Tattoos
Historically a practical means of keeping track of slaves, tattooing now tends to evoke mixed reactions. Where some consider it a mark of humility and honor, others see a debasing reminder of past atrocities.
History
Under the Raithar Empire, it was common to tattoo slaves and other workers. These tattoos were usually located on the upper arm and indicated who the bearer worked for and where, which indirectly signaled what kind of work the person did and even their approximate worth. Additions were made to signal certain privileges--for example, a worker who was allowed to purchase supplies on their employer's behalf would be given a coin tattoo, signaling the owner's permission to shopkeepers.
Since the empire fell, different cultures and groups have reclaimed or rejected the practice to various degrees.
Components and tools
Though some use a simple needle, most skin-scribes use a needle placed at the end of a long handle in conjunction with a stick (called a hammer) in the other hand. By tapping the handle with the hammer, they are able to more easily maintain a rhythm of quick, even punctures. Black and dark red inks are common using either method.
Participants
In Valor
Tattooing is rare in Valor, with the exception of some rural areas and of the Valorian Knights. Though only a minority of knights have tattoos, it is still a much larger number than the general population. Their designs almost always emulate Valor Ascendant's slave tattoo; some bearing a literal copy and others putting a spin on it in some way, such as substituting the Valorian Spear sigil in place of the owner's mark. They may also use historical privilege marks or personally meaningful symbols to make their tattoos more unique or to signal their values.
Valoran dogfolk and goblins tend to especially despise the practice of tattooing, which likely has a negative effect on their relations with the knights.
Abroad
Tattooing is somewhat more accepted practice in Anteus, where decorative patterns are used to display the bearer's individuality or enhance their beauty. In Deeproots Elidian, tattoos on the face and forearms designate the bearer's tribe and family relations, and are extremely common.
Body and facepaint are common in Shaodan, but do not seem to have their origins in slave tattoos.
Comments