The Shake

The shake is a traditional form of greeting, meant to convey non-aggression, and to signify to others in the area the level of mutual trust between both parties. Whether the shake is a simple handshake, wristshake, or armshake, it is a display of peace and goodwill.

Types of Shakes

The Handshake

The simplest form of shake, the handshake conveys to those about that both parties bear no immediate ill-will towards the other. Often used between strangers, or those of casual acquaintance, this shake is preformed when both parties grasp each others right hand in theirs. A more formal greeting may occur when one (or both) of the parties place their left hand on top of the right hands.

The Wristshake

Used between fellows with closer ties (such as between members of the same guild or order), each party will reach past the other's right hand and grasp the others wrist instead.

The Armshake

Only used between two people with close-long lasting ties, each person will reach past the hand and wrist, and instead grab the forearm. Such a grip will only occur between equals, as a subordinate attempting to shake in such a manner would be taking unwarranted liberties. A grip taken just below the elbow is typically reserved to long-standing ties between equals of the same household, and a grip above the elbow would only be appropriate between siblings, and only after a long absence. Such shakes commonly involve an umgripe.

Adversarial Shakes

Not all shakes are meant to convey peace or goodwill. Those touching the backs of their hands to one another (the backshake) conveys a (hoped) peaceful interaction between enemies. Dragging the fingertips back down to the other's fingertips is called ungloving a handshake, and conveys the person expects some form of treachery. Shakes offered with a gloved or gauntleted hand are generally seen as hostile, unless circumstances otherwise dictate.