Kavtra

Kavtra

In keeping with their history of in-betweens and trading, the Raven clan have developed a unique code language called kavtra, or “chatter” which incorporates body and sign language as well as rhyming slang and doublespeak. Due to the complexity of the language, a great depth of information and context can be passed between two individuals in a shockingly short amount of time, but that requires both Raven to be familiar with each other and well-versed in kavtra.

In a pinch, each component of kavtra can be used to send a full message (so that a conversation can be held in doublespeak or a coded message can be sent through gestures) although this obviously limits the amount, speed, and context with which the message can be sent.

Kavtra also has a written component, which overlaps with kinterskral to a significant degree. This means that the Raven can understand most of what a piece of kinterskral says. Written kavtra is used much the same way that kinterskral is, providing advice, direction, and warning to wandering Raven about the places, people, and dangers present at a given settlement.

This combination of well-founded caution and many-layered communication means that it can take a few days for Ravens that meet on unfamiliar ground to establish their identities and synchronize their kavtra. Compounding this difficulty is the common practice of teaching trusted members of non-Raven clans small words or phrases of kavtra (while obfuscating their meaning and origin, of course) so that the non-Raven might unconsciously tell Raven wanderers of a hidden bolt-hole or emergency supplies.

While this does mean that it takes longer for one Raven to be sure the person they are speaking with is a fellow Raven and not simply a friend, it does allow for quicker emergency communication. In fact, through a carefully-maintained network of trusted middlemen, secret routes and caches, and waystations with fresh Elk horses, it is possible for the Raven to send a message (or small package) the entire length of the Sjonderwold – and in an emergency, send it faster than flight.