Kite writing

The tokari specialised in distance messaging through the use of kites and other wind-powered instruments. These would be hoisted with a recognised series of knots and streamers along the kite string to singify certain messages, with further nuance available through the patterns of flight that could be assigned.

As signage

There were two primary modes. One as a form of static notification or even advertising. Stores would hoist kites above their shops to let the community know when a delivery of goods was now available, or that an an important cultural event or musical performance was scheduled to begin. These messages would be sent aloft and would simply hang above the location. The tether would often be knotted with visual streamers to guide interested parties to the location in question.
These kites would often be larger, and extravagent. Many designed as recongisable characters, often birds, but with iconography and colours that would let those familiar instantly know which shop, farm or family was raising the message.

As communication

The other primary mode would be for more nuanced communication in real time, and potentially two-way. In these instances the kite would be much smaller, and more agile. The one using it would easily have one on hand to send aloft within moments if needed. The message would be communicated through simple patterns of loops, dips and jitters - controlled by the handler.
In this way simple conversations could be sent across valleys and mountain ranges in moments, with somplex back and forth responses possible.

Kite relays

Kite handlers of the Tokari would work in a series to relay news many miles up and down the islands. These messages would by necessity need to be relatively simple. Anything requiring more complex discussions or diplomatic sentivities would be given over to the monks of Aetora and their flying vultures.

Kite writing since the invasion

Ever since the Protectorates invaded Tokaru and sent the Tokari into hiding or into slavery, the practice of Kite writing has become far more subtle. It is still recongised and used by the Uferbrech goblins for urgent communications, but the risk is high that Protectorate forces will discover the sender.
Underground resistance of goblinkin within Omberstad, and even other more open places like Camp Thrifty and Sudengard, now employ the same techniques, but with much smaller kites, flags and decorations outside their houses. At cursory glance, these look fairly innocuous, but to the learned, the complex arrangement of streamers and knots can communicate much. This has been used to coordinate resistance, communicate news to ouytsiders, and warn of Ptotectorate movements.

Related Species

• Goblin Kin