Hunter Lingo
A low buzzing caught Lia’s attention, and she looked back from her seat at the Lazy Duck’s bar to see Garrett, the Chief Hunter, glance down at a small device.
"Report of a rabid wolf. All hands." Garrett’s low voice still carried in the near-empty tavern. He looked at the other five Hunters at his table before slapping down some money and exiting. The others followed without protest.
"Why would six hunters be needed for a single wolf?" Lia asked. "Saul, you don't think--"
"No, I don't, and neither do you," the surly barkeeper said as he refilled her wine.
The Paltetian Hunters are an elite, secretive group that protect citizens from dangers lurking in the Great Woods. Most citizens believe these dangers to be little more than wolves or coyotes. The Hunters also work to keep citizens away from the forest, and are authorized to arrest any who trespass. The true function of the Hunters however, is to detect and apprehend beings of magic, The very knowledge of which is forbidden in Paltetia. As such, when the hunters need to communicate in public, they often rely on coded messages.
Report of a rabid wolf = a magic user has been spotted
This is an urgent call for the hunter to fully gear up and join the other hunter(s) in neutralizing the problem. *Hunters do occasionally deal with aggressive wildlife. In the case of an actual problematic wolf, the word rabid would not be used, and more detail would often be given.
I noticed a fox = magic detected
The Hunter is needed to track down the source and is authorized to use a pack of magimandi. This is a call for investigation.
Birds - if a hunter mentions a bird, they're most likely talking about citizens
Bird out of its nest = citizen trespasser
Lost rabbit or baby bird = lost child thought to have wandered into the woods
Poison oak - unusual and/or possibly magic-imbued item
"Report of a rabid wolf. All hands." Garrett’s low voice still carried in the near-empty tavern. He looked at the other five Hunters at his table before slapping down some money and exiting. The others followed without protest.
"Why would six hunters be needed for a single wolf?" Lia asked. "Saul, you don't think--"
"No, I don't, and neither do you," the surly barkeeper said as he refilled her wine.
The Paltetian Hunters are an elite, secretive group that protect citizens from dangers lurking in the Great Woods. Most citizens believe these dangers to be little more than wolves or coyotes. The Hunters also work to keep citizens away from the forest, and are authorized to arrest any who trespass. The true function of the Hunters however, is to detect and apprehend beings of magic, The very knowledge of which is forbidden in Paltetia. As such, when the hunters need to communicate in public, they often rely on coded messages.
Hunter Lingo
This is an urgent call for the hunter to fully gear up and join the other hunter(s) in neutralizing the problem. *Hunters do occasionally deal with aggressive wildlife. In the case of an actual problematic wolf, the word rabid would not be used, and more detail would often be given.
The Hunter is needed to track down the source and is authorized to use a pack of magimandi. This is a call for investigation.
Bird out of its nest = citizen trespasser
Additional phrases
In addition, many Hunters feel a more general responsibility to protect citizens. As such, Hunters will also intervene in mundane matters such as breaking up fights or assisting in arrests when requested. I'll be seeing you - often interpreted as a vague threat, this instead means the hunter intends to report you to the authorities, and testify against you if need be.Body Language
Paltetian Hunters are often quiet, reserved individuals, as their profession requires stealth. As such, body gestures and eye movements are also significant amongst Hunters. A quick dart of the eyes toward an unruly tavern patron might be a command for another Hunter to observe and follow the rowdy man home to prevent violence.Icon credits:
Wolf by: OpenClipart-Vectors from PixabayFox by: Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
Bird by: OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
To the citizens of Paltetia, little is known about the group. They are very quiet and reserved, and generally prefer to keep company with other Hunters. Citizens are kept unaware of their true purpose.
Geography Summary
Wennovi by hcraven using Azgaar's
The Great Woods
The Great Woods is a stretch of forested land spanning nearly the entire length of the eastern side of Paltetia and roughly divides the continent of Wennovi. The Great Woods are thought to be impassible and the lands beyond to be uninhabitable.Most people in Theden were afraid of the Great Woods. Whispers of ferocious beasts and supernatural beings circulated frequently, despite the best effort of city officials, who discouraged the rumors.
Right now, the line about coded grunts seems a bit throwaway. It's mentioned, but not expanded upon in its own article. There are also some strange uses of language like "Most citizens believe this to be dangerous such as wolves or coyotes." This seems like it should be "believe this to be as dangerous as" if I understand the intent here correctly. I like the way the article is laid out, with the small icons/pictures for the lingo. Could pictogrpahy also be used as part of the lingo?
Thank you for your feedback. That sentence was odd, and probably the result of typing while distracted :) I removed the grunting for now, and will consider the idea of the icons. Thanks!