Tattoos



Most Ahibanu bear tattoos, generally of serpents. These are marks of their devotion to Seht and Anahita.

Properties
Some tattoos act much like amulets in that they are able to store the gift as well as bestow the wearer with abilities other than those she was born with. These tattoos are done with special inks brewed from the waters in the deepest reaches of the temple, meaning it possesses the most power. Not all tattoos are done with this ink, and Neophytes are not permitted to use the ink. If they are tattooed while still Neophytes, it may be done over with this ink once they have risen to Initiate.

Seht is able to manipulate the tattoos when a sister is in his presence.

Placement
While the placement of a tattoo may not always be significant, some areas to hold special meaning.


 * Between the eyes - (Note: this is actually a brand rather than a tattoo) On a woman without blue eyes, this signifies that the gift has been bestowed upon her. It is typically a snake rising from the bridge of the nose.


 * Around the eyes - Enhancement or addition of spirit ability


 * Around the neck - Enhancement or addition of air ability


 * Left breast - amplification of power


 * Between the breasts- Enhancement or addition of fire ability


 * On both palms - If the tattoos are stylized eyes, then the wearer can drain other magic users of their ability without additional rituals. (Most common on Ahibanu with spirit affinity)
 * Henna pattern up the arms - Signals the barer to be or to have been an instructor.