Business, Espionage & Faith
- Intent: To create & submit a private sign language for The Family.
- Image Credit: Tumgir - DUNE (x)
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: 'The Family' (Group), 'The Family' (Lore).
- Media Name: Kosa Nostra Code-sign
- Format: Verbal
- Distribution: Unique
- Length: Long
- Description: A secret hand-signal language developed by necessity which allows members of The Family to communicate secretly amongst themselves.
- Author: The Family
- Publisher: Self
- Reception: N/A
- Language Name: Kosa Nostra Code-Sign
- Language Type: Hand Signalling / Sign Language
- Script Type: N/A (Visual Only) - Coded Basic
- Affiliation: 'The Family'
- Complexity: Complex-Medium - (The language takes time to learn as each signal is linked to a phrase)
- Accessibility: Extremely Difficult - (Only members of The Family are privy to both knowledge and tuition of the language)
- Physical Requirement: Hands w/ Five Fingers Each - (Less Fingers means Less Signals)
- Commonality: Extremely Rare - (Only found amongst members of The Family)
- Awareness: Secret - (Unless seen through direct experience, there is no public knowledge of the language's existence)
- Likeness: Coruscant Charm Signing
- Replicability: Easy - (Anyone is capable of making their own variations)
Kosa Nostra Code-sign is taught strictly from Being-to-Being; no written record if its meaning exists anywhere and any education obtained must be accomplished through devotion of time in The Family. Complete understanding must be obtained through direct tuition with the highest-ranking members of the Crime Syndicate, as junior ranks are only provided basic knowledge.
CONTENT INFORMATION
- Language Complexity Variation: Three levels of the language are taught, based on an individual's rank within The Family; ranging from Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced.
- Elementary: The first, most basic level of Kosa Nostra Code-Sign, it is taught to low-level ‘Goons’ and Associates, new members of The Family.
- Intermediate: The second, more difficult level of Kosa Nostra Code-Sign, is taught to high-level ‘Goons’ and Enforcers, more experienced members of The Family.
- Advanced: The third, final and most difficult level of Kosa Nostra Code-Sign, it is taught to those who have reached the rank of ‘Made’ within The Family and is significantly more complex than Elementary level. Due to the complexity, entire conversations can be had using the language.
- Language Complexity Finger Count: Each complexity level of Kosa Nostra Code-Sign uses different complexity levels of finger usage which vary between Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced.
- Elementary: One to Three Fingers & One Hand
- Intermediate: One to Three Fingers & Two Hands
- Advanced: One to Five Fingers & Two Hands
- Language Complexity Signal Phrases: The different levels of complexity represent varying proficiency within the language, Elementary, for example, is typically one word signals and a few phrases whereas Advanced practitioners can hold a conversation. To list a few:
- Elementary: One Word Signals: “Attack,” “Friendly,” “Enemy,” “Hold,” “Prepare,” “Yes,” “No.”
- Intermediate: Short Phrases / Basic Conversation: “Hold Position,” “Prepare for Attack,” “Escort Them Out,” “Friendlies/Enemies Ahead/Behind.” As well as basic conversational elements.
- Advanced: Fluent with variant levels of proficiency dependent on the user, this level can hold a fluent conversation. Those with less fingers can still learn to understand yet are more limited in their word choice.
- Language Identification Signals: Once an individual is fully associated with the family and they begin to learn Kosa Nostra Code-Sign language, they are provided with a unique identification signal, much like a name, that is used to identify oneself to other members of The Family. This is used whenever regrouping occurs as proof of identity, not knowing this code would be a crucial mistake as it could lead to a quick death under the pretence of being an impostor. Anyone with even basic knowledge of the language will understand the signal.
Years ago (before being nearly wiped out completely) The Family relied heavily upon electronic means of communication; secure terminals, false identities, and strong encryptions. After a betrayal from within, they were driven deep underground - many members, no longer able to utilize the same secure means of communication, had to either rely on private couriers and Underworld contacts, or be cut off entirely from their fellows.
To account for this weakness, some branches of The Family began to develop a system of signs to indicate membership within the Organization - signals, often non-verbal, which could be exchanged even under threat of surveillance. These hand signals were developed out of necessity & passed amongst surviving members of the Syndicate purely by word of mouth and direct interaction; which has since gone on to revolutionize the way The Family communicates to this day.
Upon her return to The Family and subsequent efforts to reorganize, reincorporate, and revitalize the Organization, Ivory Stroud was introduced to this basic system of communication. Recognizing the genius behind the concept, she not only adopted it wholesale, but further expanded what was (at first) a simple series of gestures into what is now a fully manifested language. The Kosa Nostra Code-sign takes inspiration from Coruscant Charm Signing, a relatively novel High-Society parlour trick, and completely revolutionizes the idea. The use of Kosa Nostra Code-sign takes years to master, as members are only provided basic instruction at first - which progresses to fluency as individual members rise in the ranks of the Syndicate.
The highest-ranking members of The Family are capable of holding intricate conversations at a distance without saying a word: relaying information, responding to questions, and even indicating emotion without the need for facial mannerisms.
The system was originally developed by humans and so relies heavily on ten digits & two hands - but over time, this weakness has been somewhat balanced out by the incorporation of signals designed for beings which possess (at minimum) three fingers on one hand. Rather than view this as a failing, many members consider it a boon - not only does it increase the difficulty of attempting to copy the signals, but it serves to separate those truly loyal to the Organization from the “tourists”; beings who only join for the prestige, rather than the life-long brotherhood & safety an organization like The Family offers. Devotion and Patience is required to ascend within the Organization, and anyone unwilling to “trust the process” is cast aside or left behind.
Warning Note: Circumstances of Low- or no light render this language (like any non-verbal language) entirely ineffective. Hand Restraints, particularly highly effective restraints which entirely immobilize the hands, also render the Code-sign either ineffective or extremely limited. Direct Line of Sight is also necessary to discern meaning.
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