Thief's Cant

Ace:"There's trouble"
Jack: "It's been too long my friend. Come, share a drink with me."
Ace: "Only because you offered. It's been what? A few months since Hardhome? How you been?"
Jack: "Indeed it has. I am well. Surrounded by family which is always a good place to be. You?"
Ace: "Just simply passing by with some companions."
Jack: "Have you seen Jameson lately? How's their health?"
Ace: "He has been a little unwell lately but nothing to worry about."
Jack: "How old is his son now? Six?"
Ace: "I'm pretty sure he's five now"
Jack: "Are you sure? i'm certain he is six."
Ace: "Ah, yes, you're right he is six."
Jack: "Sorry to cut this short, but I must be on my way. I'm running a card game later tonight. Do you know Quincy's Tavern?"
Ace: "The one at the end of town yeah? I've heard of it.
Jack: "Well come on over tonight around eight, I'll introduce you to some friends"
Ace: "Sounds great, I'll see you there."

A conversation between two rogues using Thiefs Cant

If you weren't a member of the Thieves Guild, it would sound like the two members in the quote above were simply having a simple discussion. The intention behind Thief's Cant is so members can discuss with each other, whether looking to hire someone for a job, seeking sanctuary, or to warn another to stay low.

Introductions

When approaching another member, you should always act as though you are familiar with them. If they return the gesture then it shows they are familiar to the code and accepts you as a fellow rogue. How you begin the conversation shows your intent.

Key Word	Meaning
Eyes	Request for sanctuary
See/Seen	Warning to lay low
Trouble	I'd like to hire you

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" Indicates the one speaking is requesting the person they are speaking to provide them with sanctuary.

Timeline

Once the greeting has been exchanged, signifying that they are another rogue, you can conduct business. Knowing the timeline of how quick you want this job done is specified by how long it has been you have last seen this person. These keywords are not always required, but a general expression of the urgency.

Time	Timeline
Weeks	Low Urgency
Months	Medium Urgency
Years	High Urgency
Forever	Immediate

Not all rogues belong under the banner of the Thieve's Guild, so some may not be so friendly. In this business rivalries and enemies are form-able as easily as allies. It's always wise to establish from both sides if you're working alone or on behalf of an organization. You can find this out by asking how each other has been. The responses should either mention you being alone or part of a group.

Difficulty

Not all jobs are equal in difficulty, be that the challenge or danger involved, but this is in the hands of the individual being hired. If they wish to know they will ask about someone's health. The level of health relates to the difficulty.

Difficulty	Health
Easy	Good Health
Medium	Bad Health
Hard	Dead or dying
Unknown	Uncertain

Payment

If there is one thing most rogues share, it is the love of payment for their work. However, discussion of coin tend to gather attention. The topic should be brought around to something that involves numbers and family.

Value	Relation
Copper	Parent
Silver	Sibling
Gold	Child
Platinum	Grandchild

Haggling

Note you can still haggle in this way if questions are left open, but if the question is closed off then the price is set.

Ending the Conversation

Once a price is agreed, the conversation should move to a discussion of location. In this the details can discussed in private. Either part may suggest a location, but most commonly you will be new to the area, and the person you are speaking with will know a more suitable place. This will simply be them ending the conversation and suggesting a future meeting place.

Talking with Cards

Ace: Hello Trouble, It's been ages! Care for a game?
Jack: It's been too long mate, have a seat
Ace: How much is the bet?
Jack: Two Silver hands you three cards
Ace: So I'm new in town. I hear it's run by the military?
places two silver down
Jack: General Tarthus runs the local guard
hands a heart card
Ace: No nobles to speak of then?
places two silver down
Jack: Well there's Lord Rollo
hands a daimond
hands a club card
Ace: I see, anywhere i can get a good drink?
Jack: The Tiefling's Fancy is a bit upmarket
Hands a spade card

You may find a rogue with information playing cards. Once you have opened the conversation, they may invite you to "play" and join them. Asking "how much is the bet?" is an addition to add in the normal approach. The bet is the price for each piece of information. The broker will tell you the amount and hands you three cards. Once you inspect them, strike up a conversation about your request. After each request put down the bet in-between you and the broker. The cards handed after each paid question are the answers, pay attention to them while listening.

The Card Code

Suit	Meaning
Hearts	This person/ location is friendly
Diamonds	This person/ location is a good mark
Spades	You can find work here
Clubs	This person/location is heavily guarded

Once you have asked all your questions, fold your hand, feign your loss and leave the bets behind. Tis the brokers payment for information and taking it back is bad form.