Marks of Ctho (Kih-THO)
One's "marks of Ctho" (or simply "marks") is a general term encompassing all exhibited physical traits of nae'cthosai ancestry, though most often to those that appear as a nae'cthosai ages. Although these traits vary by individual, there are common themes/appearances between them.
"Ctho" is the nae'cthosai term for 'the Source', encompassing both the natural physical world and the Ega as a holistic, living system of which they are avatars of sorts.
Causes
There is no known catalyst for developing one's marks other than age; being born with strong marks or developing them early appears to be random, and is simply regarded as a gift. Likewise, one's type of mark is not necessarily hereditary.
Symptoms
Marks typically fall into three types: bird (sky-touched), plant (forest-touched), or insect (nest-touched). They can take the form of any Icalaran species, though some are more common than others and with plant-type marks being the most common. It is rare for more than one type or species of mark to manifest in a single individual.
Treatment
Considering these are highly-prized, no treatment exists.
Prognosis
To varying degrees, one's marks will grow and spread as one ages as part of the natural nae'cthosai lifecycle, with forest-touched marks becoming predominant regardless of the initial type of marks until the individual reaches the end of their Walking life and enters the Resting period of their life.
Cultural Reception
Marks of Ctho are highly-prized as a sign of being close to not only the Ctho but as being of especially strong stock (or, in less scientific circles, as being especially blessed). Although early exhibition could be regarded as meaning a shorter time until one's humanoid lifecycle ends, it is still seen as a blessing, as becoming one with nature again is regarded as an early 'ascension' or return to the Ctho.
Contrastingly, to exhibit late, or hardly at all, is seen as pitiable.
Type
Genetic
Origin
Natural
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired & Congenital
Rarity
Common
Affected Species
Comments