Swordspeak
Swordspeak originated in the Cult of Humakt. It is widely used in the Cult of Yanafal Tarnils (and hence, by Lunar Officers). It is unusual for anyone outside either cult to know Swordspeak. Many Orlanthi chieftains with Humakti huscarls know the language, as do many who frequently employ Humakti mercenaries.
The language centers around two uses: warfare and duels.
Swordspeak is capable of communicating any topic relating to warfare. Like any language, it contains strengths and weaknesses. For example, there are over a dozen terms for "soldiers" in the language; denoting a wide variety of troop types and equipment (for example, there is one word that means, "well equiped pike soldiers in a phalanx" and another that means "poorly trained peasant levy with pikes"). Yet, communicating "farmer" becomes quite lengthy since the nearest and shortest equivalent is, "peasant warrior who scars Ernalda with weak blade."
Swordspeak is also used to challenge another to a formal duel. In this manner, people unfamiliar with the language will not even be aware a challenge has been issued. The reason for the challenge (typically when one party feels insulted) along with the severity (death, first blood, etc.) can be communicated. This allows the man challenged to accept, back down, or even apologize without losing face to those not fluent in the language.
The "verbal" component of the language is a combination of words, sign language, and body language. Much of the language is of a silent nature, either using sign language or body language. The verbal component is often used to supplement or enhance the non-verbal part. The silent nature of the language is four fold. First, it allows Humakti who have sworn to remain silent to still communicate with others in their cult. Second, it allows troops to silently communicate with their commander and not reveal their location to enemy troops from unnessecary noise. Third, hand and body gestures can be seen across the battlefield, when often voices will not carry over the din of battle. Fourth, it allows speakers to secretly communicate with each other in plain view of others (shifting your weight onto your right foot and hooking your left thumb in your sword belt is the sign for "watch your back, you're being followed").
In addition, there is a written component of swordspeak. The written component heavily borrows from several language families (often picking and choosing the closest written equivalent for a word in swordspeak). In addition, it also contains a host of secret symbols and glyphs. The symbols and glyphs take a variety of forms. Many are quite simple and ingenious in disguise; an innocent looking pile of sticks may mean "wait here at dawn for my report" in swordspeak. There is also a set of glyphs associated with the written form which can cover as much information as the "spoken" language.
Initiates of Humakt and Yanafal Tarnils are typically trained to at least 5% in the spoken and written forms of the language. Typically, others are only taught if it is deemed vital for them to have a command of the language by a Sword. The Gamemaster must use discression in what can be communicated using the language. It is flat out impossible for two Humakti to hold a art critique in the language. Yet, it is possible to communicate, "this village had a poor crop and food supplies are low."
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