The Unmarked
The Brand is a central way of life in Ankaluun and it is somewhat rare to come across someone from here that is of age and does not have the tattoo. The strongest secular organization within the entire continent is based on the counterfeiting of the ubiquitous marks.
The Unmarked exist in a culture that rebels against the Brand and the associations that it declares. Despite the secular nature of their beliefs, they apply an almost religious zeal to their practices.
They live in communities across Ankaluun, but while an Unmarked may live amongst those with The Brand, very few do. Their own communities have but one rule, those with The Brand may not live there or even sleep amongst them.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
The single shared value of the Unmarked is that none of their ilk shall take The Brand. Children brought up within the culture rarely break away from this core tenet as it is not particularly onerous and is a great sense of pride amongst them. Those Unmarked that make their way in the world will suffer strange stares and even epithets hurled in their direction when their bare necks are noticed.
The subgroup within the group is those that have chosen to become part of their fellowship after previously being tattooed. Completely removing the Brand is a painful process which scars the skin and saps the body of the small bits of power that the inks provide. Very few come to the Unmarked in this manner, but those that do are often held in great esteem due to their sacrifice.
Coming of Age Rites
As their is no Brand to signify the coming of age in the Unmarked, they choose to celebrate the passage with a celebration. Each young man or woman is gifted three items from each of their family and friends. The three items are meant to signifiy the three powers they are giving away as part of choosing to forego the magic inks.
Common Taboos
A member of the culture who chooses to break away and get the Brand is shunned by the Unmarked. The branding is considered a betrayal to their ideals of freedom and a reliance only on ones natural abiltiies. The Brand is anathema to them and those who choose to leave their fellowship and get tattooed are no longer welcome amongst them.
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