tatoos as "spellbooks"? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

tatoos as "spellbooks"?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
divisionbyzer0
Jan 24, 2009 2:00:31 Is using personal body tattoos as a spell book viable?

Would this be a use beyond the scope of profession tattooist + spellcraft to make such inscriptions on the body?

Possible to disguise them as spell formulae from those with spellcraft thru the art of the surrounding tattoo itself?

Has anyone ever pursued this?

Thoughts?
#2
phoenix_m
Jan 24, 2009 16:47:52 I once found rules on that... IIRC it was from 'The Scarred Lands' by Sword and Sorcery.

Given that mentioned spellbooks can be anything from knotted hair and stick notching up to the classic written scrolls and tablets I don't see any problem with the concept - other than it might lead to un-wanted attention if another wizard happens to notice and decipher them.
#3
pavek
Jan 24, 2009 17:30:56 If I remember correctly there was a Urikite Templar/Defiler in the Dragons Crown adventure that used tattoos as his spellbook. If I get a chance I'll look it up for you and post back.
#4
pavek
Jan 25, 2009 19:13:55 Yup. Just looked it up. Page 87 of The Road of Fire book in the Dragons Crown adventure.

Wardo Keshan
Human Male Defiler 12/Templar 5

Quick paraphrase

He has black skin. His most striking feature...is fantastic, flowing writing, all in white, that covers the front of his arms, his chest, and the front of his legs. The writing will seem to be upside down, but for good reason: the tattoos are Wardos "spell book". Short of flaying the skin from his body, no one can ever take it from him. He keeps himself covered at all times and kills anyone who happens to see it.

Hope that helps.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 divisionbyzer0 Jan 24, 2009 2:00:31	Is using personal body tattoos as a spell book viable? Would this be a use beyond the scope of profession tattooist + spellcraft to make such inscriptions on the body? Possible to disguise them as spell formulae from those with spellcraft thru the art of the surrounding tattoo itself? Has anyone ever pursued this? Thoughts?
#2 phoenix_m Jan 24, 2009 16:47:52	I once found rules on that... IIRC it was from 'The Scarred Lands' by Sword and Sorcery. Given that mentioned spellbooks can be anything from knotted hair and stick notching up to the classic written scrolls and tablets I don't see any problem with the concept - other than it might lead to un-wanted attention if another wizard happens to notice and decipher them.
#3 pavek Jan 24, 2009 17:30:56	If I remember correctly there was a Urikite Templar/Defiler in the Dragons Crown adventure that used tattoos as his spellbook. If I get a chance I'll look it up for you and post back.
#4 pavek Jan 25, 2009 19:13:55	Yup. Just looked it up. Page 87 of The Road of Fire book in the Dragons Crown adventure. Wardo Keshan Human Male Defiler 12/Templar 5 Quick paraphrase He has black skin. His most striking feature...is fantastic, flowing writing, all in white, that covers the front of his arms, his chest, and the front of his legs. The writing will seem to be upside down, but for good reason: the tattoos are Wardos "spell book". Short of flaying the skin from his body, no one can ever take it from him. He keeps himself covered at all times and kills anyone who happens to see it. Hope that helps.