Sigil Seals

Signet rings, and their precursors (stamps, cylindrical seals, etc.) were extant as early as [year] on the Kupenan continent. It was only natural that nearly as soon as this invention appeared it would be turned to the preservation and distribution of a much older technology: sigils. As sigils are based on a precise system of circles and lines in which imprecision could materially impact the potency and safety of the spell represented, the ability to (comparatively) cheaply and easily reproduce sigils (both for their effect on the surfaces they were applied to, as well as for their pattern for reproduction at a larger scale) was a monumental advancement.

Physical Design

Debossing

Early Debossing Tools

The earliest tool intentionally engineered for the sustained purpose of accurately reproducing sigils (as opposed to minimally refined rocks and sticks) was likely as simple as thin strips of metal, shaped into rings, with notches on the foundational circle-stamp to mark common divisions where the interior, phase-marking circles were placed. The phase-marking circle-stamps themselves bore similar notches, to mark their intersection points with the foundational circle, depending on the foundational circle’s size.

Carved and Cast Stamps and Seals

For specific, small, sigil patterns, the foundational and phase-marking circles can appear together on the same applicator and the entire pattern can be applied at once to the preserving medium. This was, and still is, achieved through the use of stone or metal seals, flat or cylindrical, either coated in ink or used to impress patterns on a surface such as clay or leather.

Signet Rings

The other popular tool for applying sigil patterns (though its uses are more narrow and less practical) is the signet ring. Signet rings marked with the classic "Secrecy Sigil" were popular during the reigns of the mage-tyrants. Because of their association with the mage-tyrants such designs have mostly fallen out of use in official communication and crests.

Item type

Tool