Melesian Tattoos
An overview of common themes
The traditional tattoos of Melesian culture vary in style from the North to the South of the island. The Isles of Meles are home to a colourful spectrum of settlers, with the warmer northern regions being richer in culture and arts, and the south holding strong to their traditional core values.
Tattooing is fairly commonplace especially within the working classes of the isles. It is rare for nobility in the north to have tattoos, but in the south it's bizarre to see an unmarked man. Most tatoos are limited to the arms and hands only, and the majority of people only have only three or four tattoos.
Ships - The symbol of a ship can vary in design and can represent a sailor or fisherman's profession, or a lust for adventure.
Shells & Waves - These designs are very traditional and are mostly used as decorative elements. Some say that each shell represents a milestone within a person's life.
Dragons - Dragons are another design with a religious background, as Glodyn has a loyal pet dragon by the name of Iskra.
Hammers - This design represents cultural pride, and has connotations of strength, sturdiness and reliability.
Goats with pointed horns - Goats heads or skulls are another iconic "Shepherd" tattoo and are often largely displayed on the chest.
Daisies - A discreet tattoo of The Way of the Shepherd is a small daisy growing amongst other large tattoos so it can be overlooked.
Cards & dice - A classic thief tattoo, every crime is worth the gamble.
Fish hook - Another representation of a criminal who's been caught. If the hook is empty, they've never been caught, if there's a fish on the end, they have.
Sharks - Black Coast Sharks are often seen encircling around smuggler's forearms, it represents the treacherous waters they sail through and the risks they face. It's a permanent memento mori.
Broken anchor - The anchor with a broken chain is a pirate's tattoo with connotations of being uncatchable, never settling in one place and never being weighed down.
North Meles Tattoos
Themes
Pines - The symbol of pinecones is a national icon of the isles and is struck on every coin. This tattoo can represent a great pride of nationality and loyalty to country.Ships - The symbol of a ship can vary in design and can represent a sailor or fisherman's profession, or a lust for adventure.
Shells & Waves - These designs are very traditional and are mostly used as decorative elements. Some say that each shell represents a milestone within a person's life.
South Meles Tattoos
Themes
Flames - The decorative elements of flames adorn the sleeves of many men, as it's a very traditional religious tattoo in honour of the Heart of Glodyn.Dragons - Dragons are another design with a religious background, as Glodyn has a loyal pet dragon by the name of Iskra.
Hammers - This design represents cultural pride, and has connotations of strength, sturdiness and reliability.
Occult Tattoos
Themes
The Shepherd's Crook - The most iconic symbol of The Way of the Shepherd and the easiest way to identify a follower of The Shepherd.Goats with pointed horns - Goats heads or skulls are another iconic "Shepherd" tattoo and are often largely displayed on the chest.
Daisies - A discreet tattoo of The Way of the Shepherd is a small daisy growing amongst other large tattoos so it can be overlooked.
Criminal Tattoos
Themes
Keys - Represents that an individual has been locked up / imprisoned.Cards & dice - A classic thief tattoo, every crime is worth the gamble.
Fish hook - Another representation of a criminal who's been caught. If the hook is empty, they've never been caught, if there's a fish on the end, they have.
Pirate and Smuggler Tattoos
Themes
Lamprey - The legendary Black Lamp is a popular and ominous seafaring tattoo. It's a sign of bad luck, and to have the tattoo is to be fearless.Sharks - Black Coast Sharks are often seen encircling around smuggler's forearms, it represents the treacherous waters they sail through and the risks they face. It's a permanent memento mori.
Broken anchor - The anchor with a broken chain is a pirate's tattoo with connotations of being uncatchable, never settling in one place and never being weighed down.
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