Corvathian Ritual Tattoos

Tattoos play a central role in the society of the Corvathian tribes. They are markers that bind individuals to the tribe, their families and Corvathian law.
The tattoo on left hand given during an Induction ceremony into the tribe. Those with tattoo are subject to Corvathian law and tradition. They are expected to aid all Corvathians. Stealing or violence against another Corvathian is subject to brutal punishment. The tattoos are found on the left hand. Corvathian tattoos are full of meaning and language that is understood by other Corvathians. On top of the hand is the Corvathian crest and a symbol for the town in which a Corvathian is either born or inducted into the tribe. On the palm are two tattoos. The first is a copy of the tattoo of the tribe members parents or their Oathbearers. For those not born into the tribe they must be sponsored by another tribe member, called an Oathbearer. Such sponsorship is not taken on lightly because the Oathbearer becomes responsible for their charges behavior. Punishments for violation of Corvathian code by a inducted tribal member are also passed directly on to the person's oath bearer. Thus the tattoos are important legal documents that link together families and most importantly Oathbearers. The second tattoo is unique to the individual and acts as their seal. It will be passed on if they become parents or Oathbearers. Many families use core motifs and symbols making an individual's family recognizable by their tattoos.
Tattoos act as legal documents for enforcing Corvathian law, in particular the enforcement of Oathbearer penalties.