100 Mourning Cant

Dialects, Phrases
and Meanings

Neal Litherland

A Sourcebook for
Changeling The Los t
 Confes s ion
The confessional was small, and the sound outside the enclosed space was
muted. Like listening to a funeral through the lid of a coffin, Father Mayhew
thought, and not for the first time. He felt his hardened Mask sitting against
the smooth planes of his cheeks, the glamour hiding his true features the way
the Roman collar covered the scars the Hedge had left around his throat. He
let his hands rest on his knees, his index finger ticking off the seconds like
a metronome. He had waited three of the five minutes when he heard the
other door open, and a figure enter. The wood of the booth creaked under
their weight, and the shadow he saw through the screen took up most of the
space. He took a deep breath, and frowned. He smelled the coppery stench of
blood.

“I bear the crown of thorns,” a deep, rumbling voice said. Mayhew nodded,
even though he was sure the person in the confession booth couldn’t see him.

“Lay down your burdens,” he said, keeping his voice as neutral as he could.

“The believers of the first commandment rear their heads,” the bulky
shadow said. “Thrice did I break the sixth.”

“When was this?” Mayhew asked.

“Today, Father,” the shadow said. This time his grunt was one of pain as the
figure shifted. “Near Golgatha.”

Mayhew frowned, consulting his mental map as he considered the

implications of what he was hearing. When he realized he’d been quiet too
long, he cleared his throat.

“Did any bear witness to your sin?” he asked.

“Not yet,” the shadow said. “But the light may reveal.”

“Very well.” Mayhew straightened his cassock, and finished the ritual.
“Contemplate this in the Garden of Woe. Wait there until sunset, or until
someone comes for you.”

Mayhew closed the gate over the mesh screen. He listened as the door
opened and closed, the booth all but sighing as its occupant left. He let out a
long, slow breath, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel the deep
tracks of tears his Keeper had carved along his cheeks, the scars throbbing,
even after so many years of performing his role as her Fool. He inhaled,
composed himself, and stepped out of the booth.

The report would need to be passed up the chain of command, and the
wheels of Winter set into motion. Servants of the “gentiles” as they were
called in his dialect of Mourning Cant had been seen, and dealt with. Bodies
would need to be cleaned up, and the Hedgegate near Park Place where
they’d emerged from monitored. There was much to do, and little enough
time to do it in.
Credits
Author: Neal Litherland
Editing & Layout: Adrian Kennelly
Published By: Azukail Games

© 2019 White Wolf Entertainment AB. All rights reserved. Vampire:The Requiem,
Werewolf: The Forsaken, Mage: The Awakening, Changeling: The Lost, Hunter: The Vigil,
Giest: The Sin Eaters, Demon: The Descent, Mummy: The Curse, Beast: The Primordial,
Promethean: The Created, Chronicles of Darkness, Storytelling System™, and Storytellers
Vault™ are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB. All
rights reserved.
For additional information on White Wolf and the Chronicles of Darkness, please visit:
ww.white-wolf.com, and www.storytellersvault.com.

4 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

 100 Mourning Cant Dialects,
Phrases and Meanings

Table Of Contents

Introduction 7

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and

Meanings 8

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 5

 I nt r o d u ct i o n

Lords and Ladies of

Mourning

Secrecy and security are the Winter Court’s hall-

marks, and nowhere is this more apparent than in their
use of Mourning Cant. While often thought of as a single
language, the secret words of the Onyx Court are made
up of dozens of different languages, cultures, metaphors
and dialects that allow them to pass messages to one an-
other while appearing to speak plainly in front of any-
one who might be listening... even other members of a
changeling’s motley.

For storytellers who want a mechanical option to rep-

resent this unique patois, treat mourning cant as a 1-dot
merit with a prerequisite of either at least 1 dot of Winter
Court Mantle, or 3 dots of Winter Court Goodwill.

The dialects and phrases contained in this supple-

ment are meant to act as inspiration for how Mourning
Cant may sound in your particular game, and among
particular subsets of the Winter Court. These aren’t
hard-and-fast rules, but merely starting points to help you
shape this unique aspect of the game at your own table,
and to save players and storytellers alike from coming
up with unexpected jargon or meaningful-sounding non-
sense on the spur of the moment.

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 7

 100 Mourning Cant messaging service they can use to send messages up the
Dialects, Phrases and chain of command. A “sponsor” refers to one’s handler,
Meanings usually a more experienced member of the Winter Court,
while the “law of attraction” is usually an oblique ref-
erence to the Wyrd, as well as to matters pertaining to
oaths and pledges. “Affirmations” is usually a term for
1. The Family Tree: Families can be breeding
the tools and resources Winter provides for agents, and
grounds for mistrust, abuse and secrecy, so it’s no won-
it can range from goblin fruit, to identification, to arma-
der that many courtiers discuss their world in terms of
ments. Usually there’s a modifier of some sort to narrow
familial drama. As an example, an “in-law” is often used
it down, such as a “personal affirmation” which refers to
to describe one’s fetch, while a “stepbrother” or “stepsis-
weapons and armor, while a “spiritual affirmation” might
ter” is a term used for someone who shared a change-
instead mean someone needs a safe place to harvest glam-
ling’s durance. A “cousin” typically refers to a member of
our.
a different court, while a “friend of the family,” usually
refers to an ensorcelled mortal. The term “godfather” or 5. Counselors: Sorrow is mother’s milk to Winter’s
“godmother,” on the other hand, tends to be used for the favored children, and the language of those who deal
Gentry (a not-so-veiled reference to a “fairy godmother”), with the bereaved comes quite naturally to many of them.
while “black sheep” may be a reference to privateers or Especially in areas where Winter insists (sometimes none
loyalists, depending on the region. too gently) that courtiers go to therapy in order to pro-
cess what happened to them in Arcadia. For example,
2. Petal Pushing: The language of flowers has a rich
the stages of grief are often used to obliquely refer to the
and varied history that goes back generations, and while
other courts, with denial correlating to Spring, anger
the Winter Court didn’t invent it, many of its members
to Summer, bargaining to Fall and depression to fellow
have appropriated it for their own use. As an example,
Winters. Someone looking for a “counselor” is attempt-
conversations about “roses” are almost universally about
ing to get in touch with higher-ranking members of the
weaponry. Long-stemmed roses refer to rifles, short-
court, and whether it’s a “personal” or “familial” matter
stemmed roses to handguns, while white roses are me-
will depend on if it’s something local, or widespread. “In-
lee weapons, and specifying “big blooms,” often means
strumental grieving” is a particularly loaded term, as it
one is looking for explosives. “Florists,” tend to be those
usually means Winter is taking off its white gloves to get
who supply goods or illicit services for the court, while
its hands dirty.
“gardeners” are field agents who do the hard work. This
dialect can be used to send coded messages in the form 6. Lodgers: Asking for a place to stay is a harmless
of bouquets, as well, helping warn fellow courtiers of dan- enough conversation, but with the right keywords Winter
ger, or to send confirmation that a job is done. Courtiers can exchange all sorts of information. A “no
tell” for instance, is a safe house under court control. If
3. Street Marketing: From the smallest country
the courtier is “hosting a room party,” then that means
town to the biggest city, off-brand souks, street peddlers,
they’re bringing a group with them, while a “wedding par-
resale shops and open-air markets can always be found
ty” means they’ll have non-Winter members with them.
if you know where to look. When a Winter Courtier is
A courtier who just needs an “hourly rate” is someone
asking around for deals, or dropping news about busted
who will be in and out relatively quickly, while “some-
bargains, though, they may be talking about more than
where with a view” implies they want to watch their back
vegetables and hand-me-down jackets. For example, a
trail because somebody might be following them. A “con-
“farmer’s market” or “garage sale” often refers to a goblin
tinental breakfast” means they’re looking for somewhere
market. “Fresh produce” tends to refer to goblin fruit,
that offers goblin fruit, while specifically requesting a
whereas “promise rings” might refer to pledges. “Family
place that “feels spacious” implies someone is looking for
heirlooms” is a term often used by changelings looking to
a location that boasts a Hollow.
acquire hedgespun items, or contracts, which many feel
is part of the legacy they’re entitled to after what they’ve 7. Dental Appointments: When a Winter Courtier
become. makes inquiries about dental services, it’s rarely because
there’s actually something wrong with their teeth. Most
4. Self Helpers: Many of those who want to conceal
of the time it means they have need of a court interroga-
their true intent within the Winter Court couch their
tor. Additionally, the nature of the procedure the court-
conversations in the buzzwords common to those look-
ier asks about communicates what will probably be re-
ing to overcome challenges in their lives, and have done
quired. A “basic cleaning” means they need someone put
so since the self help movement really blew up decades
through a debriefing, and this is usually the sort of treat-
ago. These changelings may ask about a “support group”
ment given to newly found escapees who require vetting.
as a way to get directions to a Winter Court safe house,
A “filling,” by contrast, means that someone has secrets
while a “help line” provides them with a dead drop, or a

8 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

they’re not going to give up easily. An “extraction” means term used for Winter’s operatives who arrange everything
the individual doesn’t need to survive the procedure, from visas to transportation, and the details of a request
and they can be disposed of when it’s over. Stating the lets them know what the agent needs. “The scenic route,”
job needs to be a “crown,” though, means the individual means they need to go through the Hedge, while “first
can’t just disappear, so their silence will need to be sealed class” means the transport to be fast and secure. A phrase
in place with some variety of pledge. like a “last minute cruise” or “flying on stand by” means
8. Makeover: A particular way of speaking that start- they need to get out immediately, while a “time share”
ed in Los Angeles, makeovers most often refer to giving might be used to discuss a Winter safe house. “Group
courtiers new identities. How much work this is going to rates” almost always mean they’re bringing in outsiders,
require is typically outlined by the types of treatments so security could be an issue for changelings not privy to
they request. “A weekend dye job,” is short for an I.D. Winter’s ways.
that won’t need to stand up to a lot of scrutiny, or last 12. Art Appreciation: Art galleries have been a tradi-
a particularly long time. On the other hand, saying, “I tional meeting place for Winter Courtiers looking to ex-
think it’s time for a change,” means the courtier is aban- change information in public for years, and the language
doning their old identity permanently. Telling their “styl- around these places has been co-opted in many cities and
ist” that “they don’t want their ex to recognize them” towns that have a vibrant art scene. If a Winter needs a
means that the courtier is on the run from agents of their dead drop for files, data or other information, they’ll usu-
Keeper, and they need to disappear into a new skin as ally ask for directions to the nearest “gallery.” Once there,
quickly as possible. they’ll typically leave their information with a coat room
9. Housekeeping: Easy enough to work into casual attendant, or other individual, who will make copies and
conversation, “housekeeping” is the general term used by send it up the line. Those who need a face-to-face meeting
many Winter Courtiers to signal that the court needs to tend to ask for a “critic” instead. Conversations between
clean up a mess of some kind. “Dusting,” for example, a courtier and a critic can be particularly difficult to fol-
means that basic prints and simple evidence need to be low, as they’ll often use local call signs for all persons
wiped from a scene before the authorities show up. Giv- of interest in the area (such as “David” for a handsome
ing a place “a clean sweep” means it needs to be checked stone elemental who is the local Spring Court herald).
for listening devices and wiretaps. “Garbage detail” typi- Events in art history, discussions of technique and men-
cally means that bodies will need to be disposed of, while tioning prominent painters can all be keys to setting up
a “deep clean” means that all evidence someone was a mission or plan of action... the phrase, “Going off the
ever there (physical and magical) needs to be completely market,” though, usually means someone is going to dis-
scoured. appear. Whether it’s into a new identity, or an unmarked
grave, depends on the context.
10. Forecasting: One of the oldest pieces of Mourn-
ing Cant that’s still in use, there is nothing more banal 13. Roadside Assistance: A common enough feature
than just talking about the weather. However, a “fore- in most modern vehicles, this particular dialect is mostly
cast” often comes with a slew of information about what’s used by changelings who are making preparations for a
going on in a given area, what edicts and decrees are journey through the Hedge. A “navigation system” typi-
currently being enforced, and what someone has to be cally means they need an experienced Hedge guide to go
careful about. If someone says it feels like a particular with them, while “collision insurance” means the change-
season just doesn’t want to let go, that could mean that ling needs to have some muscle as an escort to ward off
a monarch is resisting a smooth transition of power. A briar wolves and shady hobgoblins. “Off roading” is
season that’s “behaving itself,” on the other hand, usually some of the most dangerous assistance one can seek, as
means courtiers are cooperating to the extent one would it means they’re going off the trods and into the Thorns.
assume. Warnings about “Summer storms” often mean A risky proposal at the best of times, and one that might
the Iron Spear is mobilizing for war, while “flash floods” require a “call to management” before it’s approved.
typically means that emotions are running high in a loca- 14. Political Discourse: While many courtiers of
tion, making glamour harvesting easy. From blizzards, to all stripes tend to stay out of mortal politics as best they
heat warnings, to hurricanes and tornadoes, every con- can, knowing full well how meaningless such games re-
versation about a natural disaster has a covert meaning to ally are in the face of the True Fae, many among Winter
a Winter Courtier who keeps their ears open. use the party names, slang and slogans touted by these
11. Vacation Plans: While we all need a break from movements to discuss the ongoing machinations of the
time to time, Winter Courtiers often use conversations fae world. What can be quite confusing to outsiders is
about vacation plans and destinations as metaphors for that the labels and assignments will change not just from
mission details (particularly extraction from situations one country to another, but from one region to another.
that have become too dangerous). “Travel agents” is a For example, some may use “the green party” to refer to

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 9

Spring, while another region will call them “the fringe Savannah, Georgia, it means that Bloodhound Jack and
party” as a kind of double entendre. “Libertarians” may Misty Trouble got arrested for arson. Again.
be used to generally refer to the courtless, or it may be ap- 18. Cooking Chat: There’s a joke that you could con-
plied to more vocal members of the local Summer Court. fess to a serial murder on a recipe blog, but no one would
One of the only constants (in America, at least), is that ever find out because no one reads the three pages of
Winter is the Know Nothing Party... a reference to a very text between the title and where the actual recipe gets
old political movement whose members disavowed all started. For Winter Courtiers, though, this space is just
knowledge of activities, members, goals and even of their part of a long tradition of using culinary conversations
own existence more often than not. to mask their real meanings. From embedding messages
15. Script Pitching: A common tactic among many into recipes that give instructions for accessing local gate-
Winter Courtiers in and around Hollywood which has ways into the Hedge, to leaving coded exchanges in the
since bled out into the community as a whole, a “pitch” comments, to having in-depth conversations about differ-
is a metaphor for a plan of action discussed through the ent “kitchen techniques”, there are all sorts of informa-
impenetrable wall of film jargon. From the genre of the tion Winter hides in the most delicious of places. From
activity (with “horror movies” usually referring to Au- conversations about “cooking a great steak” as a way to
tumn, “romance” as a reference to Spring, and “action talk about enhanced interrogation techniques, to “bak-
flicks” alluding to Summer), to the rating it’s given (with ing the perfect cake” as a term for smuggling operations,
“G” meaning something that has relatively little risk, or “decorating cookies” to talk about doctoring a crime
to R meaning something that will have a definite body scene, there’s a lot of “chefs” in the Winter Court who
count), courtiers can often plot an entire kidnapping, know their business.
heist or coup over coffee without leaving anyone around 19. Love Language: There is nothing guaranteed
them the wiser. It’s not uncommon for many Winters to to get people to ignore your conversation faster than to
substitute a “review” for a “pitch,” in which case they’re change the topic to graphic talk about one’s love life.
sharing news of something that’s already happened in a People also tend to infer a great deal from tone of voice
way that others won’t be able to eavesdrop on. and innuendo, which throws them off the scent of what’s
16. Cocktail Hour: Adopting the coded language really being discussed. As such, a “frozen kiss” might
used by women on dates who feel like their situation make someone think of interesting uses for ice cubes on
is growing dangerous, many Winter Court fronts use a a romantic evening, rather than sanction for an assassi-
series of strange drink orders and extra instructions to nation. And while showing someone a “Winter wonder-
send coded messages to those on staff. A “Where’s Wal- land” might sound like something perverse if it’s said in
do?” for instance means the courtier needs to use a back the right tone of voice, it’s usually an instruction to kid-
door, while ordering the same drink “with a twist” means nap a target and hand them over alive to court officers.
they need to go through a Hedge gate rather than a physi- 20. Kerchief Code: These days most people are at
cal door. A “turkey and jager” might be misconstrued as least passingly aware of how individuals in the LGBTQ+
some mixture of Wild Turkey and Jagermeister, but it’s a community have used handkerchiefs to send messages
way of letting the listener know there’s a Wild Hunt mov- to potential partners in the scene. From which pocket
ing through the area. Ordering a “guardian angel” means it was hung out of, to the color, there was a lot of mean-
the courtier needs help, and if they order it “with a shot ing packed into such a little thing. As such, Winter has
of grenadine” it means that help had better be ready to adopted its own version of the custom in several major
spill blood. cities, using existing cultural norms as camouflage. To
17. L337: L337 speak isn’t new by any stretch of the ensure no one miscommunicates, though, courtiers pair
imagination, but when one adds in emoticons and ever- their kerchiefs with pass codes and phrases that may
changing Internet slang it becomes child’s play to send sound casual, or even inane to passerby. As an example,
messages that look like utter nonsense to anyone not in a courtier with information to share will wear a red
the know. Many Winter Courtiers adopt their own as- bandanna hanging out of their front pocket like a flag.
sociations with particular symbols based on their region Someone who meets them will have a blue bandanna on
and the players in their area, as well, making it particu- the corresponding wrist. Before any exchange is made,
larly hard for anyone who doesn’t have a grasp on the though, the one marked with blue will say, “Sun sure is
local scene to get the correct meaning out of an inter- beating down,” while the one marked with red will re-
cepted message. For example, a series of emoticons show- spond, “Careful, the ice is still slippery.”
ing a snarling dog, a grinning devil, an eggplant, a fire 21. Roman Warnings: Graffiti on bathroom walls
and a set of handcuffs might tell a courtier in Newark, goes back at least as far as the days of ancient Rome, and
New Jersey, that the Spring Queen’s fling with a Summer though this particular form of Mourning Cant isn’t that
Court knight is going very well indeed, while down in old, it has been around for ages. Written between the

10 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

lines of outhouse poets and random profanities, the mes- around the wrist to indicate a court officer and their
sages Winter Courtiers leave in bathroom stalls can act place within the local power structure, to icy tear drops
as warnings, call outs and directions for someone seeking along the neck to indicate successful missions, there are
a safe place. These markings are left in specific locations, numerous additions many Winter Courtiers make to
often in the form of unusual limericks, arrows and cryp- the canvas of their skin. Given the nature of the court,
tic pictograms that only mean something to those who though, these marks are just as often temporary messages
know what it is they’re looking for. meant to flash a signal to those meant to see it before be-
22. Unwanted Ads: A trick used by a variety of intel- ing scrubbed away to nothing.
ligence operatives over the years, Winter Courts around 26. Triple Digit: Numerical codes have been used
the world have cultivated local papers and circulars in by law enforcement and emergency response personnel
most cities worth the title. By carefully checking the right for decades in order to quickly convey information about
section of the paper, the placement of the ad, and the key- a situation without putting too much over the radio.
words found in it, Winter Courtiers will find warnings, Even airports and grocery stores have their own terms
calls for aid as well as announcements regarding changes that can go out over a loudspeaker which will be com-
in current orders from the “editor” of the publication. pletely ignored by most patrons. The Winter Court has
An ad in the Homes section of the circular looking for similar codes in many locations, particularly if the local
a “well-trodden” home could mean someone is seeking a courtiers have taken a paramilitary stance. While these
local Hollow near a trod, whereas a Missed Connection codes may be cosmetically similar to those in common
talking about someone “tall, dark and dangerous” usu- use, there are always little additions that change or add
ally refers to someone looking for a particular Autumn meaning. For example, a dispatch of a Code 5150 refers
Courtier, as well as where they were at a particular time to a person with a mental disorder when it comes over a
and date. police scanner, but a Code 5150 C from a courtier means
23. Corner Prescriptions: Nothing changes faster a changeling has had a serious clarity break, and they’ve
than the lingo used by street physicians, and the Winter become a danger to themselves or others. And while a 10-
Court often steals the camouflage and innuendos these 91A refers to a vicious wandering animal among mortal
drug dealers use to openly talk to each other, and to their authorities, a 10-91W means the courtier has spotted a
clients, without giving their game away. This has occa- recently escaped changeling who needs to be debriefed
sionally led to problematic misunderstandings between on their situation, and taken into protective custody.
Winter and Spring, because if the latter asks for, “A sheet 27. Doublespeak: While often associated with
of zips with a side of thigh,” they’re most likely inquiring George Orwell’s 1984 (which did create both Newspeak
about uppers, and an injector to administer them with. and Doublethink), Doublespeak is a unique form of
What the Winter courtier will hear, though, is a ques- concealing true meanings by deliberately reversing word
tion about stolen motorcycles, preferably with sidecars. choices. This particular dialect of Mourning Cant often
As such, clarification is usually asked for in private before errs toward corporate-sounding buzzwords and nonsense
a deal goes too far. phrases that only make sense if one has been properly
24. Trash Talk: Garbage day is typically the day one briefed. Someone blandly referring to “servicing the ac-
gets rid of unwanted stuff, but for Winter Courtiers it’s count” to talk about a bombing at a certain address is a
also a chance to send a message to those in the know. good example, as is saying “the issue has been success-
Locations with a half-eaten apple left on a windowsill, fully promoted” to refer to a problematic mortal being
with the bite turned toward the right side of the door, transferred out of the local jurisdiction so they’re no lon-
mean that goblin fruit can be acquired there; if the bite ger a thorn in the court’s side.
is turned the other way, it means supplies have run dry. 28. Quarterbacking: Anyone who’s been in a sports
A can full of brass shells, or with broken knife blades, bar during a major tournament or playoff is well aware
marks a location where weapons can be acquired for that just making conversation while having a drink can
those in need. Such locations almost always require a sometimes feel like an immersion course in a foreign lan-
pass code, as well as for the individual to hand over an guage. What makes quarterbacking a popular dialect of
appropriate piece of garbage as the key. Often it will be Mourning Cant is that it sounds just like any other sports
something innocuous like, “You know it’s trash day on discussion to those who lack the proper context. A court-
Thursday?” which will be met with, “Yeah, but when does ier suggesting a “shotgun play,” for instance, is likely talk-
recycling go out?” ing about a night-time raid to wipe out a target, or seize
25. Inkers: Tattoos are meant to send a message, but a location. On the other hand, if one happens to suggest
among the Winter Court there’s an ever-changing cul- a “Hail Mary” in San Francisco then it’s likely they’re
ture surrounding body art and the messages it can convey talking about getting Queen Mary Red, the local Winter
to the initiated. From a series of frozen vines tattooed Monarch, personally involved in a given situation.

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 11

 29. Third Basing: It’s become a punch line that fellow Winters get all the references they’re making. Per-
coaches in baseball will use complicated hand signs to haps the most dramatic example in recent memory came
communicate with their players without the other team from Alaina Snow, the Winter Queen of Indianapolis.
being able to “listen in” on the instructions. This particu- The phrase, “Winter is Coming,” was spray-painted in
lar style of Mourning Cant requires watching someone’s blue at several key locations throughout the city. Solo-
body in addition to listening to their words, and read- mon French, the Autumn Monarch who had been refus-
ing between the lines. Someone who asks, “Did you hear ing to abdicate power to the coming season, said it was
that announcement on the news?” while tugging on their nothing but empty threats. Solomon’s body, along with
left earlobe is sending a signal that they aren’t secure, dozens of his personal retinue, has never been found...
and others may be listening. A tug on the right earlobe, only his head, frozen in a block of ice, and delivered un-
however, means a sweep was conducted and security es- seen to the freehold gates. Whether found written on
tablished. Some courtiers tap their heel on the ground notes tacked up on light poles, or written on the sides of
to indicate whether a statement they (or someone near transformer stations in felt tip pen, book and film quotes
them) just spoke was false. The exact signs vary from tend to be left alone... especially for those who don’t want
region-to-region, and while they tend to be updated regu- to know their true significance.
larly, they’re easy to pick up on for those who know what 33. Pinners: Enamel pins are extremely popular as
they’re looking for. a fashion accessory, but even when worn for decoration
30. Kennings: Named for the old skalding tradition their purpose has always been to send a message. From
of poetic euphemism, Kenners can sound like they’re rap- punk rock battle jackets, to a businessman’s lapel pin,
ping (or performing a Shakespeare monologue) just as people who see these items are told things about the
often as they sound like they’re actually speaking. From wearer, and what they stand for... which is precisely the
terms like “the Splintered Crown” to refer to the Winter sort of code that Winter has perfected. As an example, a
Court Round Table in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to “de- blue rose on the lapel often signifies membership (or at
sire’s lost blush” to refer to the transfer of power between least allegiance) to the Winter Court. The rose turned
Spring and Summer, the speed, cadence and rhythm of upside down means someone is in distress, which is a
the speech can make it just as hard to follow as the actual sign for fellow courtiers to intervene. A blue dagger worn
meanings that courtiers pack into the words themselves. on the sleeve, or as a cuff link, signifies a field agent,
The fact that it shares a name with a supernatural talent while a candle on the breast pocket marks someone as
all changelings possess is a feature, not a flaw, as far as one of Winter’s eyes. The precise symbols change fairly
Winter is concerned. often, but once someone knows what to look for it be-
31. Meming: Also called Shaka, Trolling and Lulz, comes fairly easy to read a room.
many Winter Courtiers have adopted the insular nature 34. Flag Code: Used more by the Winter Court as an
of meme culture in order to use them to communicate organization rather than by individual courtiers, the Flag
with one another in a way that’s utterly meaningless to Code allows news to travel rapidly throughout an area,
outsiders. While many of the memes these courtiers use and for courtiers to be made immediately aware of im-
are common enough (the goal is to hide the communica- portant sea changes. If a known Winter gathering place
tion in plain sight, after all), there are usually tweaks and flies a black flag, for example, it means courtiers are to
additions made to the images to mark them as a Win- go to ground immediately. A skull-and-crossed bones on
ter communique. Rage comics that are colored red, for the flag means privateers have been sighted in the vicin-
instance, tend to be a notice that this is regarding the ity. A red flag means the court (if not the entire freehold)
Summer Court. Pepe the Frog is used almost exclusively has shifted to a war footing. While flags may only fly for
to discuss happenings with hobgoblins. The “two bros” short bursts of time to maintain secrecy, if a banner is
meme usually makes a minor, cosmetic change to one left flapping in the wind, it’s because Winter doesn’t care
of the characters to show that this is discussing a fetch. if everyone knows... or even more frightening, they want
Though these images can be described verbally for face- everyone to know.
to-face shorthand, most courtiers are aware of just how 35. Tea Talk: Tea comes in a wide variety of styles
bizarre that can sound to passerby. and flavors, and there’s a huge number of ways you can
32. Book Club: Pop culture is a strange thing for prepare it. Quiet tea shops around the world have also
many changelings, as they’re often absent for entire cycles been common fronts for the Winter Court for centuries
of theater, film and books. With that said, this particu- now, so it’s only natural that some changelings would
lar dialect of Mourning Cant uses quotes and characters bury the actual text of their conversations beneath ba-
from some of the best-known pop fiction to send messag- nal discussions of these beverages. The type of tea one is
es throughout the ranks... and it’s far from uncommon seeking usually describes the nature of a task (chamomile
for some courtiers to host watch parties to ensure their tea for a kidnapping, gunpowder tea for an arms deal,

12 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

etc.), while the way you want it prepared (loose leaf for lead going up?” is actually a question about the Autumn
jobs that can be done separately, or bagged for tasks that Court gaining power. Perhaps one of the more frustrat-
have to be part of a package operation), or even the tem- ing terms is “the Hand of the Market,” which most Win-
perature it’s served at (hot for priority, iced for something ter use to refer to the Wyrd, and how even those who un-
that can wait) plays into this particular dialect. derstand it are often surprised by what it does... or what
36. Band-ter: A particularly common smokescreen it doesn’t do.
among some Winter is to discuss a plan or ongoing is- 40. Triage: The language of the trauma room and
sue in terms of the local (or even national) music scene. the street medic is a natural cloak for many of Winter’s
As an example, “a show” refers to any operation being operations, and it’s unsurprising to most that it’s been co-
undertaken by the Winter Court. The genre of the show opted into its own Mourning Cant dialect. A “code blue”
usually defines the nature of the operation, with “rock may refer to cardiac arrest if it was heard in an emergency
and roll” being a high-risk, high-action endeavor, while room, for example, but among the court it’s an emergency
“classical” refers to the court’s traditional roles of spying code for a courtier in danger. “Paging Dr. Allcome” is a
and skulduggery. “Merch” tends to refer to stolen goods, similar phrase, meaning all available personnel need to
“roadies” to the ensorcelled mortals who provide mate- mobilize and help. Terms like “BLS” (basic life support
rial aid and support, and a changeling’s position in the among medical professionals, or the necessary papers and
band (lead singer for the point man, drums for the hitter, identification for a fresh start among Winter Courtiers)
bassist for communications, etc.) can allow courtiers to and “ECP” (emergency care provider in normal situa-
plan a full “concert” with no one the wiser. tions, or a courtier with a specific skill set among Winter)
37. Directions: One of the most innocuous things also tend to crop up fairly often.
you can do is ask someone for directions, and that’s pre- 41. Spock: Referring to the famous child psycholo-
cisely why this common social exchange has been used as gist rather than the Vulcan, Spock is a dialect of Mourn-
cover by the Winter Court for centuries. A simple opener ing Cant that couches issues in terms of child rearing,
asking, “Are you Lost?” answered by, “No, I’m found, and the issues that come up during parenting. “Bully”
just looking for directions,” ensures that both courtiers is often used as a slang term for an ogre, as an example,
are having the same conversation. Asking for a “place to and this is particularly true for those who break legs for
drown your sorrows” means the person is looking for a court interests. “Fostering a sense of independence” is a
Winter-controlled establishment to harvest glamour. On phrase used to describe the new identity given to fresh
the other hand, seeking a place to “let your hair down” escapees while they discover themselves, and attempt to
means someone is seeking a Winter Court safe house. figure out their place in the world. “Helicopter parents”
From allies and contacts, to the myriad of services Win- refer to Winter Court overseers who take a hands-off ap-
ter keeps in place for its courtiers, all one needs is the proach when dealing with their subordinates, while “go-
proper directions. ing through a phase,” typically refers to a short-term false
38. Table Manners: A favorite dialect among court- identity taken on for a mission, or for one’s own safety.
iers familiar with the ins and outs of fine dining, the 42. Labour: With its old-fashioned spelling, Labour
Mourning Cant tradition has been around for ages now. uses the language of jobbing construction projects to
Winter Court contacts are referred to as a “maitre’d,” keep Winter’s secrets from being distinguished by an
and all the seemingly-inane questions asked of them will untrained ear. Every aspect of a conversation, from the
be ways to pass information on an open line. A “vegetar- type of job being done (“drywall patching” often refers to
ian option” typically refers to operations where violence closing Hedge gates, for instance), to the description of
will not be a requirement, for example. Asking to speak the client (“green client” as a tag for Spring Court inter-
to a “sommelier” will put a courtier in-touch with a Win- ests, for instance, while “frozen assets” would refer to the
ter Court armorer. Perhaps the best-known phrase among Winter Court itself), to the time table the job needs to
courtiers who speak this dialect, though, is the number be done on (“sometime this Fall” might imply that a task
of “reserved seats” someone needs... referring to the num- needs to be done after the Autumn Court takes power,
ber of bodies they need the court to dispose of once an while saying “once Fall comes calling” means that as soon
operation is complete. as officers from the Autumn Court agree then an opera-
39. Trader Talk: No one understands how the stock tion can commence).
market actually works, and there is perhaps no better way 43. Gambler’s Sly: The Fae love their games and
for Winter to hide its messages than by burying them wagers, so it shouldn’t be surprising that some of the
beneath the terminology surrounding this most fae of fi- most common Mourning Cant speech patterns utilize
nancial tools. Asking about “iron futures,” for instance, well-known references to card games, dice and gambling.
is a direct question about the Summer Court’s current The “Suicide King” often refers to a Spring king, tying
plans and trajectory. Alternatively, asking “Is the value of the court to the suit of hearts. Courtiers might use a

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 13

description of a strategy among each other, such as the someone who’s following them. A hauler would use the
phrase “hard bluff” reminding them to use scare tac- phrase “checking my eyelids for pinholes” to say they were
tics and intimidation only; no violent follow through. going to sleep. A Winter Courtier might use the same
A courtier getting instructions from a higher-up might phrase to talk about checking for breaches in their dream
sound like they’re getting the inside track on how to bet security. A “Christmas card” on the road is a speeding
on a round of 5-card stud. “Rounders” tends to refer ticket, but among courtiers it refers to an invitation, pass
to courtiers who handle high-stakes missions, whereas code or key that would colourfully give a courtier access
“coolers” are the individuals who deliver bad luck to to a place, resource or event. The saying, “Guess they’re
those who’ve earned Winter’s ire. atheists around here,” refers to a key or password not be-
44. Scooping: Winter is cold, but it can be sweet ing accepted, forcing the agent to use alternative mea-
when it wants to be... not unlike ice cream. While con- sures to gain entry.
versations about frozen treats might confuse those out- 48. Vino Veritas: Wine culture has always been
side the court, those who are familiar with this particular closed off behind cultural gates, and that makes it ideal
dialect know there’s more on the table than sprinkles and both as a way for Winter courtiers to meet in public, and
syrup. Someone looking for a “classic sundae” is often for a linguistic screen to keep the contents of their con-
seeking an illicit task. “Chocolate syrup” indicates the versation private. Phrases like “an aggressive red” might
job should be relatively low risk, while “cherry syrup” sug- be used to discuss a particularly recalcitrant Summer
gests bloodshed is likely... or even the whole point of the Courtier, while “a sharp cider” would refer to Autumn’s
task. A “vanilla scoop” typically refers to a good location enforcers. White wine almost universally applies to the
to harvest glamour, while a “banana split with extra nuts” Spring Court, while “brown bags” discusses those who
often indicates a conversation about a goblin market. act undercover, or who harden their Mask to pass unno-
“Frozen yogurt” is usually used to refer to ensorcelled ticed. A “private tasting” typically refers to a clandestine
mortals, while regular “yogurt” is a general term for mor- meeting, while a “corkscrew” is usually used to refer to
tals who are blissfully unaware of the world of the Fae. one of Winter’s less savory agents.
45. Storytellers: The Wyrd weaves recognizable pat- 49. Steel Speak: A dialect that’s grown more mys-
terns, as anyone that’s read their share of fairy tales can terious the older it gets, Steel Speak uses the languages
tell you. This particular form of Mourning Cant takes of swords and dueling to pass meaning among Winter
the elements of common tales, bending them to Winter’s Courtiers. A “sharp” is a soldier that sheds blood for any
needs. “Breadcrumbs,” for example, is a term used for faction, while a “cloak” refers to a distraction or false
coded signals left to mark a courtier’s path so they can flags. A “Spaniard” refers to an individual who waits,
find their way home again... or so a rescue team can track letting their enemies fall into traps as a reference to
them down. A “bearskin” is often a term used to describe Spanish style fencing. A “swash” is someone who loudly
Summer soldiers, while a “Goldilocks” might refer to fair- telegraphs their strategies, and usually means a person
est, a Spring Courtier or a talented conman depending who is particularly bad at playing the game of shadows.
on the context of the conversation. A “Cinderella” might A “feint” typically refers to a fake I.D., while a “grip” is a
be used to describe a sudden, dramatic shift in cover general statement on one’s clarity.
identity, while a “Prince Charming” tends to refer to 50. Low Gothic: A relic of the Victorian age, this
Winter’s field agents who always show up out of nowhere formalized dialect of Mourning Cant utilizes the imagery
in the nick of time. and symbols of funerals (as well as the ritual surrounding
46. Rhymers: While some changelings shudder at them) to send messages among the court. For example, a
the sound of rhymes, as it calls back the singsong voices coin with a death’s head on it is carried by agents of the
of their Keepers, there are plenty of Winter Court alley monarch, used as a badge as well as a reminder that death
poets who have created a version of rhyming slang unique comes for all. “Condolences” is used to inform someone
to the court. Phrases like “a dotted sledge” to refer to a they have your support in a particular endeavor, while the
pledge (or signing on the dotted line), or “walking the position of a veil could mean anything from saying some-
odd” to refer to traveling a trod in the local Hedge, are one is being followed, to sending a signal that a meeting
perfect examples of the strange permutations this dialect has been compromised. Everything from which side of
can take. a grave one is standing on for a meeting, to the style of
47. Citizen’s Band: Named for the bandwidth com- monument an encounter takes place at, has meaning to
monly used by truckers, Citizen’s Band wraps its true those who know what to look and listen for.
meaning in the colorful, often crass language of team- 51. Speakeasy: The Prohibition era was business-as-
sters and other over-the-road professionals. For instance, usual for many Winter courtiers and organizations, who
a trucker might refer to a tailgater as a “bumper stick- took advantage of the changing landscape in order to
er,” while a Winter Courtier would use it to talk about build their bastions that much higher. While considered

14 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

old-fashioned by some, Speakeasy mimics the slang and psychologist or an oneiromancer might instead be called
innuendo of the days of illicit bars and secret drinking a “haberdasher.” A “Summer suit” typically refers to body
dens. A “blind pig,” rather than being a name for an un- armor. A “bespoke job” means someone is seeking Hedg-
derground bar, instead inquires about entrances to the espun items, while “evening attire” usually refers to the
local freehold. A “blind tiger” refers to a safe house or tools and accouterments needed for burglary, kidnapping
front controlled by the Winter Court. A “high hat” is typ- or assassination. Needlepoint also has an entire silent
ically a term for a monarch or high court official, rather code where the stitching in a particular garment can be
than a term used to snub someone, while a “boiler” refers used to send a message, similar to Braille. These mes-
to a bully boy or enforcer. Someone who is “hard-boiled,” sages are often put in the inside of a collar, a shirt cuff or
as the phrase went. the sweatband of a hat, as someone delivering a garment
52. Gutter Heraldry: The noble crests of knightly (especially in a dry-cleaning bag) is even less likely to be
pennants and the patches on an iron horseman’s vest noticed than a normal messenger.
serve the same purpose at the end of the day; sending a 56. Grace: The ritual of confession provides perfect
message to anyone who catches a glimpse of the symbols. privacy for passing messages and distributing informa-
Gutter heraldry allows Winter Courtiers to send simple tion. Always wary of listeners, though, Winter Courtiers
messages through heraldic devices put in certain loca- co-opt the language of the Catholic faith, its rites and
tions, worn on one’s person or even spoken in conversa- its mythology to discuss what’s happening in both the
tion. “Cockatrice rampant,” as an example, was a code material world, and the world of the Fae. These “confes-
phrase used in London to warn others of extreme danger, sions” are carefully formulated, as are the “punishments”
such as when the Gentry known as the Lady of Thorns assigned by the priest. Perhaps the most serious thing one
took her hunt from the Hedge into the mortal world to could hear, though, is, “I have broken the first command-
murder courtiers who stood against her, and to take fresh ment.” It means their Keeper (or agents of their Keeper)
slaves. “Bear and rabbit” refers to any Winter Court team have found them, and the changeling needs to disappear
made up of a brawn-and-brains pair dispatched to handle immediately.
an issue. “Field of red” is one of the worst phrases to 57. Avian: Most dialects of Mourning Cant hide their
hear; it means Winter’s cold war is going hot. meaning within regular, spoken words. Avian, though, is
53. Omen: Oracles and soothsayers have spoken in an evolution of the tradition of using bird calls to signal
riddles for thousands of years, and over time the associ- allies without raising the enemy’s suspicions. The types of
ated meaning of certain items, images and even phrases bird calls, and their meanings, will change from region to
has been distilled into a kind of mystical dialect that can region, but there are a few that are universal. A peacock,
often communicate a message without words at all. Some for example, always signals the coming of the Gentry, or
courtiers will use a tarot card spread disguised as a read- one of their servants. In addition to mimicking calls with
ing to communicate meaning across a table, for example. their mouths, Winter Courtiers will also send particu-
Others may send someone a single raven’s feather dusted lar calls to their allies digitally, allowing for widespread
with sage as a warning of immediate danger. Omen is use of this code. Some courtiers will enlist birds through
often used to communicate in dreams, allowing the sleep- their contracts, and others will take the form of the prop-
ing Winter Courtier to hear the message clearly without er bird in order to spread a message personally.
their motley mates (or worse, the Gentry) being able to 58. Drive-Thru: One of the most iconic additions to
interpret what they’re being told. cuisine, first in America and then around the world, has
54. Shadow Tongue: First conceived by darklings, been the addition of a drive-thru to fast food restaurants.
this particular dialect has slowly grown over the years to Often referred to as ordering from the secret menu,
include more members of the Winter Court. A form of courtiers first speak an identifying phrase, and then
sign language that uses one’s shadow rather than their complete their order. A “backroom special,” for instance,
body, the dialect has proven popular in nations and cul- means the individual is looking for off-grid access to a
tures where shadow puppetry and shadow theater are gateway into the Hedge. Ordering “banana fries” means
established traditions. Additionally, there are some rare they need to acquire fully-automatic weapons, while a
changelings who have learned to move their shadows in- “triple-thick anchor shake” tells whoever is listening that
dependently of their bodies. This allows them to speak they need Winter to make someone disappear. Asking for
volumes without moving a single muscle, as long as the the manager means they need to speak to a court officer,
observer knows what to look for. either for a particularly sensitive “order,” or to provide
55. Needlepoint: Tailors and seamstresses are mas- information face-to-face. The numbers in the cost of the
ters of hiding their work out of sight, and this type of order, as well as the special instructions given by the per-
Mourning Cant dialect does much the same. Winter son on the other end of the speaker, will tell the courtier
field agents are usually referred to as “tailors,” while a what actions to take after they’ve made their request.

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 15

 59. Hopper Code: Based on many of the so-called and while it normally means the obscure pleasure of be-
“hobo codes” that were common during the Great De- ing near a gathering yet apart from it, Winter Courtiers
pression, Hopper Code is a unique way of marking loca- use it to refer to tailing a target (or eavesdropping on a
tions to warn Winter Courtiers of dangers (and opportu- conversation) without being noticed.
nities) in an area. From the stylized capital “A” that says 63. Grinders: Technical professions always develop
there’s an established gateway to the Hedge nearby, to the some of the most interesting language, and this particu-
“10/2” fraction warning of privateers in an area (mean- lar dialect is credited to racers, rum runners and gear
ing one should keep all ten fingers and both eyes ready), heads who thought the best way to stay a step ahead of
these trail blazes can make Winter Courtiers look almost the Gentry was by keeping the pedal to the metal. “Me-
omniscient when it comes to avoiding dangers. While chanics” refer to the problem-solvers and trouble-shooters
many of these symbols have a spoken variant, it’s used that Winter sends when a leg needs broken, or a throat
far more rarely, and usually only when it’s not possible to needs cut. A “Dagmar” refers to a very rare, classic car as
leave a more permanent mark. a euphemism for a hard-to-find goblin fruit or rare, Hedg-
60. Alphabet Soup: One of the most common ways espun item. “Factory adjusted” refers to one’s seeming,
to create a shorthand is to boil down terms and ideas into and the alterations made by one’s Keeper before they es-
acronyms. Several individuals among the Winter Court caped. A “tack hammer” is a term for a precision weapon
have raised this to something of an art form, able to hold used to avoid collateral damage, while a “lane watch” is
entire conversations with one another just spelling out a warning to keep an eye on your blind spot so you don’t
nonsense terms. For example, someone might ask about a get caught off-guard.
line on a “H.H.” (a holiday house, or a Winter safe house) 64. Angling: There is nothing more boring than
with an “M.M.G.” (magic mushroom garden, a term for a conversation about fishing... and in many ways that’s
a location that reliably produces goblin fruit). Alterna- what makes it a perfect cover for discussing Winter’s
tively, someone reporting in from a stakeout might reply dirty deeds. A “dink” typically refers to a small fish that’s
there’s “N.T.S.” (nothing to see), unless something like a not worth catching, but a Winter Courtier might use it to
“U.F.O.” (unidentified fae outsider), or worse an “F.P.S.” refer to a street-level operator or informant; a “little fish”
(freelance people stealer, a term for a privateer) comes in terms of the intelligence game. An “angler” refers to
onto the scene. a Winter Court operative, and the type of fish they spe-
61. Snowflake Jive: The language of jazz that grew cialize in signifies their area of expertise (“deep sea” for
out of Harlem’s music scene is iconic, and the under- Hedge divers, “sharks” for those who deal with agents of
ground clubs played host to a number of Winter Court- the Gentry, “tuna” for those who deal with mortal agents
iers along with many greats of the era. So while most jive and authorities, etc). “Bait” usually refers to any unen-
talk has a traditional meaning out on the street, Winter sorcelled mortal who has no idea what they’re getting in-
has evolved its own meanings for many of the terms born volved with, while “chunk” refers to sending a message
in the dance halls. “Frail,” for example, is short for “frail with a messy execution to put some blood in the water.
sister” in jive’s normal vernacular (often referring to a 65. Rogers: Short for “Jolly Roger,” this particular
prostitute), but in the Snowflake dialect it refers to a re- dialect grew out of Florida, popularized by Emily “Black
cently returned Lost who hasn’t yet acclimated to their Tide” Winters. A smuggler who helped Lost vanish into
new situation. Somebody “hep” is in the know in tradi- thin air, her ascension to the position of Winter Queen
tional jive, but to Winter it also means they’re cleared meant the cant used among her crew grew quite com-
to be told the court’s secrets... some of them, anyway. A mon throughout the freehold. Phrases like “sweet trade”
“hep cat” is an informant or a contact, whereas a “cool referring to goblin fruit, “sea legs” for discussing a new
cat” is a Winter agent. A “shaver” is an assassin, referring Lost adjusting to the real world, or “scuttle” for the latest
to people who shave ice, while a “mop” refers to a cover rumors Winter had uncovered are all common examples.
identity. Other phrases included “lubs,” short for landlubber, to
62. Obscure Sorrows: There are hundreds (if not refer to changelings who shunned the Hedge, as well as
thousands) of words most people have never heard of, the term “bounty” being used for privateers, whom Black
even if they know the feelings these words describe. Tide offered a handsome price for to keep them rare in
Courtiers who favor this particular form of Mourning her waters.
Cant use these terms to communicate thoughts and 66. Jailhouse: Every durance is different, but all
feelings even beyond their normal definitions, though. changelings were prisoners. As such, one of the more
“Lilo,” for example, is a term that refers to a friendship common Mourning Cant dialects is, unsurprisingly, the
that can lie dormant for years, picking back up like noth- language of the detained. From “brake fluid” as a term
ing changed. Among courtiers it’s typically an oblique for psychiatric meds, to a “chin check” to see how a tar-
reference to a fetch. “Midding” is another popular term, get responds to being attacked, a lot of the terms Winter

16 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

uses have the same meaning as those heard in any mortal 70. Cat Chat: Cats will do the damndest things, and
jail. Others have been modified, though. “No smoke” is there’s a whole dialect of Mourning Cant that uses them
a term in prison used to refer to not resisting the guards, as the go-to metaphor for what’s happening in the world
but among Winter is means they’re being honest, or of the fae. “House cats” tend to refer to Winter Court
they trust the source they acquired a piece of informa- members, as well as pledged assets, while “strays” usually
tion from. A “prison wolf” refers to someone who en- refers to the courtless. The seemingly redundant “home-
gages in same-sex relations while incarcerated even if less strays” refers to recently escaped changelings who
they wouldn’t on the outside; among courtiers it refers have yet to decide if they have a place among one of the
to operatives who seem harmless, when in truth they’re courts. “Cat catchers” is used to refer to the Gentry and
anything but. their agents, while “nip” typically refers to any source of
67. Pump: Anyone who’s ever heard a conversation glamour. “Cat space” is a convenient way to talk about
in a weight room knows just how confusing listening the Hedge, while getting someone “groomed” usually re-
to dedicated weightlifters can be for those outside their fers to setting up a fake I.D. for their use. “Scratching”
community. Winter believes in being prepared, and in somebody means they’re getting taken out, and different
addition to gyms that train fresh recruits in the skills types of changelings are often obliquely referred to by
they’ll need to survive, the court uses this dialect to keep different cat breeds. In the same vein, contraband and
outsiders in the dark. “Pumping,” generally refers to what illicit goods are often discussed as if they were different
sort of glamour capacity a courtier has (“What are you varieties of cat toys.
pumping?”), while “pumping iron” is specifically a term 71. Barking: Circuses and carnivals have long act-
used for the weapons one is carrying. “Getting shredded” ed as ways to disguise the bizarre, inhuman nature of
is actually a reference to destroying one’s current identity, changelings by playing into the willingness of the crowd
while a “spotter” refers to someone on a Winter’s team to attribute the fantastic and impossible to clever tricks
to help watch their back when a situation becomes dicey. and stage presence. As such, it’s no wonder many Win-
68. Beaching: Typically a summertime activity, ter Courtiers steal the lexicon of carnival barkers to run
Beaching is when Winter uses the language of these san- a shell game on anyone listening in on their conversa-
dy vacation destinations as metaphors for their real op- tions. “Back yard,” for example, referred to the areas of
erations. Sometimes seen as a subculture within the Vaca- the circus that were off-limits to the public, and in this
tion Plans dialect, Beaching is more common in coastal dialect it refers to Winter-only areas (whether physical lo-
areas. For example, a “sand castle” tends to refer to a cations like safe houses, or information that’s not cleared
Hollow, while “surfing” refers to going off the trods and for those outside court assets). A “candy butcher” was
into the Thorns. “Sharks” is a term that usually refers to someone who sold sweet concessions, but in the Winter
Fae hunting parties and dangerous hobs, while “barra- parlance it refers to drug dealers, arms sellers and other
cudas” is used to designate mortal threats which may be merchants of illicit goods. A “circus fan” refers to an en-
just as lethal, under the right circumstances. “Soaking” sorcelled mortal, while a “rube” or a “coney” is a regular
or “soaking in some rays” is a general term used for pas- mortal who’s blissfully unaware of the everyday dangers
sive glamour harvesting, while “high tide” and “low tide” of the fae all around them. A “kinker” is a field agent,
tend to be used to refer to the danger associated with while a “nut” refers to the costs of an agreement or en-
particular tasks, or just the warning level of a particular deavor promised in a pledge.
part of town. 72. Busker Prattle: Street performers have a long,
69. Esquire: Every changeling understands the power proud tradition of strange speech and unique jargon.
of a pact, but this dialect of Mourning Cant swaddles its As Winter agents often hide themselves among a given
messages in the near-impenetrable jargon of the legal pro- city’s busker population, it was only natural for them to
fession. As an example, a “civil matter” typically means adopt a large number of these terms, adapting them to
a Winter is referring to something that’s purely mortal their own needs. “Barnstorming” is when a busker per-
in nature. “Alimony” usually refers to how even a pledge forms without a permit, for example, but for Winter it’s
was, and what someone has to pay to uphold their end when the court takes action without the knowledge or
of the agreement. “Eagle” is short for “legal eagle,” and sanction of the other courts (especially when it’s one of
while it’s normally meant for pledgesmiths, it can be used the other courts who is currently in a position of rule).
to refer to those who are at the top of their game in a “Cold” usually refers to an audience that’s in a bad mood,
variety of different fields. A “bench trial” often means but it’s also used as a signal of danger from one courtier
Winter will decide a matter without the input (or even to another. A “confederate” is an audience member who
knowledge) of the other courts, while a “custody battle” is secretly part of a busker’s act, but it’s often used by
often means that one’s Keeper (or their agents) are getting Winter to refer to assets who are placed in sensitive areas.
uncomfortably close to recapturing one of the Lost. A “medicine show” for Winter usually refers to a goblin

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 17

market, while “punter” refers to an ensorcelled mortal. A A “whistle,” for example, is short for “dog whistle,” and
“walk-by” usually means no one is paying attention to a it refers to neutral language that can act as a stand-in for
particular agent, while a “heckler” is a term for any ser- racist, sexist or other rejected terms when it’s used by
vant of the Gentry. a traditional reporter. Among Winter Courtiers it often
73. Glassers: Glass blowing is an art that requires pa- refers to the true message within any piece of encrypted
tience and skill, because there is no second chance to get communication. “Anchors” are the officers in the court
it right... something that Winter understands better than who analyze and present intelligence, while “correspon-
most. A “gaffer” is usually the senior glassblower on a dents” are the agents in the field who collect said intel-
project, and for courtiers they’re the highest-ranking field ligence. A “MOS” usually refers to a man-on-the-street,
agent on an operation. A “gloryhole” refers to the door and among Winter it’s a term for mortals who aren’t privy
of a glass furnace, but it’s also a term for a gateway into to the fae world. “Human interest” is sometimes used as
the Hedge. “Incalmo” is a technique of joining bubbles of a metaphor for agents of the Gentry who are kidnapping
two different colors together, and many Winter Courtiers people, while a “cold copy” is often a slang term for a
use it to refer to joint operations with other courts. “Acid fetch rather than reading from an unrehearsed script.
stamping” is often a term used for talking about a bind- “Citizen journalism” is a nearly universal term for intel-
ing pledge to ensure loyalty, while a “blocker” is the field ligence gathered by other courts, and though it’s often
agent who takes point on a given operation. derisive, that isn’t always the case.
74. Gambits: Chess is a game many changelings use 77. Chymistry: Drawing on the symbols and termi-
to describe the actions of the Gentry, and their strategies nology of alchemists, some Winter Courtiers manage to
for countering them. “Castling,” as an example, is a term achieve the same secrecy as early practitioners of this spiri-
for extracting an endangered asset and moving them to a tual pseudoscience. Alchemical symbols are often used as
safe place. A “bad bishop” refers to a Winter commander a written code, allowing Chymists to send opaque com-
who keeps themselves planted, unable to freely move munications to one another, or to mark locations as safe,
about as the situation changes around them. “Caissa” is dangerous, etc. Particular symbols are often worn to de-
the goddess of chess, and it’s often used to describe the note a person’s rank and status within the Winter Court,
Winter Court spymaster, or the monarch... when they as well. The symbol for Mars (iron) denotes a warrior or
aren’t the same individual. “Cheapo” is a term for an un- a security officer, whereas Jupiter (tin) is often sported by
derhanded trick used on the board, but among Winter spies and intelligence operatives. Venus (bronze) denotes
it’s often used as a term of endearment. A “closed game” a higher rank in the court, whereas Saturn (lead) refers
refers to any operation that’s bound by rules of secrecy, to assassins.
restricting the strategies, abilities and tools courtiers can 78. Cold War: There’s always a war on someplace,
use due to witnesses, as well as the need to avoid collat- and while battle is often thought of as the domain of
eral damage. Summer, Winter has its share of soldiers as well. Some
75. Prestige: Sleight of hand, and the ability to keep claim this particular dialect was, in fact, created so that
the truth hidden, is one of Winter’s greatest skills; it’s assault teams made up of Summer and Winter agents
one reason the language of stage magicians comes so could communicate with each other more clearly, though
naturally to so many of them. A “profunde” in magician’s as with anything other story about Winter that might be
terms refers to a long pocket down the tails of a coat, just another fairy tale (pun very much intended). In this
for example, but among Winter Courtiers it tends to be dialect terms often have two or three meanings, such as
a term for a Hollow; especially if the real-side entrance “rattle” which could refer to “battle rattle” for the equip-
is far smaller than the Hollow’s size. A “servante” was ment someone is carrying, or “saber rattle” for gossip
a shelf or a pouch where a magician could dump tricks about local political posturing. “Smoke” is often short
out of sight as they finished them, but among courtiers for the term “pop smoke,” which is meant to send a signal
it’s a place where evidence can be disposed of, or a trail for an extraction. It’s also used for getting the hell out
broken. “Hocus pocus” is generally used to refer to goblin of a situation in a hurry, but it could mean disappearing
contracts, while a “hat trick” is a term used for smuggling as one turns into smoke on the wind. A “foxhole” typi-
items (or even people) past security. A “broken wand” cally refers to a Hollow, while “tags” is short for a court
is someone who’s been excommunicated from the court, Mantle, since it labels which force an individual belongs
referring to the tradition performed at the funerals of il- to. A “civ” is a regular mortal, whereas a “contractor” is
lusionists as a send-off to the next life. someone that’s been ensorcelled. “Dogs” refers to those
who serve the Gentry, while “lap hounds,” “war hounds”
76. Broadcasting: People accuse those on the news
and “spook hounds” may refer to Spring, Summer, and
of being able to talk for hours without actually saying
Autumn respectively.
anything. Winter can appear to be doing the same thing,
while communicating its messages to those in the know. 79. Smithy Speak: Iron is the bane of the Fae, so it’s

18 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

no surprise that Winter has made sure to keep plenty “rub” for instance usually refers to the marks left behind
of it on-hand over the years. With so many smiths and by bucks in deer season, but these changelings use it to
metal workers, this dialect of Mourning Cant is one refer to the impression left on the Hedge by one’s passage
of the earliest on-record. A “bright,” which is short for (particularly the potent tell tales caused in the wake of
“brightsmith,” usually refers to someone who works with one of the True Fae). When a Stalker uses the word “bed”
shiny metals like tin, copper or brass; among Winter it they’re usually referring to a Hollow, while “busted” typi-
refers to propagandists and PR spinners who mold public cally refers to any situation where things have gone ter-
opinion. “Cold working” is a process of permanently al- ribly wrong. A “can call” is a dead drop where courtiers
tering a metal without heat, but among Winter it’s short- leave information for one another, while “glassing” is
hand for “enhanced” interrogations. “Flux” tends to refer used to refer to a kenning, rather than looking around
to protection, often with an eye toward how much scru- with binoculars or field glasses. “Mast” is a common term
tiny a false identity will hold up to before one’s true name for goblin fruit, whereas a “rack” is a direct reference to
is revealed. “Pig,” short for pig iron, typically refers to the potence of one’s Wyrd.
weapons. Some clever courtiers will use terms like “sharp 83. Hacker Code: Cyber warfare is another realm
bacon” as a play on this term, though. “Slag” refers to un- of Winter’s influence, and the phrases used by program-
wanted elements and materials in the metalworking pro- mers have naturally found their way into the court’s se-
cess, and in this dialect it’s both a curse, and a reference cret speech. A “Jimmy” is a term for a clueless developer,
to a complication (“Slag on the job, there’s not enough but it’s also a court term for an unpledged mortal. A “hy-
pigs to go around.”). dra” refers to a bug that just gets worse every time you
80. Gargoyle: Gargoyles are fanciful waterspouts try to fix it, but for Winter it’s a situation where there’s
that spit the flow of rain away from the sides of build- no solution except to call in “Hercules” (members of the
ings where it might do real damage over the years. It’s Summer Court) to reduce the entire area to glass. “Rub-
said it was the legends of how these creatures could only ber ducks” are non-Winter Courtiers who have to be care-
speak when water moved over their teeth that led to an fully briefed so as not to make mistakes, while a “loop”
almost subvocal dialect of Mourning Cant. Falsehoods is a security measure required by Winter to gain access
and misleading statements are spit out, or spoken with to a particular location, resource or individual. “Opera-
a growl that’s just barely detectable for those who know tors” is the favored term for field agents, whereas a “task
what to listen for, while true statements are spoken softly, manager” is a court overseer. A “hack” is when a change-
without the tell-tale roughness. Rarely used around regu- ling makes a new gate into the Hedge, while a “crawler”
lar company, some courtiers have spoken with their false is someone who collects and interprets intelligence for
voice for so long that few outside of Winter-only gather- Winter.
ings even know what their true voice sounds like. 84. Phantom: Named for the lurking “ghost” in the
81. Pilot Prattle: Among the Winter Court are a fair classic novel The Phantom of The Opera, this Mourning
number of smugglers and fliers alike, and many of them Cant dialect adapts terms for stage plays and classical
amalgamated their mutual slang into this colorful dia- music performances alike to give speakers a bit of public
lect. “Wet feet” typically refers to flying over water, but privacy. The “chorus,” as an example, refers to low-level
among Winter “pilots” and their crews it typically refers assets who act as the court’s eyes and ears, making them
to being in dangerous territory (usually the Thorns, but a collective force of knowledge. An “aria” is a term that’s
it is occasionally used for the mortal domains of other often used for an assassination. A “harmony” is a short-
supernatural creatures). “Deadheads” usually refers to term cooperation between multiple courts, while a “Viv-
flight crews catching a return flight home, but for Winter aldi” is when all the courts are called into an action (so
it’s a term for mortals who haven’t had their eyes opened named for the composer’s “Four Seasons”). A “libretto”
to the fae world. “Zulu time” is used to refer to the bi- is a code book or cipher used by Winter, and someone’s
zarre distortions of time caused by time in the Hedge, “range” discusses their skill set. From singers, to orches-
and while a “pan pan” means an emergency on a plane tra parts, to planners, to dancers, each stage profession
in this dialect it’s used to refer to hunting parties of the maps onto a useful skill Winter needs, from forgery, to
Gentry... or something equally as bad. security, to illicit acquisition and more.
82. Stalk Talk: The quiet stealth and patience of the 85. Horsing: Horse racing has a storied history
Winter Court makes them ideal hunters, and it’s been among the Winter Court, which has often used these
said that if Winter wants someone taken out, they’ll nev- events to fund their own endeavors, or to provide cover
er even hear the assassin who comes for them. Among for their dealings. While Horsing is most commonly used
courtiers who specialize in silent stakeouts and invisible in and around tracks, or near off-track betting facilities,
shadowing, this parlance camouflages conversations with it’s spread fairly deep into the populace over the years.
the appearance of a more mundane hunting season. A “Chalk,” as an example, refers to when odds used to be

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 19

drawn on actual chalkboards, but to courtiers it’s a ques- these instances rather than people). “Tourists” tends to
tion not just of odds, but of intelligence (“What’s the be used for courtiers outside of Winter, while “wildlife”
chalk say about this?”). “Bridge jumpers” is a term that re- may refer to mortals or hobs, depending on the context
fers to a busted bet on a sure favorite, but among Winter of the discussion.
the term is often used for Hedge divers. A “bagman” is 88. Skywriters: Fireworks have been used as enter-
an associate who sets up bets at a track, but Winter often tainment for centuries, and as they’ve grown in popu-
uses it as a catch all term for field agents (and particularly larity Winter has used them to send messages through-
for kidnappers). A “bookmaker” is the person who sets out their networks. Those familiar with Skywriting as a
the odds on a race, but it’s a term Winter may use to refer dialect, though, are also known to use the language of
to oracles and soothsayers who consult the Wyrd. Terms these party poppers to pass along hidden meanings in
for events that befall jockeys are also popular when dis- conversation. “Ash cans,” as an example, is typically a
cussing mishaps, such as “pulled up” (something went term used to refer to firearms, or other weapons. If some-
wrong on an assignment), fell (the agent vanished, no one specifies “old school” or “P66,” then it means they’re
body, no communication) or was brought down (agent is looking for military-grade arms that are illegal for civil-
dead, body recovered). ians to possess. A “bottle rocket” is a distress call, while
86. Axle Grease: Winter has always counted road a “flitter” usually refers to an escape route, or a Hedge
warriors and highwaymen among their number. One seg- gate. An “M80” is a Winter field agent, while a “cherry
ment of that culture expanded into modern-day biker cir- bomb” usually refers to agents of another court (often,
cles, adapting the lingo of these riders to Winter’s needs. but not always, the Summer Court). A “punk” refers to a
“ADV” stands for adventure, and normally it refers to fetch, while “snaps” is a general term for mortals. Which
a cycle that can go on or off-road; Winter uses it as a terms are used for glamour and goblin fruit will vary by
designation for dangerous assignments. “AMA” stands region, but “whistle,” “willow” and “fuse” are all popular
for the American Motorcycle Association, but it’s often choices.
used as a stand-in for the Winter Court as a whole. A 89. Pressers: A close cousin to Tea Talk, Pressers are
“biker” is a Winter agent who handles dangerous assign- more common in regions with a strong preference for cof-
ments, while a “rider” tends to be someone who handles fee. In this parlance a “barista” is an agent of the Winter
lower-risk (but no less important) tasks. “Front door” is a Court, and if they have a specialty it will be mentioned as
term for the agent on point, while “back door” is the rear the kind of brew they’re best at preparing. “Green eye” re-
guard of any operation. An “old lady” among the mortal fers to some of the highest energy coffee you can imbibe,
community usually means a biker’s significant other, but and it’s typically used as a stand-in for glamour. “Green
among Winter it’s a term for the commander of a given eye beans,” on the other hand, is a term for goblin fruit.
mission or area of influence. When it’s “the old lady” (or “Skimmers” tends to refer to mortals (taken from skim
“the old man”) it’s usually a reference to the monarch. milk), while “cafe au lait” is an ensorcelled mortal. A
A “fraction,” referring to how only 1 percent of bikers “percolator” is usually meant to refer to weapons, with
are members of violent gangs, is a Winter Court enforc- the features of the machine translating to the specifica-
er. “Colors” refers to the identifying marks one carries tions one wants from their gear. “French,” as an adjective,
(particularly important when identifying servants of the usually describes items brought from the Hedge (French
Gentry), and a “road name” is usually the call sign one is roast, French press, etc.).
known by among the court.
90. Rave: Though the rave scene was always more
87. Parkers: The forest service has been a great boon Spring’s domain than it was Winter’s, certain subcultures
for helping Winter Courtiers locate out-of-the-way gates of the Winter Court adapted the secretive club slang as
into the Hedge, as well as allowing them to set up safe part of their vernacular. In some cases, this dialect was
houses, weapon caches and more in locations no one used as a shared language with Spring Courtiers who’d
would expect. In addition to repurposing many of the earned the trust of their Winter counterparts, often
service’s acronyms, many courtiers have found the jar- through working together using this subculture as a
gon used among rangers to be quite useful as shorthand means to gather glamour, host backdoor meetings and
communication. Terms like “clustering” describe when more. In this dialect a “C.K.” is a reference to Spring
there’s too many park personnel in one area, and it’s used Courtiers; the term stands for “candy kid,” and it was a
by many Winter Courtiers to disperse teams (“Maintain reference to the brightly dressed ravers (some of whom
distance, no clustering.”). “Savages” is a term stolen from did, in fact, wear candy necklaces). “G.R.” stood for “goth
Yellowstone to describe changelings who primarily oper- raver,” and the term is usually applied to Autumn Court-
ate in the Hedge, while a “furniture tour” refers to doing iers, while “junglists” is more commonly used for those
reconnaissance on a location ahead of a mission (since who bear Summer’s Mantle. “Kandi” was a reference to
courtiers are more concerned with the physical area in the colorful accessories many ravers carried, but it can

20 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

refer to Hedgespun items, goblin fruit and nearly any- wild ways through the Thorns. “Janglies” tends to refer to
thing else that comes out of the Hedge. “E” is the pre- the assorted SRT ironmongery among cavers, but among
ferred term for glamour, referring to emotion rather than courtiers it can apply equally to tokens, charms and weap-
to the drug ecstasy. “Totem” is a specific reference to the onry. A “Nobel prize” usually refers to explosives, while
Mantle of a courtier, or to the marks of ownership born “sherping” refers to guiding less-experienced changelings
by servants of the Gentry that mark them out. through the Hedge. A “wuffo” is a term for a mortal,
91. Hill Trill: Winter hides, and there is nowhere while a “spider” is a generic term for a hobgoblin. “Talk-
vaster than the mountains and hills for them to make ing spiders” are hobs that can be communicated with,
good their escapes. Though this “country cousin” dialect though most Echo speakers are smart enough not to use
isn’t as commonly spoken today, it’s kept alive by those this term in front of them.
who seek a natural retreat; a place where the Hedge is 94. Diver Drawl: Used most often by Winter Court
both closer, and further away at the same time. A good Hedge specialists, this dialect is rarely spoken outside
example of this dialect is the term “Blackberry Winter” these circles. Much like the Hedge itself, though, a lot
which refers to chills during Spring when blackberry of Winter Courtiers learn just enough to get by. “Land
bushes are in bloom; it also refers to unsanctioned ac- off,” for example, is when a sky diver lands somewhere
tions taken by Winter while another season is in power. they didn’t expect to be; it’s also the term for changelings
“Slick faced” typically refers to someone who doesn’t who find the Hedge conspired to dump them in an unex-
wear a beard, but among Winter it refers to someone who pected location. A “sunset load” usually refers to the last
isn’t wearing some form of disguise, or wrapping them- sky diving run of the day, but for a Hedge diver it means
selves in a false identity. “Foxfire” can mean glamour or a rapid deployment where one is in and out as fast as
contracts, depending on the context, while a “blaze” re- possible. “Burble” usually refers to the area of turbulence
fers to signs regarding whether a place (or a person) is behind a sky diver as they move through the air, but to
safe. A “bounce box” usually refers to mission tools and Divers it refers to the marks your passage leaves on the
necessities that are left in wait for Winter Courtiers once appearance of the Hedge. “Relative wind” is the appar-
they arrive for a mission to ensure they can get down to ent wind felt in free fall, but for Divers it’s the way time
business quickly. moves (or doesn’t) while they’re in the Hedge.
92. Print Prat: From distributing leaflets to running 95. Plumber’s Patois: Winter does all kinds of dirty
underground radio stations, Winter has long used its jobs, so it’s no surprise that a subset of the court picked
skills to pass on information to other changelings. Print up this particular trade jargon. “Brass” is a general term
Prat was a common form of Mourning Cant that used for fittings among jobbing plumbers, but Winter Court-
the language of the printer’s trade as cover, and it’s seen iers tend to use it to discuss firearms, with the measure-
something of a comeback in the age of desktop publish- ments and styles of the fittings referring to different
ing. “Ps and Qs,” for example, referred to printers mixing makes of weapon. “Gray water” is water waste from non-
up these letters if they’re not paying close attention to the toilet fixtures, but Winter tends to use it as a term for dis-
job at hand. Among Winter it’s often used to signal that tractions, disinformation or propaganda. A “closet bend”
one has a bad feeling that things aren’t what they appear is a curved fitting under the toilet that connects it to a
to be. A “typesetter” in this dialect is an individual who drain, but it’s also a term for a gateway into the Hedge.
provides false papers and identification, while a “press- “Sweating the pipe” is when two pipes are soldered so wa-
er” is an enforcer. “Bleed” refers to leaked information, ter can’t leak out, but it also refers to a pledge that stops
while a “ditto” is a term for a fetch. “AA’s” or “author’s someone from leaking court secrets. A “plumber” is a
alterations” are when mission parameters change, typi- general term for a field agent, while a “rooter” or a “snake
cally making a field agent’s job a great deal more difficult. handler” is a courtier who handles really nasty jobs like
93. Echo: Cavers and spelunkers are a breed apart, assassinations, kidnapping or body disposal.
and though there’s speculation about how Winter Court 96. Vice Code: Sex work is one of the world’s oldest
operatives latched onto this particular subculture, no professions, and it’s one that has provided a great deal of
one is precisely sure how this dialect truly came about. opportunity and influence for the Winter Court over the
Today it’s mostly favored by field operatives (and those centuries. However, this community is also a common
who want to be thought of as field operatives). Terms like target of the Gentry and their servants. As such, many
“cardboard” are common, which among normal explorers Winter Courtiers consider it a duty to protect this popu-
refers to a “cardboard caver,” or someone who runs at the lation... though the ability to gain vicarious vengeance on
first sign of dampness. For Winter it’s a term for someone pimps and traffickers who remind them of their Keepers
that talks a good game, but who can’t handle wet work. is often a bonus. In this dialect a “John” is a (sometimes
“Gnar” is a difficult-to-traverse passage, but many Winter derogatory) term for mortals, and particularly those who
Courtiers use it to describe half-abandoned trods, and are prime for harvesting glamour. A “pimp” is a term for

100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings 21

the Gentry, while a “bottom” (someone who acted as the of the fan fiction community to cover their true inten-
pimp’s right hand) typically refers to agents of the Gen- tions. “Fandom” usually refers to the Winter Court as
try. A “freelance bottom” is a particularly rude term for a whole, for instance, though some will specify “under-
a privateer. “Sister” or “brother” are terms used for fel- ground fandom” for Winter while adding other adjectives
low Winter Courtiers, while “folk” is the preferred term like “blooming fans” to talk about the Spring Court, or
for changelings in general. A “renegade” is a courtless, “rage fandom” for the Summer Court. A “fanzine” refers
referring to a now-outdated tradition of sex workers who to documents and primers distributed among Winter to
went at the trade alone without any sort of organizational ensure they have necessary information, while a “woo-
protection (something that’s become the norm over the bie” is someone who has a particularly harsh durance.
years). A “parlor” is a term for a Winter Court safe house. A “collab” is a joint operation between multiple courts,
A “date” is any incident a courtier was involved with, while “TWT” (meaning “Time? What time?”) refers to
while a “Romeo” is a term for anyone (Winter or other- the shifting nature of the Hedge, and how it can mess
wise) who specializes in words, promises and locking one with one’s place in the timestream.
into an unequal pledge. 100. Knotcoding: A silent form of communication,
97. Splicers: The language of video editing, once Knotcoding has been around in one form or another as
only common among a tiny population of professionals, long as there have been textiles. Specific knots left in
has become far more widely spoken in the age of stream- ropes, on the fringe threads of a scarf, or just worn as a
ing. While more accessible, it still provides more than pin above the pocket, sends messages to fellow Winter
adequate cover for court conversations. “NLE,” for ex- Courtiers. Sometimes it’s simply identification of a cer-
ample, stands for non-linear editing, but among Splicers tain person or location (a blue fringed shawl with slip-
it refers to assigning field operatives their goals, and then knots halfway up the strands marking out a Winter Court
standing back while they achieve them in the way they contact for instance), or a bracelet of knotted paracord
think best. A “cut” usually refers to a transition in film, that identifies someone as being given a “pass” from a
but Splicers use it to refer to eliminating something; cut- Winter Courtier in good standing, signaling they should
ting contact, destroying evidence or getting rid of wit- be allowed past security and given hospitality. Meanings
nesses. “Dissolve” is a term for when Winter agents walk vary from one area to another, but that’s part of what has
away from an operation, fading away into the background kept this particular dialect so secure for so long.
noise of the world. “Sweetening” is a term for doctoring
reports or altering stories, whereas a “rough cut” is an un- More Related
varnished account of what happened. The latter is usual- Supplements
ly only known to Winter’s spymasters, and sometimes to
officers of other courts if Winter considers it important. 100 Books to Find on a Mage’s Bookshelf
98. Shutter Talk: Photographs have been a great New World Nights: 100 Ghouls For The American Ca-
boon to Winter’s activities, acting as evidence, blackmail marilla
material and more over the years. For those who gather
intelligence for the court, the language of photography Links
has proven particularly useful for keeping the truth out
of the ears of casual listeners. An “uncle Bob” is camera Join our mailing list and get a free PDF, The Book of
slang for an inept relative who gets in the way during a Sixes, which contains 33 d6 tables taken from our fantasy
shoot, and for Winter agents it usually refers to outsid- supplements.
ers getting underfoot and making problems (often while Subscribe to our YouTube channel for product demos,
trying to help). A “shutter bug” tends to refer to low-level unboxing videos, tutorial videos and more to come.
intelligence agents, and while it’s usually reserved for
changelings it can apply to ensorcelled mortals as well. Find us on itch.
“Bomb,” short for a photo bomb, is to infiltrate some- Our Ko-fi store
where. A “tog” is a term for a professional photographer,
and it usually refers to an agent with respected skills
(Winter Court, or otherwise). A “halo” is a term for one’s
Mantle, while a “negative” is the word used to describe
a fetch.
99. Fan Spam: It’s said that fan fiction is how people
take ownership of the stories the love, and that’s a sen-
timent that every Winter Courtier can understand. It’s
also why at least some of the courtiers use the language

22 100 Mourning Cant Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

 100 Mourning Cant
Dialects, Phrases
and Meanings
Secrecy and security are the Winter Court’s hallmarks, and nowhere is this more
apparent than in their use of Mourning Cant. While often thought of as a single
language, the secret words of the Onyx Court are made up of dozens of different
languages, cultures, metaphors and dialects that allow them to pass messages to
one another while appearing to speak plainly in front of anyone who might be
listening... even other members of a changeling’s motley.

For storytellers who want a mechanical option to represent this unique patois,
treat mourning cant as a 1-dot merit with a prerequisite of either at least 1 dot of
Winter Court Mantle, or 3 dots of Winter Court Goodwill.

The dialects and phrases contained in this supplement are meant to act as inspi-
ration for how Mourning Cant may sound in your particular game, and among
particular subsets of the Winter Court. These aren’t hard-and-fast rules, but
merely starting points to help you shape this unique aspect of the game at your
own table, and to save players and storytellers alike from coming up with unex-
pected jargon or meaningful-sounding nonsense on the spur of the moment.

23