I read it as almost all are a mundane (taking into account that magic
will probably be used, possibly a tattoo daimon - the people doing this
will probably not have access to Common magic) mark and record of ritual
and achievement. Some heroquests, ones where the protagonist got a new
tattoo, give you one without extra work.
My reason for this is that tattoos are a variable cultural thing, not a
religious-based magical thing. If it were magical, all Orlanth worshippers
would have them, not just Heortlings and some neighbours. And every
unrelated god (ones not of Storm Tribe origin) that Orlanth attracted to
his stead would have to have a myth explaining why they now do it, and a
reason.
Also, you can tell the tribe, clan and location of someone by their tatts
- so it's more than religion involved, as Orlanth doesn't really care what
tula you're from. ;)
| Paul May | kax_at_... | Kax Hoplodyne, Ltd | the_kax_at_... | MIB 1138; RD Australia | spell_at_... | PGP key on www.pgp.net | games and freeforms done while you | | wait (some lead-time required)
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