Kite Cypher

With the rough seas and wild jungles separating the many cities and villages of the Crimson Chain Isles of Azuno, there has always been a lack of communication between the peoples living there. Cypher kites have been instrumental to communicate important messages across these large distances and to unite the people of the Crimson Chain Isles. At its base, the system uses large kites made of colorful fabrics that are adorned with symbols and patterns which are used as signal flags that fly high up in the sky. These symbols now even carry messages over the seas and between the scattered islands, bridging the distances between the many civilizations of the Crimson Chain Isles.

Skyward Signals

This method of communication was invented by Jihlan Morvovo, a Dwarf from the Crimson Chain Isles. It is unknown which city he was from, and where this method was first used, as many cities like to claim that they were the first. What is known, is that initially the system was only used to convey local messages that were meant for villages near the city or neighboring islands. At a later point the system was further developed to carry messages across further distances. This was around the same time when the Crimson Chain Isles came together as a united nation of sorts. After research in Javesz, Morvovo was able to improve the system in various ways. He was able to incorporate levitation enchantments within the kites and designed the first blueprints for the type of building now known as kitespires, a tower which can effectively facilitate this method of communication.

Near and Far

Messages for nearby villages and neighboring islands that are closeby are still transmitted through a single kite. These kites are usually intricate in design with vibrant colors, symbols or streamers. They typically convey messages of upcoming weather, potential dangers or the announcement of special occassions such as festivals and feasts. These messages in the sky can be easily understood by the locals, but the appearance of the kites can vary a bit from one island to another. The specific designs of some kites may be different from island to island, but the following examples typically hold the same meaning across the Crimson Chain isles.  

Red with yellow or golden flags, circular: Celebration or festive gathering.

Black or dark blue, diamond shaped: Storm or rain approaching

Green with a white streamer: City is under attack.

Purple, square: Request for an arcane practitioner's aid.

Yellow, diamond shaped: Religious event or funeral of important person.

  However, when the need arises to send messages across greater distances, especially to other islands or beyond the horizon, a clever arrangement of multiple kites is used. These arrangements can form a mesmerizing display with multiple large kites choreographed in a specific formation that can be seen from far away. The arrangement of multiple kites serves two crucial purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the message remains visible over long distances, as the combined area covered by the kites amplifies their presence in the sky. Secondly, the many different types of arrangements allows for more complex messages. These formations are usually flown from Kitespire towers near the coast of an island which typically also have telescopes and lenses aimed at other kitespires so that messages can be properly received and understood.