Jordarters

Jordarters are small, palm-sized wooden tokens used in ritual decision-making and storytelling in the fictional culture of Jordara. Each token bears a symbol associated with one of a few core concepts (for example, earth, water, fire, air) and is colored to indicate a subcategory such as status or role. The tokens are used in group ceremonies to prompt dialogue, assign speaking order, or determine outcomes in a non-verbal way.

Construction and design: Jordarters are typically 2 to 3 cm in diameter, cut from hardwood such as maple or ash. They are smooth-finished, with the symbol either burned into the surface or inlaid with a contrasting material. A short cord or loop may be attached for wearing or carrying.

Use: In gatherings, participants draw or reveal a jordarter to guide a segment of the ceremony, decide which member speaks next, or set a storytelling constraint. The ritual is valued for encouraging equal participation and preserving tradition.

History and distribution: The practice is traced to the medieval period in Jordara's highlands, though similar token systems appear in neighboring regions. Today, jordarters are mainly found in ceremonial contexts and among collectors and educators within the Jordaran cultural sphere.

Variants and reception: Modern designers occasionally create contemporary editions with metallic inlays or modular symbols. Some scholars study jordarters as examples of traditional governance tools and as artifacts in the study of material culture.