Quoted By:
<span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Language</span>
A lesser known oddity of the Dragon Guard is their unique language, known to those who use it as 'Battle Cant'. The language appears to have originally started as a universal and simplisitc battle cant, a mixture of hand signs and simple words of varying origin, good enough for straightforward directors such as 'march forward','enemy numbers ten' or 'relieving sentry duty'.
Easy enough to learn regardless of the nation one hails from, the reason for its introduction when the Dragon Guard became a permanent force is obvious. Commanders and soldiers from entirely different parts of the world needed, without the possibility of delay or miscommunication through the various translators provided by the Medusae Sect.
Over time however, as with all languages, the Battle Cant seems to have evolved. Whilst a new inductee may pick up the meaning of the most basic signs applicable to their duties quickly enough, by the end of their two year term of service most Dragon Guard are able to phrase entire sentences and have basic, if far from poetic, conversations with one of their number with neither learning a word of the other's respective languages.
Officers of the Dragon Guard, drawn from those individuals who elect to remain on after having served their mandatory two years, can speak the Battle Cant fluently and it is suspected that there may even be a higher language reserved for their rank. When speaking to another officer, even if the two share a common language, they will always use Battle Cant. If the rumours of the level of intrigue in the Crescent Court are to be believed, this is perhaps a wise precaution.
<span class="mu-s">Politics</span>
Unlike the various vassal states and castes, the Dragon Guard answer to the Dragon directly. His favoured attendants speak for him-</span>
The rest of the passage has been carefully, painstakingly, blotted out.
====================================
> You are not particularly pressed for time, and a few more days meandering these quiet halls in search of the odd parchment that is written in your own tongue and open for public reading will likely be well spent. [Remain in Athenaeum] + [Write-in Subject focus]
> As wondrous as this place is, you are not getting the full benefit of all the knowledge this place might offer as a common outside. Perhaps you can return when your status grants you a more privileged level of access to the secrets of the closed off areas and the benefits of having a transcriber assigned. [Return another time]
> Scrolls are clearly not lent out as a matter of practice, but security here seems lax outside of warding off certain areas. You could just… take one. Hire a translator to transcribe for you on the cheap. And then return it tomorrow before doing it all over again. [Borrow a book and have it transcribed] + [Write-in Subject focus]
