symbol/code phrase brainstorming post!

[15minuteslate]

So, not too long ago, Dr. Strider suggested a symbol system by which numbers club members could identify each other in public.

Now, a couple of people have chimed in with ideas already, but I'd like to get this discussed up here. We'll need two sets of symbols, one for buildings, one for people, though there may be overlapping designs.

PEOPLE
--A member of the numbers club willing to help out another
--Numbers club, able to fight/protect from monsters, police, etc
--Numbers club, able to provide medical help

PLACES
--Friendly to numbers club, willing to help
--Willing to physically protect a member of the numbers club
--Can provide medical help to numbers club


CURRENT SYMBOL SUGGESTIONS:
PERSON | NUMBERS CLUB MEMBER Something worn inconspicuously, incorporating a thorn motif
PERSON | FIGHTER A stylized skull/a more complicated one, ICly suggested by Shiro
PLACE | FRIENDLY TO NUMBERS CLUB MEMBERS a th-rune, called a "thorn," ICly suggested by Aaron
PLACE or PERSON | MEDICAL HELP A stylized tree with nine branches and seven stars, ICly suggested by Aaron

Some ideas that have been kicked around also include using a pound sign (#) or variations on it, using different kinds of weeds/leaves/other garden pests, and having a system of verbal identification.

QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERING
--How many symbols should we have? Are any of the listed ones above superfluous? Do we need more?
--What should our verbal identification be? The general IC consensus is that there should be a code phrase and a response. Do you have any suggestions? Currently, what's been suggested is:
"How's your garden doing?"
"It's growing out of control."
...or something along those lines.
--Is a two-part symbol a good idea? Bertholdt has suggested a two-part symbol, where if one person draws half and the other draws the rest, both know they can trust each other. It would be a very secure way to identify another member of the network, but should we keep this simpler?

Also, if you suggest a symbol OOC, mention whether or not your character would suggest it IC. This doesn't have to be a perfect system -- what's important is that it is a system that the characters would come up with. If you have a fantastic idea but your character wouldn't bring it up IC, then make a note of that and we'll see if we can work out someone who would suggest it. Also, think about what your character would want to wear -- the skull, suggested by Shiro, isn't the most practical symbol but it is something he would pull for.

I hope this makes as much sense here as it did in my head. Anyway, go crazy, people. I want to hear what you guys think would be cool here.

Comments

[espigeonage]

"You know the bus number for [wherever]?" or just... any question involving numbers after indicating the other's symbol (commenting on the clothes bearing it, pointedly looking at it, "I saw your sign", whatever), answered with something involving "change." Like "It was 345 but I think it changed".

sigh Jules wouldn't suggest a less ridiculous variant of Sexy and ___ yet.

[pianistofraielin]

I think question involving a number + answer involving change is a really good call & answer! It's simple and easy to remember, and highly variable so people listening in would have trouble telling which parts were necessary to successfully challenge/answer a challenge.