Thieves' Cant

The Secret Rogue Language

Thieves' cant, often referrs to simply as cant, is the clandestine language spoken and signed by rogues, criminals, and the priests of duplicitous deities across the Realms. While some scholars debat whether thieves' cant constitutes a true language, it possesses unique grammar, combined with local dialects, idioms, coded language, and hand gestures. This secret tongue allows for covert communication among rogues and thieves in the Realms, yet it does not exist independently of other languages. At least one shared language is required for two thieves to communicate in cant effectively.

Syntax & Grammar:

Thieves' cant features distinct sets of rules governing word usage, syntax, modifiers, and tenses. Several key aspects included:

• Strict Word Order: Words are placed in a specific order, except when altering a sentence's meaning. The standard word order comprised time, verb, subject, place, indirect object, and direct object.
• Absence of Adjectives: Instead of using adjectives, modifying words are employed to alter the state of a noun or verb in the context of their position in a sentence. Thieves' cant uses pronouns as suffixes to modify a verb's subject or shift focus from the subject to the verb.
• Unique Pluralization and Adjective Magnitude: These aspects are altered by repeating modifier words in rapid succession, effectively creating new words with specific meanings.
• Specific Verb Tense Rules: Verb tenses are adjusted by placing time modifiers at the beginning of a sentence or question to indicate when an action took place.

Thieves' cant is rarely transcribed onto parchment or scroll and did not have a unique alphabet. It relied heavily on spoken communication and non-verbal cues.

Shadowmarks

The Silent Language of Thieves Guild
In addition to thieves' cant, the Thieves Guild utilized shadowmarks, a series of symbols inscribed on doors and buildings for various reasons. These symbols served as a coded language passed down from one generation of thieves to the next and played a crucial role in facilitating covert operations.

Purpose of Shadowmarks

1. Warning of Danger: Some shadowmarks warn fellow thieves of potential dangers, such as traps, hostile residents, or vigilant guards.
2. Pointing out Valuables: Others indicate houses with valuable treasures, signaling potential targets for theft or burglary.
3. Safe Havens: Certain shadowmarks mark safe places where thieves can find refuge, allies, or resources.
4. Guild Territories: Shadowmarks also demarcated areas controlled by the Thieves Guild, serving as a declaration of their authority.

Variety of Symbols

Shadowmarks come in a variety of symbols, each with its distinct meaning, and their placement provided crucial information. While these symbols are not immediately obvious to the untrained eye, they are an essential part of a rogue's toolkit for navigating the shadowy world of thievery.
Thieves' cant and shadowmarks are vital components of the rogues' culture, allowing them to communicate silently and discreetly while navigating the intricate and perilous world of the Realms.