Knotmark

This ancient Azun art involves tying knots in vines, plants, and sometimes ropes to convey essential information or secret messages. Each knot serves as a symbol, representing words or concepts that together form a comprehensive message.

Vines and Plants

Knotmarking originated in the jungles of Azuno for people to leave messages for others who would come after them. They were used to indicate safe paths, hidden dangers, or valuable resources. The number, size, and placement of knots subtly alter the message's meaning, allowing for many possibilities. A single intricate knot might represent a point of interest, while a sequence of the same type of knots indicates a place where people or animals may gather.

Ropes and Threads

Knotmarking has developed further into some cultures of Azuno. There are people who adorn their clothes, garments and jewelry with delicate knots. The knots, carefully chosen and arranged, offer a silent meaning that may speak volumes to those who can decipher them but appear as ornamental to others. Knotmarking has also been adopted outside of Azuno as a maritime language used by sailors. They have employed knotmarking as a means of communication by tying knots in the ropes of the ship to denote ownership and rank of places and items on the vessel, but also to mark expiration dates or destinations of wares and supplies. Sailors who leave their crew have also been known leave a message in a knot as a way to let their replacement know what to expect of the vessel and its captain. There have even been a few recorded instances that knotmarking had been used by the crew of a ship to silently announce a mutiny, but it is not a usual practice, as these signals might also be noticed by the captain.

Flowers and Trees

The Empire of the Jade Eye adopted the language of Knotmarking in various ways. Within the many gardens and parks of the empire, some landscapers have woven the branches of trees in similar patterns that may communicate a place of rest, tranquility or harmony. More interesting is the use of knotmarking in flower arrangements. This practice has allowed individuals of high standing to exchange subtle messages discreetly. The stems of flowers and grasses within the arrangements are knotted with specific knots that typically convey sentiments like gratitude, affection, or friendship. In other instances, this pracitce has also been used to communicate a subtle threat or to alert someone to looming danger disguised as a colorful and fragrant gift.