Mishōndii Couriers and Collars ([mi:ʃond:kurIɜː])
Mishōnd Couriers, the brave canine "Battle Messengers" had been used as a wordless communication method within the Qalathian military for a number of centuries, though it took some developing. The main aim of the original Mishōndii project was to enable messages between units to be passed in as unassuming way as possible. Now that battle itself is as foreign an idea as the language used to name the creatures, very few Mishōndii exist today, and those that do are usually owned by the wealthy.
The Military always has a small number within its ranks, though mumbles in the Capital usually point to it being the last useful wartime creation the Realm completed. Whether that is accurate or inaccurate is not the purpose of this document.
Anyhow, it was the combination of the special canine breed and the collar they wore which generally proved a success. While the species and the collar (the "technology") could have been separated, they were but one project as a whole, thus we have presented it in like manner.
What Were They?
The Mishōndii were (usually) short, stocky canines bred and trained to carry out dangerous cross-battlefield runs to deliver communications. "Silent Communication" was achieved by inserting paper, or papyrus, into a metal barrel hung on a collar around the dogs' necks. They would then be sent to a different camp, or unit, where the barrel would be opened, the message read and then burned.
We discuss Message Security later in this document.
This Bezélian Archives Document is now marked as 'transitional accuracy'. That is to say some details will be amended in the medium term, due to the unforeseen announcement in 545AFD of the reintroduction of the Mishōnd "project". Where facts were easily updatable via correctional fluids or tac-clip tags, these have been completed.
Translation of the Name
"Mishōnd" is not a single-language word. Instead it is known as a "Qalafoy" term - a mash-up of Qalathian and Foyiitùn terminology. It is not difficult to reverse engineer this word, however.
- Mìs: message, letter, missive, summons, communications.
- Hōnd: canine, regardless of whether it is wild or domesticated.
Chronicler's Note:
Forgive an early interjection. The term "reverse-engineering" was taught to me by the Elelupii. It is the art of technological hope: that by taking someone else's work apart, you will learn how it was put together. It is not a practice they encourage, but drawing on their Elemental and Scientific hybrid experience, they always aim to make "reverse-engineering" their own inventions frustratingly difficult.
What Were They?
The Mishōndii were (usually) short, stocky canines bred and trained to carry out dangerous cross-battlefield runs to deliver communications. "Silent Communication" was achieved by inserting paper, or papyrus, into a metal barrel hung on a collar around the dogs' necks. They would then be sent to a different camp, or unit, where the barrel would be opened, the message read and then burned.
We discuss Message Security later in this document.
Shapes and Sizes
From artworks preserved by the Archives and whatever other institutions pre-dated it, some strains of Mishōnd were not so "podgy".
Cross-referencing the eras, it would seem the sleeker (and slightly taller) ones were around during the largest battles - in short, when they were well-exercised.
What Breeds Were Crossed?
While the Archives mention the names, these are not species known to exist these days.
We therefore only have the brief descriptions laid down in the original filing. Items one and two were not a surprise, but it was item three that took us aback.
- Aunònfàlii: (aun-hōnd-fàl-ii): a dark, wild canine species. The "truly" wild ones roam the hills and mountains behind the Bruhaii Aunàn, in the very South of the Great Canyon.
- Tànian Hound: a commonly-owned canine, originating from Ley-tan, hence the name.
- Itsàunky (Itsàun-Ky): A night-prowling feline-looking animal, usually too dangerous to approach in its own territory. However, if captured for long enough, it would become a gentle, but protective domesticated creature.
It was only upon discovering the following "fragment" in the Bezélian Archives, that we understood the reasoning.
"...were at first reluctant to agree to the inclusion of potential feline blood into the somewhat-natural development of the Mishōnd, they eventually relented after reporting failure in finding a pure canine with 'war-smoke' sight capability..."
"Fragments"
Written Items Otherwise Non-classifiable.
Note: Elementally-stale Conditions.
How Was the Breed Created?
The current theory then is that the "Wild Dogs" and the "Wild Cats" were first bred together to merge the strongest qualities into one, before the "joined lines" were then inserted into the offspring of the Tànian Hound.
Researchers of this topic should note the clearly-stated feline-looking animal, and be reminded that Foyiitùn is predominantly a descriptive language. It would highly unusual, if not verging on impossible, for wild canines and felines to mate.
Thus it is likely that the "Wild Cats" were more closely related to Canines than Felines in their origins. Had the past Crystal Circles approved of Alchemic interference, they would still have had to undergo some process to join Feline to Canine as the natural inclination would likely not be present.
Its Own Breed
The leaders of Qal'ath would have preferred to have it officially documented as an official "pure" canine. But even the then-King could not dissuade the then-keeper of the Archives from recording it has a "hybrid, or cross".
In reality, both were correct by c 475 AFD, and certainly by the early 500s AFD. While cross-breeding was the starting point, once the basics of the appearances and features were in place, the rest was achieved through diet, training and experience. At that point Mishōndii were only bred with other Mishōndii.
But once the initial record had been in place, it could not be rescinded. It is no shame to have a cross-breed show our scientific endeavours, especially one that, on the whole has been a success.
The "Locked Cry"
While modern-day Qal'ath has seen no warfare for a number of generations, the registered Mishōndii are still only bred from parents of the same breed. Thus, they have kept most of their defining features. I will turn my addition to this now.
Notes dating back to the early AFD 300s speak of how the military worked with The Crystal Circle - or, more accurately, their acolytes.
...and so the project commenced. The Circle approved as the hounds' development was only encouraged through natural methodology, not alchemy. However, we did request one slight intervention, which we expressed in terms of the Mishōndii's self-defence.
With the help of the Acolyte of Aevyen, the pups found they could howl without opening their maws. Such a prize is unlikely to be killed by enemies, because of their infiltration potential (we are also mitigating that - with trust). Thus, should one be captured, caged and, Elements forbid, muzzled, it could still cry for help.
The Guardian Mage of Aevyenkai approved, and a slight modification to its vocal system was permitted only once. After that, we were told, it would be reliant on our training and its diet to keep the correct muscles and systems functioning correctly.
If the animals cannot sustain themselves, or we did not care for them correctly, the Elements would not intervene. "Or if they did, it would be against us, their handlers."
Frankly, she could have omitted that last phrase, but, at least, we had no excuse about receiving no forewarning.
This "howl" was called the "Locked Cry" or "Prisoner's Distress". As the breed has also been mostly docile, owners are usually permitted to let their hounds roam free. Nobody dared steal one, and a free, unthreatened Mishōnd never attacked anyone.
Battlefield Performance
Being bred specifically for the purpose of safely carrying sensitive messages, there were for a number of years, performance reports made by their handlers and/or the commanders.
Strengths
Their strengths were speed and loyalty and their size allowed them to take routes that larger creatures, or people, could not. Their intense sense of smell also meant that, so long as they saw the direction one of their handlers moved in, they would be able to pick up the "invisible trail", sometimes an Ur or two later.
Weaknesses
Within Alchemic and Scientific circles within Qal'ath, there is a general understanding that perfection will never be attained. But that is no excuse for complacency in trying to mitigate imperfections. The main weaknesses of the Mishōndii, even at their peak employment, were:
- Disorientation: the hounds ran perfectly in trials and tests, but even a simulation of battle is unlike the real thing. Mishōndii, could find themselves lost, turned about and confused with troop movement, Kyjushii deployment and stronger smells. When pups perished on the battlefield, it was rarely due to an intentional enemy action, but accidents with people, animals and equipment on either side.
- Enthusiasm: the main issue, which we could not temper, was their excitement at running. While they were agile and could squeeze through tight spots, they sometimes over-estimated the size of gaps and underestimated their own shape. Thus, handlers had to risk personal injury to rescue them and bring them back to a safer place. With the location of a Mishōnd then clearly known, the message had to be destroyed or sent with a different hound - and later than planned.
Despite this, generally the system worked well and persisted for some time after battles were even required in Qalathian territory.
Message Security
The communications within the barrels had various systems to protect them. While none were foolproof, for there are more fools than methods, the combination of systems made it a relative success for Qal'ath in battles past.
Dual Ownership
The Mishōndii were naturally distrustful of strangers and a battlefield contains plenty of strangers, some of whom are, in fact, allies. During training, they learn to trust two - and a maximum of three - handlers - also known as "Dual Ownership" (or, to use its non-technical term 'Bonding'). These handlers would then be placed in different friendly camps, receive the key, retrieve the message and return the key with the message to the nearest commander.
Their distrust of strangers, along with their echoing howl, worked in the hounds' favour if they were captured.
Short Forms
The size of the collars necessities short messages. It could take a few runs to alter a battle-plan. While largely inefficient, it ensured only fragments could end up in enemy hands.
Keys
The said barrel could only be locked or unlocked with two identical keys, being kept in two opposing camps. In earlier iterations, the small barrels were charged with Elemental magicks to either blind or shock anyone attempting to force them open.
Dumb Runs
Aside from the two-key system, extra randomness was thrown into the system. There would be a minimum of three Mishōndii, and sometimes more, around a battlefield, meaning that at least six keys existed. There were rarely any signs that a barrel had been well-used, such was their craftsmanship. But Qalathian military leaders never sent messages in all barrels.
"Dumb Runs" involved simply sending a Mishōnd from camp-to-camp with empty barrels. This meant that, should one be captured or killed, there was a good probability that no battle strategy was revealed.
Why Mishōndii Weren't in Use before 545AFD
Mishōnd Pups were still trained as couriers in Bezélan but were mostly a domestic service, and it has been a few generations since any Mishōnd saw a skirmish, let alone a battle.
But once the Qalathii-Foyii Schism of 545AFD occurred, the Mishondii Training Hall was refurbished and funded from the Treasury for both domestic and military purposes.
The Mìsii
Moreover, for a while, it was the Mìsii (Aszilmìsii and Blàmìsii) that took over important message conveyancing.
This was not a plan on the part of the Foyii, but had gradually happened during the former Qal'ath-Doon alliance as more Qalathian citizens (and military officers) learned Foyii culture and gained the trust of the Blue- and Snow-birds.
The Mìsii could also cover larger distances and, having been free to fly wherever the pleased, knew the lands, ocean and rivers in a way a Mishōnd could not. In the end, it was accepted that the pups would only be useful within a city or town - or very occasionally between neighbouring villages.
No Creature Communication
However, under Carnael II, relations soured between the two nations. And, following the very-public exile of Rusziné (the last recorded Qalathian citizen to know Sky-Speech), the Foyiitùn Language Ban Edict brought an effective end to the use of the birds for both internal communications and for inter-nation relations.
Carnael declared that messages be carried by people (which meant Paràntii, due to a systemic failure to include other races in the actual serving military). Long-serving messengers were trained with the Kyjushii, which proved quicker than the Mishōndii of old - and more vicious.
Mishōndii and the Parcel System
That said, the Mishōnd project was brought back into existence after the declaration on the seventh day of Mùlka 545 AFD. Some hounds were able to make message and parcel deliveries in Bezélan (including Minor) and some nearby camps and villages. Parànti-Mishōnd partners were assigned to locations further afield, especially for more sensitive documents or military instructions - in short, those that required a more subtle delivery than those the Kyjushii were able to do.
While King Carnael could be criticised for many things, in this act he did - albeit inadvertently - institute a central mail delivery system, that was once again applied in the Military. As any missive could be carried by any person, hound or large feline, intercepting a specific message was complicated further, granting Qal'ath a communications advantage, under a ruler known to be a poor communicator.
Why Not Use Mind-Speaking?
If this method of communicating seems convoluted to you, then I venture you have never served your military, nor required a secretive message to be safely delivered. It is convoluted, but by necessity.
The "mind-speaking" argument tends to come from those with Myst Sensitivity (though not always, as we'll see shortly), believing that "telepathy" or Linking would be better - and quicker. Here are the main reasons why mages were not employed for this reason.
1. Under-use
While many mages would serve as they were instructed when called to their nation's defence, even military commanders who do not grasp the fundamentals of magicks argue that such power is more useful in the battle. To have someone that gifted effectively playing post-deliverer "under-used" them.
2. Fatigue
The Mishōndii were plentiful, whereas mages are not. Moreover, extended use of techniques such as Linking is mentally and physically draining for a mage - even for the The Crystal Circle. When providing food was insufficient to rejuvenate a Mishōnd, alternative pups could be (and were) found.
3. Interception
Sometimes, the presumption that "Mind-speaking" would be a "better" solution is voiced by the ignorant. I mean that in the literal, not accusative sense. While it may speed up communications in the moment, there is always the risk of interception by a mage in the enemy's ranks. This is a two-fold risk: The communication being known and the location of the communicator.
I had wanted to submit this as a "form of silent communication", but I didn't have the option. Mishōndii are a species bred for delivering messages in their special collars. It required both to work well. Please forgive the species appearing as a "technology"!
From artworks preserved by the Archives and whatever other institutions pre-dated it, some strains of Mishōnd were not so "podgy".
- Aunònfàlii: (aun-hōnd-fàl-ii): a dark, wild canine species. The "truly" wild ones roam the hills and mountains behind the Bruhaii Aunàn, in the very South of the Great Canyon.
- Tànian Hound: a commonly-owned canine, originating from Ley-tan, hence the name.
- Itsàunky (Itsàun-Ky): A night-prowling feline-looking animal, usually too dangerous to approach in its own territory. However, if captured for long enough, it would become a gentle, but protective domesticated creature.
"...were at first reluctant to agree to the inclusion of potential feline blood into the somewhat-natural development of the Mishōnd, they eventually relented after reporting failure in finding a pure canine with 'war-smoke' sight capability...""Fragments"
Written Items Otherwise Non-classifiable.
Note: Elementally-stale Conditions.
How Was the Breed Created?
The current theory then is that the "Wild Dogs" and the "Wild Cats" were first bred together to merge the strongest qualities into one, before the "joined lines" were then inserted into the offspring of the Tànian Hound. Researchers of this topic should note the clearly-stated feline-looking animal, and be reminded that Foyiitùn is predominantly a descriptive language. It would highly unusual, if not verging on impossible, for wild canines and felines to mate. Thus it is likely that the "Wild Cats" were more closely related to Canines than Felines in their origins. Had the past Crystal Circles approved of Alchemic interference, they would still have had to undergo some process to join Feline to Canine as the natural inclination would likely not be present.Its Own Breed
The leaders of Qal'ath would have preferred to have it officially documented as an official "pure" canine. But even the then-King could not dissuade the then-keeper of the Archives from recording it has a "hybrid, or cross". In reality, both were correct by c 475 AFD, and certainly by the early 500s AFD. While cross-breeding was the starting point, once the basics of the appearances and features were in place, the rest was achieved through diet, training and experience. At that point Mishōndii were only bred with other Mishōndii. But once the initial record had been in place, it could not be rescinded. It is no shame to have a cross-breed show our scientific endeavours, especially one that, on the whole has been a success.The "Locked Cry"
While modern-day Qal'ath has seen no warfare for a number of generations, the registered Mishōndii are still only bred from parents of the same breed. Thus, they have kept most of their defining features. I will turn my addition to this now. Notes dating back to the early AFD 300s speak of how the military worked with The Crystal Circle - or, more accurately, their acolytes....and so the project commenced. The Circle approved as the hounds' development was only encouraged through natural methodology, not alchemy. However, we did request one slight intervention, which we expressed in terms of the Mishōndii's self-defence.This "howl" was called the "Locked Cry" or "Prisoner's Distress". As the breed has also been mostly docile, owners are usually permitted to let their hounds roam free. Nobody dared steal one, and a free, unthreatened Mishōnd never attacked anyone.
With the help of the Acolyte of Aevyen, the pups found they could howl without opening their maws. Such a prize is unlikely to be killed by enemies, because of their infiltration potential (we are also mitigating that - with trust). Thus, should one be captured, caged and, Elements forbid, muzzled, it could still cry for help.
The Guardian Mage of Aevyenkai approved, and a slight modification to its vocal system was permitted only once. After that, we were told, it would be reliant on our training and its diet to keep the correct muscles and systems functioning correctly.
If the animals cannot sustain themselves, or we did not care for them correctly, the Elements would not intervene. "Or if they did, it would be against us, their handlers."
Frankly, she could have omitted that last phrase, but, at least, we had no excuse about receiving no forewarning.
Battlefield Performance
Being bred specifically for the purpose of safely carrying sensitive messages, there were for a number of years, performance reports made by their handlers and/or the commanders.Strengths
Their strengths were speed and loyalty and their size allowed them to take routes that larger creatures, or people, could not. Their intense sense of smell also meant that, so long as they saw the direction one of their handlers moved in, they would be able to pick up the "invisible trail", sometimes an Ur or two later.Weaknesses
Within Alchemic and Scientific circles within Qal'ath, there is a general understanding that perfection will never be attained. But that is no excuse for complacency in trying to mitigate imperfections. The main weaknesses of the Mishōndii, even at their peak employment, were:- Disorientation: the hounds ran perfectly in trials and tests, but even a simulation of battle is unlike the real thing. Mishōndii, could find themselves lost, turned about and confused with troop movement, Kyjushii deployment and stronger smells. When pups perished on the battlefield, it was rarely due to an intentional enemy action, but accidents with people, animals and equipment on either side.
- Enthusiasm: the main issue, which we could not temper, was their excitement at running. While they were agile and could squeeze through tight spots, they sometimes over-estimated the size of gaps and underestimated their own shape. Thus, handlers had to risk personal injury to rescue them and bring them back to a safer place. With the location of a Mishōnd then clearly known, the message had to be destroyed or sent with a different hound - and later than planned.
Message Security
The communications within the barrels had various systems to protect them. While none were foolproof, for there are more fools than methods, the combination of systems made it a relative success for Qal'ath in battles past.Dual Ownership
The Mishōndii were naturally distrustful of strangers and a battlefield contains plenty of strangers, some of whom are, in fact, allies. During training, they learn to trust two - and a maximum of three - handlers - also known as "Dual Ownership" (or, to use its non-technical term 'Bonding'). These handlers would then be placed in different friendly camps, receive the key, retrieve the message and return the key with the message to the nearest commander. Their distrust of strangers, along with their echoing howl, worked in the hounds' favour if they were captured.Short Forms
The size of the collars necessities short messages. It could take a few runs to alter a battle-plan. While largely inefficient, it ensured only fragments could end up in enemy hands.Keys
The said barrel could only be locked or unlocked with two identical keys, being kept in two opposing camps. In earlier iterations, the small barrels were charged with Elemental magicks to either blind or shock anyone attempting to force them open.Dumb Runs
Aside from the two-key system, extra randomness was thrown into the system. There would be a minimum of three Mishōndii, and sometimes more, around a battlefield, meaning that at least six keys existed. There were rarely any signs that a barrel had been well-used, such was their craftsmanship. But Qalathian military leaders never sent messages in all barrels. "Dumb Runs" involved simply sending a Mishōnd from camp-to-camp with empty barrels. This meant that, should one be captured or killed, there was a good probability that no battle strategy was revealed.Why Mishōndii Weren't in Use before 545AFD
Mishōnd Pups were still trained as couriers in Bezélan but were mostly a domestic service, and it has been a few generations since any Mishōnd saw a skirmish, let alone a battle. But once the Qalathii-Foyii Schism of 545AFD occurred, the Mishondii Training Hall was refurbished and funded from the Treasury for both domestic and military purposes.The Mìsii
Moreover, for a while, it was the Mìsii (Aszilmìsii and Blàmìsii) that took over important message conveyancing.
This was not a plan on the part of the Foyii, but had gradually happened during the former Qal'ath-Doon alliance as more Qalathian citizens (and military officers) learned Foyii culture and gained the trust of the Blue- and Snow-birds.
No Creature Communication
However, under Carnael II, relations soured between the two nations. And, following the very-public exile of Rusziné (the last recorded Qalathian citizen to know Sky-Speech), the Foyiitùn Language Ban Edict brought an effective end to the use of the birds for both internal communications and for inter-nation relations. Carnael declared that messages be carried by people (which meant Paràntii, due to a systemic failure to include other races in the actual serving military). Long-serving messengers were trained with the Kyjushii, which proved quicker than the Mishōndii of old - and more vicious.Mishōndii and the Parcel System
That said, the Mishōnd project was brought back into existence after the declaration on the seventh day of Mùlka 545 AFD. Some hounds were able to make message and parcel deliveries in Bezélan (including Minor) and some nearby camps and villages. Parànti-Mishōnd partners were assigned to locations further afield, especially for more sensitive documents or military instructions - in short, those that required a more subtle delivery than those the Kyjushii were able to do.
While King Carnael could be criticised for many things, in this act he did - albeit inadvertently - institute a central mail delivery system, that was once again applied in the Military. As any missive could be carried by any person, hound or large feline, intercepting a specific message was complicated further, granting Qal'ath a communications advantage, under a ruler known to be a poor communicator.
Why Not Use Mind-Speaking?
If this method of communicating seems convoluted to you, then I venture you have never served your military, nor required a secretive message to be safely delivered. It is convoluted, but by necessity. The "mind-speaking" argument tends to come from those with Myst Sensitivity (though not always, as we'll see shortly), believing that "telepathy" or Linking would be better - and quicker. Here are the main reasons why mages were not employed for this reason.1. Under-use
While many mages would serve as they were instructed when called to their nation's defence, even military commanders who do not grasp the fundamentals of magicks argue that such power is more useful in the battle. To have someone that gifted effectively playing post-deliverer "under-used" them.2. Fatigue
The Mishōndii were plentiful, whereas mages are not. Moreover, extended use of techniques such as Linking is mentally and physically draining for a mage - even for the The Crystal Circle. When providing food was insufficient to rejuvenate a Mishōnd, alternative pups could be (and were) found.3. Interception
Sometimes, the presumption that "Mind-speaking" would be a "better" solution is voiced by the ignorant. I mean that in the literal, not accusative sense. While it may speed up communications in the moment, there is always the risk of interception by a mage in the enemy's ranks. This is a two-fold risk: The communication being known and the location of the communicator.Article Sections
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I can't pinpoint why, but I could not stop thinking about this article. Great job. Well written, wonderful ideas.
Thank you! :D
I wish you well.