nadikail
The nadikail /nɒdˈɪkaɪl/ is a form of charm bracelet that is common among the Kaushan. It is usually made of a simple metal bracelet with rings connecting to chains, which in turn connect to various small charms. The charms usually represent the patron gods of the wearer or a more specific protections or wishes.
Many (but by no means all) Kaushan use the charms as prayer focuses.
The bracelet portion is typically made of bronze, but other metals and alloys are frequently found. The charms can be made of any material, with polished stone, metal, glass, and wood common. The charms are attached to the braclet via thin chains of varying length, typically made of the same material as the bracelet. The different lengths are so that the charms do not interfere with each other.
The bracelet and chain are commonly made by a professional metal worker and are available for purchase in many locations. The charms can be purchased but are more often made by the person the nadikail belongs to or by a family member as a gift.
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All members of the Shiŗoshodai have at least one custom charm on their nadikail. It is made of fonaj or a small joto crystal and imbued with simple magic used to identify the wearer. Some more secured locations utilized by the Shiŗoshodai are protected by magic imbued locks that require the special charms in order to be opened.
Significance
The nadikail was originally used as a simple means of focused worship. The wearer would pray on the specific topic of a charm (whether to a god or for a protection) for a length of time proportional to the length of the chain attaching it to the main bracelet.
While still widely used for religious purposes, it is now also seen as a fashion accessory. The rich and other elites (and even the growing middle class) are beginning to compete over who has the fanciest or most expensive nadikail. The more traditional Kaushan see this is a profanity against a time-honored practice and to the gods they are dedicated to.
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