Signaculum

Antiquarians and historians both agree that the tradition of the signaculum extends back to the First Age, via archelogical evidence of their use by both the Kingdom of Teryn and Sāvarāhid legions. Though there were significant differences in form, the function was the same.   The Kingdom of Teryn issued a lead disc or tab and a leather neck pouch. Sāvarāhid issued small copper cards called ukhlekna, no longer than a thumb, with a cord or chain to wear around the neck.   The warring states of Tin'ala, descending as they do from Teryn traditions, still use the legion system (as their size allows) and issue a signaculum.   Bartoq uses the Sāvarāhid ukhlekna, as does the southern Tin'alan mercenary Red Hand Company.   It's also known that many legionaries carried small amounts of currency or mementos in their pouches, probably for safety or good luck. This is believed to be the source of the Dryhtnar tradition of the biháhéh, or soul-sheath.   Biháhéh are leather pouches worn about the neck, with colorful beading, embossing, or tassels to identify the home community and family of the wearer. They keep items representing sacred elements, places, and traditions to grant them strength, good fortune, health, and victory in battle. Unlike the legions, however, the biháhéh can be used by anyone. There are also special versions for a wodras, arahe, satlāde, and other positions in a community.   This is only speculation, but it's known that Dryhtnar were highly valued in the Teryn legions, fulling roles as specialty cavalry and archers in addition to infantry service. Even if the modern form of their deadly war bows didn't exist millennia ago, their physiology allowed them to use heavier draws with mounted bows, longbows, and hurled javelins.