The Ritual of Scarification
Scarification is done in many parts of the world, usually in place of tattooing, especially in Africa where the inks don't show as well in the skin as ash treated cuts. In many cases the scarification can be used to denote any number of ideals, many of which depends on region & tribe.
History
Scarification is a form of body modification, and probably older than the act of tattooing. Each design is unique to a clan, tribe or region denoting specific ideals. These can change depending on the person, their status and ethnic group. Given time, it can end up denoting something completely different to the original intent.
Most who go through it as a sign of specific status, and in this case, has been used for centuries, and adapted from earlier traditions to mark out holy warriors who hunt specific threats. The early pagan symbols have changed to either Christian or Islamic symbols. Originally seen millennia ago that the warrior would put themselves forward to hunt the worse of the worse, primarily monsters, humans, sapient species, and most of all, the dreaded Yuan-Ti.
Some have corrupted it over this time to try to draw power from infernal masters and mark themselves as being blessed by evil deities.
Execution
The usual method of carrying out scarification is the cutting of the skin down far enough to open it up so that when it heals a scar is formed. This takes time and can take multiple goes to make sure it heals to the desired effect, In many instances depending on the tribe, compounds are added to accentuate the scars. Some of these are from plant materials that cause a reaction in the skin, though ash from fires using specific trees is common. A few will use compounds from specific minerals & rocks.
Each shape is usually a simple geometric shape, sometimes in multiple blocks, while others are quite intricate made by leading experts. The latter is usually only carried out on specific individuals of high importance.
Components and tools
Usually a sharp finely bladed knife or equivalent is used to produce the cut. A tincture is sometimes applied to help the healing and produce a better scar to form. Other from that, ash is regularly used to help colour the scar, and sometimes plants, or specific minerals are added to create exceptional designs. Very rarely animal products such as venoms are used to create even more pronounced effects.
Participants
A specific number of a tribe or clan will have the knowhow on how to do this with many having a working knowledge of it. It is usually overseen by a chieftain or equivalent and a cleric of some type, and take in family or community as a whole depending on the reason it is done.
Observance
Scarification is usually seen in those individuals that have reached certain milestones. Many have basic scars showing family , clan and/or tribe. At the same time, most will get further scars when they reach adulthood or puberty, along with religious rites to favour a deity or deities to show their faith. Others are marked as specialists or slaves depending on the society they belong too. Some many get it to act as a badge of honour, or as a personal symbol. A few also will get one when carrying out their first kill, successful hunt, or first child born. Many get it as well for 'coming of age' or puberty.
A regular purpose for it is to help build up a mental & physical toughness of sorts. The majority are usually not allowed to scream or cry during the process, especially if it is linked to passage into adulthood, or into warrior societies.
"I got this cruciform pattern scar below my neck for one reason only. To show my allegiance to my people, community, and my church. It hurt when I took the vows. I wanted to show them that I was worthy, not some spoiled minor noble woman, but a warrior, a protector of innocents. And by all that is holy I have shown it.
Every day my people look to me to lead them, both as civilians, as a symbol that we may be free of evil, and as a leader of those who follow me on this quest. All men and women need to do is spot the cruciform scar and what the ritual represents. The Yuan-Ti alone fears it. They know that the marked are stronger in spirit than they are."
Martine Sascha, warrior from Aethiopea.
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