Mahōbori (mah.oː.bo.ɾi)

Mahōbori is the technique of creating magical tattoos which is primarily practiced in the Empire of Wamato. Invented originally by the priests of the Yuralin Tabadhik, it has since spread beyond its religious roots, and masters of the art (known as mahōbori-shi) can be found in every major settlement in the Empire. Its original name in Nivkhi was called Qorlabaru, but the Yanjinese name has become far more common since the art has spread.

Mahōbori tattoos allow the bearer to access magical abilities by forming a connection with their own innate spiritual energy, in a similar way to those born with the gift of true magic. To do so requires the use of shinrinjū, a liquid derived from leechleaf juice that forms a conduit for those energies. Due to the dangers involved in harvesting the leechleaf bush, the supply of shinrinjū is limited and it is very expensive to obtain.

The powers granted by the mahōbori tattoos have some limitations when compared to the spells used by true mages. They permit the bearer moments of incredible power, enabling supernatural feats of physical prowess. However, they cannot directly effect anyone other than the wearer, and usually are very short-lived, although some people have learned to sustain the effects longer via meditative techniques. Each tattoo allows access to a particular gift, which is determined by the placement of the tattoo and the symbology it incorporates. Mahōbori tattoos are placed in spiritually significant locations of the body, such as the solar plexus, over the heart, at the base of the spine, or on the palms of the hand. A mahōbori-shi combines the symbology and the location to access a particular power, which the bearer then learns to use. As they practice and gain facility with the tattoo, the effect can increase. For example, a heart tattoo may allow access to moments of exceptional strength, and with continued practice, the power of the bearer's blows can continuously increase.

Using the mahōbori tattoo is spiritually exhausting, and some powers are more tiring than others. Over use can leave a person drained and weak, prone to nightmares, insomnia, and depression. With rest, these issues will usually resolve themselves, but severe overexertion can inflict long-lasting trauma on the mind and spirit. Wise users of mahōbori tattoos are careful to pace their use of the powers to avoid overexertion, and to both rest and engage in spiritually restorative practices like meditation.

An incorrectly formed or placed mahōbori tattoo can be dangerous. Instead of granting the bearer access to a supernatural power, it creates an imperfect connection to their soul that can have a variety of unfortunate consequences, such as attracting malevolent spirits or allowing the victim's soul to slowly leak away and unravel. There are rumors that deliberately malformed mahōbori tattoos have been used as punishments for the worst crimes against the Empire of Wamato, but there is no confirmation that this has ever happened.

Mahōbori is primarily used by humans, and mahōbori-shi are almost entirely human and from the Empire of Wamato. There are a few aethry and selkies who have received mahōbori tattoos; selkies usually have to shave the fur away to receive one, and the shinrinjū inhibits the regrowth of their fur over the lines of the tattoo, rendering it somewhat visible even after the fur around the ink has grown back. None of the Kikipua have ever successfully received a mahōbori tattoo; their scales do not accept the ink in a way that permits the connection with their spirit. The kitsunejin do practice mahōbori; they also shave their fur to permit the tattoo to be drawn, and their fur also does not grow over the inked lines. However, they require a mahōbori-shi who understands their physiology, as the placement of tattoos differs greatly between humans and kitsunejin, for reasons that are not completely understood.