Marks of the Boki

Where other cultures wear colors and blazons to show their achievements and honors, the Boki bear markings on their skin made by a strange mixture of Bloodthorn sap administered by thorn instruments much like a tattoo or a ritual scar which shows bright red on their skin.

The Mark of the Bloodroot (Ruutsca)

This is the primary mark created by the Virut when placed upon the forehead of the Boki. The sap of the Bloodroot also infuses the Boki added strength and endurance leaving the Boki with a red mark in the center of their forehead in the vague shape of the root. Additionally, the child becomes a native of the Thornwold, recognized as such by all of its creatures. Generally, a Boki undergoes the Rite of Blood when they are first able to walk. The family will make the journey to the Vistol with the child. While it is now a rarity among the lords of the boar, some who are marked do not survive the changing of their blood.

The Mark of the Thane (Kisca)

This is the one of the early marks on the Boki. Each Thane has their own mark/blazon for their warriors to display. The Ki’s Rite is undertaken when the Boki is victorious in their first armed combat pledging their blood to their Thane. This mark is normally found on the weapon hand of the warrior. Those without a Mark of the Thane are considered nomads and do not enjoy the protection of the Thane. They are considered the lowest of the warriors. Thane marks are known to have chevron-like marks and large lines. When displayed on banners these marks are displayed on a blood red field with white thorns.

The Mark of the Thorn (Oksca)

This is the another of the early marks on the Boki. Each Thorn has their own mark/blazon for their scourge to display. The Rite of Thornbraid is undertaken when the Boki is victorious in their first armed combat. This mark is normally found on the casting hand of the shaman and is administered by a braid of bloodthorns wrapped around the hand of the caster until they wither. Those without a Mark of the Thorn are considered nomads and do not enjoy the protection of the Thorn. They are considered the lowest of the shaman. Thorn marks are known to have small marks in patterns with at least two crossing each other. When displayed on banners these marks are displayed on a green field with black thorns.

The Mark of the Raider (Zasca)

This is the second mark on the Boki. Each Raider has their own mark/blazon for their pack to display. The Rite of the Bloodhunter is undertaken when the Boki is successful in their first solo hunt. The beast of the Raider is given the sap and then made to bite the Boki’s hand. If the Boki is unworthy, then the beast will not bite the Boki. Those without a Mark of the Raider are considered nomads and do not enjoy the protection of the Raider. They are considered the lowest of the scouts. Raider marks are known to have large and small marks in angled patterns. When displayed on banners these marks are displayed on a black field with green thorns.

The Mark of the Beast (Besca)

This is a mark denoting any Speaker, Singer or Minstrel or Icon affiliation. The most prestigious mark of the Beast is that of the Boar in Boki society.

The Marks of Battle (Blusca)

These are marks denoting the battles and campaigns that the Boki was in and are usually on the arms of the Boki.