Tattoos and Magic

Tharoc Wargrider

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Tattoos and Magic

« on: 11 March 2009, 04:34:13 »

Those of you with long memories will recall my Tattooing and Body modification entry, which I started way back when I first joined. This project is still very much alive, and I am currently gathering information for the next few sections to be added.

However, one area which I feel needs to be addressed is the relationship between tattooing, branding, scarification (scarring) and Magic.
I did tentatively mention this way back when, but I feel I need to dig a little deeper this time around, as I think there could be something good in this somewhere.

Here are a few points to ponder.

Could a magic user either create a tattoo by magical means, or wear a tattoo which has magical power. ie: as a focus?

Could these tattoos be capable of movement? Imagine an animated beast magically etched under the skin of the mage, moving from arm to chest to protect against fatal injury, or down to the hand where it's power can be unleashed!
Or an animated scene which draws the viewer into it, until they are lost forever?
Or a small flower tattoo on the ankle which grows before your eyes, until the wearers body is covered in delicate vines and leaves, flower heads gently swaying in the breeze, whilst malise gather their sweet nectar?

Could they change form, or colour? Perhaps as a warning device?

Could they be cast upon another as a form of curse?

Perhaps a particular spell requires that the words/symbols of the spell are permanently etched into the skin of the caster? Would this serve as the focus, as above?

Perhaps a magical tattoo could be given sentient powers? Have its own magical powers which could aid or otherwise the wearer?

I'm sure you can all see the kind of thing I'm looking for, all I need now are some of you magically inclined folk to ponder upon these questions and help me create something suitably fantastical for my entry!


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #1 on: 11 March 2009, 04:38:21 »

Witch Queens of Marmarra place tatooed 'Seals' onto their high ranking agents. This forms a telepathic bond between them (along them to sub-vocally speak to each other conciously) and also allows the Witch Queen to inhabit the Sealed's senses.

For example, a spy will be sent into enemy territory. He will telepathically alert the Witch Queen who will then activate her ability to see through his eyes, allowing her to see all that is around him.

Helpful in the slightest?


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Tharoc Wargrider

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #2 on: 11 March 2009, 05:44:04 »

Brilliant! An excellent example of the sort of thing I was looking for, Deci.

Is there a description of the tattoos and the method of application? If not, would you care to create one, or advise me of the vital requirements and I can write it. The choice is yours.


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #3 on: 11 March 2009, 06:15:07 »

I haven't considered the method of application...but the design is that of an eye if that helps...


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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #4 on: 11 March 2009, 06:17:51 »

Any additional info is valuable, Deci. Would the eye resemble those seen in Egyptian hieroglyphs? The eye of Horus, I think it is?
Or is it of a cruder design?


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Coren FrozenZephyr

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #5 on: 11 March 2009, 06:26:57 »

Great ideas!


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #6 on: 11 March 2009, 06:28:06 »

The Eye of Horus is actually what I modelled it on, but removing the fancy flick underneath....

I'll photoshop something up for you quickly....


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Coren FrozenZephyr

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #7 on: 11 March 2009, 06:28:49 »

PS: If Ximax can't do it, I hear the Krean - or what's left of them - are offering competitive prices. Might be worth checking. (For a discount, try our special promotion code: "Krean Magic in Plain Tharian")


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #8 on: 11 March 2009, 06:30:44 »

What would be more fitting for the esoteric Krean Gypsies than various animated tatoos?


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #9 on: 11 March 2009, 06:36:01 »

Here's the eye (attached)

Also note, this is the Eye I wanted put on the Marmarran Flag and Official Insignia Etc.


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Tharoc Wargrider

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #10 on: 11 March 2009, 06:48:23 »

A perfect design for your requirements, if I may be so bold!

Now, all we need to do is come up with some kind of application method, and we can start to write the whole thing up for my entry.

I've taken the liberty of saving our chat so far onto a Word doc.

@ Coren. Have you any suggestions for me, my friend? Please try to keep them clean and physically possible


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Coren FrozenZephyr

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #11 on: 11 March 2009, 06:54:07 »

Basically, I was trying to speak and Deci inter-meddled between my two posts... rolleyes

A "yes" to all the points you asked us to contemplate. If not possible under the Ximaxian system, then we will find a way under the Krean one.

And I am sure I have no idea what the latter half of you post is referring to. Your mind seems to perpetually wonder into inappropriate thoughts. Bad orc.


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Decipher Ziron

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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #12 on: 11 March 2009, 06:56:43 »

Well Eludian Sorcery (The Magic of the Witch Queens) is composed of:

- Ancient Krean Magic (mainly involving complex mind control)

- Gaishen Magic (Usage of corrupting spirits)

- Inami wisdom (An Ancient civilisation who had the ability to control the void to some extent)

Inami wisdom of some sort would make greater sense....

Hows this?!

Strange runes are tatooed onto the skin while chanting in 'The Tongue of the Inami'. This conveys a sort of 'void paradox' to the runes. The runes then rearrange themselves into the shape of the aforementioned eyes, but retain the so-called 'paradox'. It is this paradox, which links the Witch Queen mentally with the Sealed regardless of where they are physically.

Eh?

Deci


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Re: Tattoos and Magic

« Reply #13 on: 11 March 2009, 07:02:45 »

Well, it all sounds very impressive, Deci, I'll give you that! Do you have it in English?

That will come in useful for the entry, I have no doubt, but how are the tattoos actually put into the skin?