Horn shaping is a tradition dating back to
The Dark Age that fell out of fashion. It has recently made a comeback with the increased desire for self expression during the chaos that
The Rupture brought upon the world fifty years ago.
This craze called for new inventions to help with desireable body modifications such as straightened horns, curved, twisted, and of course, the ever popular elongated horns.
Species
Horn shaping is popular among adolescent
fauns who are the predominant practitioners of this technique, but some cultures are also adopting the methods to use upon their horned livestock and war mounts.
The process only works effectively on
newly growing horns and takes a number of years to achieve the desired shape. Existing growths are much harder to work with and may require further modification such as shaving.
Process
The devices are collectively known as horn shapers but consist of several tools to manipulate the growth of horns over time. Wires (or sturdy ropes) are wound tightly around the horn(s) and then pulled taut which are then anchored in place by manacles worn on the body.
Straightening can be achieved by wearing a custom made metal headpiece that fits over the growing horns and forces them to grow into the straightened pipes. Alternatively, a spreading bar can be used to push at the base of the horns to encourage them to be further apart leading to horizontal protrusions.
Due to the discomfort and impracticality of wearing these devices, many folk choose to wear them at night if they can manage to sleep through the dull aches and pains of constant tugging.
Professionalism
Horn shaping can be done at home with varying results, but for the best outcomes folks will go to an
alterationist every month to make the necessary adjustments for their desired outcome.
Some families and guilds have a signature style of horn shaping that they enforce upon each horned member of their group as a form of visual identity. If they become exiled from that organization, they have their horns broken or removed as a sign of disloyalty.
Carved horns are also coming back into fashion, with patterns and designs akin to ink based tattoos. Carved horns pair well with vibrant paints or polishes which are becoming more common among military groups, loyalists, and guilds to show the colours of their banner and making them easily identifiable.
... and humans do this to their teeth. I can well see fauns wanting to shape their horns. I would do it!