Tattooed power *

[Shadoweagle]

Just thinking this up on the spot, now

There are many instances of Tattooing and painting to raise morals and place fear in the hearts of opponents in battle, for example indian war-painting.

What if Tattooes, crafted onto people with mages fire, gave certain abilities with different symbols? Of course, the crafting of such tattooes is not only a painful procedure (especially using raw fire elemental fire), but Tattooes of this type would constantly draw on the owners inner strength, meaning that not just ANYONE can have piles of tattooes sparked all over their body, because that would drain their life force, sucking them dry.

As one gets older and more battle-hardened, they will be able to withstand more and more tattooes bieng placed on their skin. In my head, I see an army fighting at the base of the hill, and at the top, the general is watching over his army, whilst idly fingering the three tattooes on his shoulderblade that was grafted on there by the order of king, along with his promotion to general. The General is thinking back to how many years service HE had to go through to be hardened enough to be able to get a whole three tattooes upon himself.

On this train of thought - the Tattooes are more than just a boost of power/ability giving insignia, but are also a heirachical sign. The more powerful the symbols and the more symbols there are, the greater respect one would be given by the general population, as it shows a hard life of training.

And if someone is degraded in the armies, or has done the community a great injustice? The king unsheathes his ceremonial dagger, and LOPS off the segment of skin which the tattoo was imprinted on. Pain, loss of power and disgrace. How much worse can you get? But this idea can also be used when fighting AGAINST a powerful person with many powers - to get rid of the powers the enemy has, you must scrape, slice or burn away the tattoo.

All the tattooes which give power, are of the same size, perhaps two/three inches in diameter, but the symbols and images on them vary, which gives the alternating powers. Examples are as follows:

_________________________________________________ _____________________
All images are encircled by a thin line, a ring of black.
The Crown
Appearance: A golden-hued crown, inset with a single ruby, with a jade background.
Effect: Increases the players respect slightly. Makes him more pleasant to look at, and seem more enjoyable to be with. The typical  image of a lord or duke.

The Eagle
Appearance: A dark-feathered eagle, wings outstretched, in a death swoop to pick up its prey, talons outstretched. Topaz background.
Effect: Increased, magnified and sharpened vision. A chance to see through illusions (roll a dice).

The Owl
Appearance: Similar to the eagle, except it is a brown coloured owl. Black background.
Effect: Ability to see more clearly in the darkness.

The Dragon
Appearance: A dragonhead, emerald hued, with menacing glare. Ruby background.
Effect: Toughened skin/hide. Ability to withstand elements and temperatures (heat/cold, not just heat) slightly more.

The Stag
Appearance: Image of a snowy stag, leaping across. Sapphire background.
Effect: Endurance and Stamina. Able to travel farther without difficulty and so on.

The Gauntlet
Appearance: A clenched metallic gauntlet on an amber background.
Effect: Greatens the ability to defend onesself. Increases reaction time.

The Rat
Appearance: A single rat, usual grey coloured, on a black background.
Effect: Stealth. Makes ones footsteps quieter and makes one more difficult to be seen. The typical choice for a thief or assassin. Sometimes Rat-tattooed people arent admitted into certain places.

------------------------------------------
Of course, you can make your own symbols.


What if, in conjunction with a traditional 'levelling up' scheme, wherein a person gains more power by assigning skills and attributes, every second level, the person is allowed to add another tattoo to their body. (the tattooes can only be added if there is either a magician in the group skilled in tattoo-art, or otherwise they will have to go to a town, and the local 'tattooist' will set one up for you, for a hefty fee.

These are also a good indication of what type of foe you are up against, as well - if the foe shows you its tattooes. Perhaps the mastermind/final enemy in a campaign turns to the party, and upon his face and shoulders, are a good 15 tattoos.

Some shops/guilds etc... may only allow people who have over a certain amount of tattoes inside. For example, a veterans club or what-have-you. Perhaps the campaign is to get information off a person in this veterans club, but to do so, the adventurers need to go attack some beasts to up their skill enough to get some more tattooes.


Im not sure I should have put this in flesh it out - as I started on it, I kind of filled in my blanks But I'll let others give their thoughts and ideas, anyway

[Shadoweagle]

One thing: These abilities may perhaps level up passively as the character levels more and more, or perhaps, as the character gets stronger, he can get a mage to add to the tattoo or alter it in some way, which will increase the effect of what it does - its really up to the DM.

The tattooes shouldnt give massively great powers to start with, they should be used only to give an advantage, not to overwhelm. But as the tattooes and players level up, they can get more powerful and become truly beneficial.

[Strolen]

Oooh. I love this topic!!! Have had a few discussions on it and will add some of the things we came up with when I get some time.

Forgot all about this one Shadow, sweet that you came up with it.

[Shadoweagle]

Ha! Thanks I think it can be used well in many campaigns, even as a campaign starter in some instances. It can be a common aspect in an entire world.

Another thing I had thought on, is that the tattooes may be strictly governed, and there are some tattooes which are not allowed in the kingdoms towns (Think exiles, rebel towns etc...) due to the effects they have on people.

These Tattooes are as such:

The Crimson Eye
Appearance: An eye, with crimson pupil, on a black background.
Effect: Increases bloodlust and fervor in combat. This often leads to gruesome murders.

The Jesters Cap
Appearance: A colourful jesters cap, with golden bells and blue and crimson fabric, on a brown background.
Effect: Makes one take a lighter attitude to life - makes one not take things as seriously. Could be comparative to drugs such as heroin in real life. This essentially effects people in making judgements. A choice of someone who has suffered great loss and wants to feel better.

Sorrow
Appearance: An eye irises matching the colour of the user, shedding a single tear, on a jade background.
Effect: Makes others in a small radius feel worse about themselves - an aura of sorrow. Highly advanced tattooes of this type may cause the average citizen to break down in tears on the spot. The choice of havoc-making people, who want to make advantages of any situation.

[ephemeralstability]

I love the ideas on this thread, they could really be incorporated into my Erezi gameworld. Here are a couple more possible tattoos:

The Fish
Appearance: Rather like the ancient Christian symbol, a stylised fish.
Effect: Enhances the wearer's ease of movement in water. It is used by sailors and has become an emblem of good luck which also appears painted on sails.

The Tower of Strength
Appearance: This impressive tattoo stretches from the base of the wearer's spine to the name of the neck, and resembles a fortified tower.
Effect: Over time it slightly increases the wearer's endurance (both physical and emotional) but having it inscribed is a risky process, as it's so close to the spinal column. It makes people seem taller, but maybe it's just that they stand straighter when they have such a decoration to be proud of.

ephe!

[Shadoweagle]

Nice

Though I more invisioned the tattoos as symbols encircled, such as this popular one:

So the symbols were easily discernable from first, any normal tattoes and scars, and second so they were thought more of 'badges' or 'medals' than simple power-giving images.

But the idea of the tower is interesting.

Perhaps to draw on the correct segment of ones power, the tattoos must be administered on certain parts of the body (such as Ephes tower one).


The Tattoos may be of good use in a low-magic world as well, where the only magi are tattoo artists. It is also a way of broadening the horizons for typical warriors - as they level, they may choose different tattoos, giving them different powers and therefore creating much diversity - even in an all-warrior party. One may choose speed and stealth, so he can sneak up on an enemy, whereas another may choose strength and resistance, so as to deal big blows and not be injured as easily. These could work well together, where the strong one can distract a dangerous foe by taking a hit, or flailing around a huge greatsword, where the other one can sneak around behind and stab the foe in the back.

[CaptainPenguin]

Luck-Sped Wings of the Benevolent Bluebird- These tattooes, blue-feathered wings which spread across the shoulder blades, grant the wearer the ability to transform into the shape of a bluebird once per day. In addition, good luck and good news seem to visit the tattooed one more often. However, the user becomes like the bluebird, smaller and frailer, less strong and tough, though quick and quick-witted.

Eagle's Puissant Pinions- These golden-feathered wings, tattooed on the shoulder blades, grant the tattooed one the power to take the form of an eagle once per day. In addition, during daylight, the bearer of the tattoo may have the eagle's mile-spearing vision. However, the bearer's vision at night deteriorates until at night, they cannot tell a man from a stone. In addition, the bearer begins to crave the raw meat of hares, small birds, and other prey of eagles.

Grandfather Owl's Wise-Shadowed Wings- These grey-feathered wings, likewise tattooed on the shoulder blades, grant the wearer the ability to take the form of an owl once per night. The bearer may also twist their head around 180 degrees, like an owl, and their hearing becomes exquisite, like an owl's. However, the bearer may find themselves drifting to sleep during the noon hours, yawning uncontrollably before dusk, and slumbering through breakfast, yet brilliantly awake and alert in the midst of midnight.

[Shadoweagle]

Those are quite powerful tattooes. Perhaps Wing tattooes are a branch off the normal tattooes which can only be imprinted safely on a person after he reaches a certain strength or level (A level 10 skill or what-have-you).

As a matter of fact, thats an interesting idea...

Transformation Tattooes
This form of tattooes does not take the form of a circular symbol, but rather as a segment of a certain type of animal. Tranformation tattooes require much life essence and therefore can only be places on more hardened, life-experienced people. People often tend to choose an animal on which they can relate to, such as the solitary, nightfaring owl, or the brute powerful bear. Users of Transformation tattooes take on several characteristics of the animal on which they choose. They also tend have slightly more obscure names to them Examples are the winged tattooes, and some of the following:

Claws of the Howling Lupine
Appearance: These are the image of wolven claws, which are imprinted over each of the ten knuckles of a person.
Effect: This allows a person, once a day, to transform into a wolf. The appearance and colour of the wolf is dependant on the users preference, but once an appearance is chosen, it cannot be altered.
Characteristics: Bearers of the Claws of the Howling Lupine tend to be extra-alert as the full moon is out, and can often see better in the dark. They prefer to take charge of small groups, and, if they come across another bearer of the Claws, they are naturally enemies - all bearers want to become the alpha male. The same is true for females, it gives a doministic nature to the people.

The Angered Bears Crushing Teeth
Appearance: These are the image of Sharpened bears teeth, and are imprinted either side of the persons mouth.
Effect: This allows a person, once a day, to transform into a bear. The appearance and colour of the bear is dependant on the users preference, but once an appearance is chosen, it cannot be altered.
Characteristics: Bearers of the Angered Bears Crushing Teeth tend to be extremely powerful, but sometimes slow and ponderous. They prefer to be either alone or in small groups.

_________________________________________________ _______________
If the person has only just reached the ability to have one of these tattooes, they are able to turn into their animal for only a few minutes a day, but as they level further and grow more accustomed, they can transform from 30 minutes to an hour.

Only one of these tattooes may ever be placed on a person. One cannot have two or more animal personas within them, or they conflict with each other, killing the host painfully.

[Luke Lavin]

Also maybe they could be used in prison to weaken the mind or will of prisoners.  Maybe a tatoo of shackles across the body part to slow its function or cease it.  The tatoo  of shackles on someone's head could slow their thinking or severly weaken their will.

Tatoos of shackles on the limbs could deform their functions, or limit their strength.

[Strolen]

Some could show ownership by others as well. Perhaps they are used to control the person to a point. Another reason certain tatoos are outlawed because they know they are of a certain cult/group and can be somewhat controlled through the tatoo.

A certain sect has corresponding tatoos of different pattern and when their arms are interlaced over each other's shoulders in a circle it completes a bigger pattern and a huge spell of some sort. Perhaps some kingdoms have an order that do this and are pledged to protect a kingdom in time of need with their combined power. Others might be powerful by themselves but when combined with others they are able to cast different, more powerful spells.

(Must find my notes)

[Feathers Of The Raven]

Or perhaps the tatoos could enhance the wearer, but at a cost. Persay they get the dragon for example. So there under a sercomstance when they could use this they do and after the situation has passed the user faints or has a damaging effect. Like a double bladed sword it swings both ways. Or it could allow the user to be protected for a time and after that period of time the effects come back two fold. So once again ill use the dragon for example the person uses it to protect themselves from a cold winter storm and after it has passed the person receives a major frost burn on some random portion of there being.

Just some barbaric thoughts.

[Shadoweagle]

That is an idea, FotR. Perhaps a speed boosting one, which doubles the users speed and agility when they place their hand over it, but after the effect wears off, they feel the weight of what they just did, two-fold

[Iain]

Another thought on this trend: perhaps a tattoo that gave resistance to cold continues to work in hot weather, meaning the person is in danger of over-heating if he exerts himself too much in warm times (like some animals with thick coats). Temperature tattoos such as this would be very useful (and probably widely used) for people who live in climatic extremes such as deserts or tundra but would ultimately restrict these people's movement if they went abroad.

[Shadoweagle]

nice.

If they wanted to move to different extremes in temperatures, they would have to have the first tattoo shaved or burned off, which would be painful.

[EchoMirage]

In my current campaign (running two years already!) there is a nation where everyone recieves a first tattoo upon reaching maturity, but every of their successes, as well as their history, is tattooed upon them, marrying earns a tattoo with the beloved one's symbol, while every child also is worth a mark. Great deeds are also inscribed on the one who performed them, and teachers place the marks of progress upon their students.
Of course, pretension becomes quite difficult in such a society.
A side effect of this is that the citizens regard all foreigners as children, as none of them bear a tattoo of maturity ... and your charismatic bard may wonder and ponder why it is so hard to get laid in that land...

Check out GURPS Magic&Grimoire for the Amulet, Talisman and Ensorcel spells - these provide a nice mechanism for tattooing spells onto people - hard to lose that thing, right?

Anyone of you who played Planescape: Torment? there also was a tattoo artist who could adorn you with the pictures of your friends and deeds that gave you bonuses...

as for the debilitating tattoos mentioned earlier:

Burning Embers this one is placed upon prisoners - it is without effect until touched by one wearing a Guardian tattoo - then the one marked by the Burning Embers is struck with excruciating pain. Useful for keeping the fellows in line. Impossible to turn against the guards.

Iron Roots this tattoo is without effect until the wearer leaves a certain location or enters a specified area - then he starts to weaken rapidly like a plant ripped from soil. Useful for prisons, exile and restraining ordersA side effect could be that removing the tattoo causes weakness for say a month...

Mark of Shamelike the name suggests. Something similar to the Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne

[Maggot]

Enduring rock-The skin of the wearer of this tatto actually hardes into a hard,rough surface that resembles a a skin colored rock. The thickness of this protective layer depends on the kind of rocks found in the area that the person is currently in. So,for example,if the person calls forth the powers of the tatto when he is surounded by massive granite rock formations,then he becomes invulnerble to steel blades. The enchantment only lasts as long a he stays close to the rock formations,however. If he strays more then five meteres away from them,his skin reverts back to it's normal state.

[Murometz]

BUMP. These are the kinds of idea-bouncing threads we need more of in the forums!

[Mourngrymn]

if the person calls forth the powers of the tatto when he is surounded by massive granite rock formations

I like it... very unique thought. And perhaps if they were unlucky enough to call forth this power when in an area of soapstone, or shale that is brittle. Interesting...