Taputapu Ta Moko/Tattoo Tools

To the Kaikaranga Moana people, tattoos serve as an important part of identity, visibly indicating family, status, profession, and clan rank. To be without a tattoo is to be without an identity, without purpose and as such, the Hand Tapper's tools are considered some of the most sacred items within the camp. Receiving a tattoo is a painful process, as the Hand Tapper strikes an ink-coated chisel into the recipient's skin. Each strike must be equally coated, and applied with equal force. The tools are often etched with the identifying family marks also passed down on the Hand Tapper’s face.

Tools and Components

Traditional tattooing is done with a fishbone chisel. Magical tattooing requires a dragon bone chisel, as the material is able to distill the magical essence through the ink and seal it into the skin. Both magical and non magical chisels are considered family relics and are closely protected. Chisels are considered to increase in power and ability each passing generation, though there are no measurable differences in printed tattoo abilities. Each Hand Tapper is encouraged to make one during their practice.

Crafting the Tools

Crafting the chisel and hammer is considered a pinnacle part of a Hand Tapper's career. This should only be done after decades of practice as the tapper learns what aspects are needed for successful tool crafting. Several practice chisels are made out of various bones and are practiced on different tanning pelts to make sure the point and craftmanship is sufficient. Because chisels are considered bonded with the family their are crafted for, chisels are first sought from other family members, the closer in relationship the better. However, because dragon bone is a rare though durable material, many Hand Tappers never craft a magical chisel of their own and prefer to purchase one from an older, more experienced colleague.

Chisels

Chisels are passed down from mother to daughter. If more than one daughter learns the craft, the chisel is presented to the daughter of their choosing. Informally, this is seen as a sign of honor and acknowledgement as the daughter with the most talent. This has caused several family squabbles. To prevent this tension some hand tapper split up their chisel and hammer, though splitting a set is traditionally viewed as splitting the power of the set.

Hammers

Hammers are considered the less important tool in the set as they do not need to interact with any magical components. They are, however, an important part of the set. They must be firm enough to thrust the chisel through the skin without being strong enough to actually break the chisel. Hammers are commonly made out of softer sandstone or bone.

Ink

Ink pigments vary from clan to clan and hand tappers will commonly boast about specific pigments. However, because tattoos are so commonplace and must be easily read, most tattoos are black with occasional colored ornamentation. Blank ink uses squid ink for a base. Magical tattoos require similar components to the spell counterparts. Attribute tattoos require gemstones of various varieties and value.

Types of Tattoos

Tattoos are a commonplace occurrence on the island and every community member accumulates tattoos throughout their lives. Tatoos identify family relationships, clan status, profession, and special talents and abilities. Tattoos can also be used by individuals to increase their natural abilities. These magical tattoos are far more rare, as they can only be created by hand tapper trained in harnessing and transferring magic.
Common magical tattoos include the following:

• armor resistance buff
• increase attribute points
• increase (5ft) in walking or swim speed
• additional spell slot]
• Resistances
• additional +1 unarmed to hit: natural weapons like claws, fangs, tail, wings

Appearance

When viewed in ordinary light, non-expendable magical tattoos have a black glossy sheen to them that ordinary tattoos don't have. Expendable magical tattoos are lightly animated. Geometric patterns coil and shift within themselves, creating a slow, almost hypnotic effect that fades after the spell has been used. When viewed through a detect magic spell, the tattoos glow in the color associated with the relevant school of magic. Some tattoos change colors when activated. For example, a fire resistant tattoo will flare a brilliant red color and a poison-resistant tattoo will flare a vibrant green when encountering poison.

Player Hooks

Players can meet a hand tapper and get a tattoo of their own choosing. See article for tattoo options

A handtapper's tools have been stolen and they are asking the party for help finding them.

Passive Permanent Tattoos

• Ruby dust: +1 Strength (2200gp)
• Emerald dust: +1 Dexterity (2200gp)
• Diamond dust: +1 Constitution (2500gp)
• Jade dust: +1 Wisdom (2200gp)
• Sapphire dust: +1 Intelligence (2200gp)
• Aquamarine dust: +1 Charisma (2200gp)
• Fire Opal dust: Fire resistance (5000gp)
• Black Sapphire dust: Cold resistance (5000gp)

(credit Matt Mercer)

Item type

Tool

Color Association for each School of Magic

• Abjuration - Yellow
• Conjuration - Blue
• Divination - Silver
• Enchantment - Violet
• Evocation - Red
• Illusion - Rainbow
• Necromancy - Deep Purple
• Transmutation - Orange