Here's what I was able to find.
It's kind of hard to say one way or the other. But from all of the quotes I pulled from Reunion quests, they focus heavily upon word of mouth. No one outright states that the written word is viable or not. Though I feel like it wouldn't be that easy. Perhaps the written word is useless to people who 1) can't read or 2) can't read the xaela or qestiri written word. Or perhaps written words aren't lies, but they're not truths either and there's little stock in them when it is the action and intention with which things are done or given that speak loudest. Which might explain this:
On the one hand, it could just be a gigantic seal of approval. But markings is plural and the vellum is covered in them. Could it be an ancient written language? The "marks" of each Qestiri family in Reunion? Idk.
(Quick edit: I can't tell if that's a written word at the bottom of the Qestiri banner surrounding Reunion or a design. It's symmetrical-ish, but not exactly mirrored. So it could still be a written word?)
What I do know is that Kilieit's right about being able to make vocal sounds, just not words. I would love for a Qestir to just start screaming at the top of their lungs. It'd actually be pretty terrifying I think coming from someone who almost never makes a sound. But below, a Qestir laughs. Is the laugh a lie because they opened their mouth? Idk.
Tamachag Wrote:The tribe is famed for its dislike of speech─they believe that all words are merely lies. The Qestiri way is to show your intentions through your actions. Nothing else shall suffice for them.
Tamachag Wrote:The Qestir believe all words are merely lies. That is why they do not speak. It is also why I am forced to deal with so many troubled travelers, unable to understand Reunion's ways. I do not enjoy the role, but there are few others here willing to explain things orally.
Baidur Wrote:The Qestir refuse to speak. They think all words to be lies. If you wish to earn their trust then simply follow this principle. It should be clear what you need to do.
Shaken Merchant Wrote:I am quite impressed you understood that you were needed here. Working out exactly what the Qestir are trying to communicate is never easy. They believe all words to be lies and as such never open their mouths. However, they are both loyal and hoenst - that is why so many are more than happy to do business with them.
PAX West 2017 Lore Panel Wrote:Q: What would happen to a Qestir tribe member that chose to speak? Would they be punished in some way?
A: For those who don't know, the Qestir refuse to speak, they don't say anything. There are a couple reasons: They can't speak because they've never learned to speak. Their children are raised basically in silence and it's not until they're six, seven, eight, nine, ten years old when they finally actually hear language when they leave the tribe and maybe visit Reunion or maybe someone comes to their tribe to speak and trade with them. This is the first time that they actually hear speech. These children are being raised without hearing any vowels, any consonants, nothing at all. So they don't know how to speak. Even if they wanted to, it would come out in a [groaning noise] type of sounds.
That said, even if one tried really hard to speak, would they be punished in some way? They wouldn't be punished, per say, but the Qestir don't speak for a specific reason. That reason being that they believe all spoken word to be lies. If they did speak in the presence of the tribe, the rest of the tribe would think this guy's a liar. He'd be ostracized a liar, everything he said would be lies and you'd never believe him anymore. They wouldn't be kicked out, per say, but they would be liars.
It's kind of hard to say one way or the other. But from all of the quotes I pulled from Reunion quests, they focus heavily upon word of mouth. No one outright states that the written word is viable or not. Though I feel like it wouldn't be that easy. Perhaps the written word is useless to people who 1) can't read or 2) can't read the xaela or qestiri written word. Or perhaps written words aren't lies, but they're not truths either and there's little stock in them when it is the action and intention with which things are done or given that speak loudest. Which might explain this:
SYSTEM Wrote:You are handed a vellum covered with Qestiri markings. Cotota points in the direction Gascot headed. It seems she would have you present the vellum to him.
On the one hand, it could just be a gigantic seal of approval. But markings is plural and the vellum is covered in them. Could it be an ancient written language? The "marks" of each Qestiri family in Reunion? Idk.
(Quick edit: I can't tell if that's a written word at the bottom of the Qestiri banner surrounding Reunion or a design. It's symmetrical-ish, but not exactly mirrored. So it could still be a written word?)
What I do know is that Kilieit's right about being able to make vocal sounds, just not words. I would love for a Qestir to just start screaming at the top of their lungs. It'd actually be pretty terrifying I think coming from someone who almost never makes a sound. But below, a Qestir laughs. Is the laugh a lie because they opened their mouth? Idk.
Gascot Wrote:When I danced in front of a Qestir earlier, several gathered to watch. You should have seen them, Sounsyy! They were beckoning for others to come look, pointing fingers, laughing─they loved my performance!
