Ship Hunter, or group of Ghost Ship Hunters. There have been incidents where tags have ended up being identical, though, so some prefer not to use them. They are normally made by digging or grinding holes into the ground using either a stick or a stone, or both. Some tags involve embedding upright sticks into the ground in a specific pattern.
These are sometimes appreciated as it makes it easier to see that there's a message, and sometimes frowned upon as the main goal of using sticks and stones is that other people won't be able to intercept the message, whilst an upright stick is rather more clearly put there by someone.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

There are none, as they are basic objects available on the ground already.
Sticks are grown on trees and bushes. Stones are formed by erosion.

Significance

Can be arranged in patterns to communicate.

Item type

Navigational Aid / Instrument

Rarity

Common

Weight

Varies, stones are heavier than sticks

Dimensions

Varies, sticks are long and thin.

Base Price

None