Keysign

Keysign is the secret quasi-language of the Fraternal Guild of Woodworkers and Woodcutters, also known as the Froe & Key. Much like the Silkenvault Cipher, Keysign is less a verbal or written language for day-to-day use than a system of phrases, visual elements, and themes that denote the influence of the secret society in contexts were discretion is key. By using Keysign, members of Key & Froe can get the attention of others and convey important information with a reduced risk of that information being picked up by those not in the organization or, with regards to newer members who haven't been fully vetted yet, infiltrators as might be sent by the Bards-Recursant.

Geographical Distribution

Keysign may be seen anywhere where the Fraternal Order has, or historically had, a presence, though most incidences of Keysign may be found in territories long held by Voxelia. Historical buildings in Silkenvault often feature architectural elements inspired by Froe & Key symbology, with instances even occuring alongside or within instances of the Silkenvault Cypher. On the other hand, while there are members of Key & Froe who are also members of the Burning Hearts Social Club, Keysign within places like Burning Hearts pubs tend to be less permanent in nature (i.e. graffiti) because Burnhearts - especially those who have been introduced to Burnheart Cant, are primed to detect what would otherwise be secret symbols in their presence and, thus, would tend to spoil the discretion of Keysign.

Vocabulary

Keysign has less of a set of words unique to it than words and idioms in various other languages used in specific ways to pique the interest of those familiar with what Key & Froe is about as an organization. For example, most Voxelians think little of 'shake roofs,' as most modern roofing is made of clay or petrochemical substances, so talking about 'getting together with the boys to put in a shake roof' might be a euphemism for a Key & Froe gathering when context is taken into account. Similarly, there isn't a separate neography for Keysign concepts, but imagery related to woodworking tools and geometry found with someone or at somewhere not directly associated with these things might indicate Key & Froe influence. Still, Keysign is tightly systematized to enhance the ability of organization members to recognize its presence via a set of rubrics curated by high-ranking members of the organization and disseminated through texts and instruction to the rank-and-file.

Structural Markers

Context is key when uncovering Keysign and deciphering its meaning. Unusually specific woodworking imagery makes sense at a lumber yard or a cabinetry shop, for example, but one would be inclined to interpret it differently when found as an engraving in the ceiling frescoes of a bank or worked into support columns at the Court of Liars.