Spiral tattoos

The spiral tattoo is a very specific and complex type of pointer that grants access past the spiral wall to the spiral itself. In areas defended by a spiral tower, only spiromancers with tattoos or rebel ciphramancers can access the spiral. Although similar in appearance, spiral tattoos should not be confused with spiral brands, which prevent someone from ever entering the spiral, even through ciphramancy.

## Parts of the Spiral Tattoo

Each tattoo has two parts: a key and a signifier. The key cracks the spiral wall, allowing the mage access to the spiral itself. The signifier records everything the mage does in the spiral, such as runes they plant or case and scripts they write. Those with access to the spiral tower can see this data, stretching back years or even decades. While it is as of yet impossible to lock a rune so only the person who plants it can cast it, dedicated observation by spiral archivists, those who work in the towers, combined with the unique, identifying signifier in each tattoo, make it relatively easy to catch troublemakers.

Because the tattoo is permanent, its design is robust against damage. It can survive extra ink and scars in most locations losing effect or malfunctioning. Earlier versions of the spiral tattoo were simpler in design but became constantly painful is a scar, wrinkle, or ink crossed the outside barrier. This led to frequent amputation to save the victim suffering. Modern tattoos can survive far more damage without changing function.

## Barring Access

Tattoo distribution is a balancing act. The more people who can enter the spiral, the more likely rebel activity in the spiral will go unnoticed, the more runes will grow too large and need to be defused, and the more clutter will appear in busy areas. However, it is impossible to track those without tattoos, which makes it easier for un-tattooed people to become ciphras. Furthermore, it is difficult to get skilled enough spiromancers into remote villages in order to give all citizens tattoos.

If someone with a tattoo chooses to use their power in irresponsible ways, it is difficult to strip them of spiral access. Brands do not affect those with spiral tattoos until the tattoo is removed. By design, it is difficult to deactivate the tattoos by adding ink or scars and it remains impossible to block someone from the spiral by signifier alone. As a result, if death is not yet called for, the only way to remove someone's access to the spiral is to remove the tattoo, either by skinning the subject or amputating a limb. Afterwards, the subject is almost always branded.

## Recipients of a Tattoo

Originally, the Spiral Emperor wanted every citizen of the Spiral Empire to receive a tattoo. However, each spiral empire has the right to decide who gets tattoos and when and most cannot achieve 100% compliance.

### Seprum

In Seprum, only citizens receive tattoos. That includes all members of recognized ars and non-citizens who complete eight years of service in the army, a household, or at a craft. In rare cases, non-citizens may be rewarded for exceptional bravery with a tattoo. The Seprum spiral tattoo is modeled after the Seprum star and dull red. Seprum tattoos go on the inner wrist.

### Makkada Sultanate

Makkadi are all given tattoos when they pass a literacy test, generally at age six, seven, or eight. Children of aristocrats sometimes receive theirs at birth. Makkadi tattoos are placed on the ankle or sometimes foot. Courtesy dictates they should be covered by shoe, socks, pants, or skirt at all times.

### Triple Kingdom

#### Dhi

Because the Dhi Commonwealth is so far from Kuan and the spiral tower, most of its citizens do not receive tattoos until they complete their first year of education as a spiromancer. Groups of Dhi spiromancers-in-training travel to the spiral tower together with their mentors to receive their tattoos, often no younger than age eighteen. The Dhi-specific Tripler tattoo is red and placed on the back of the hand.

#### Ju

In Ju cities, most citizens are given their blue version of the Tripler tattoo on the back of the hand. People who live in rural areas, or members of poorer families, might never receive tattoos. Recent efforts to get tattoos to the more distant farmlands and thereby prevent ciphra recruitment amongst the Ju have seen mixed success.

#### Kuan and Kuan-occupied Diao

All Kuan receive tattoos at birth, regardless of clan membership or social status. Most lower-class Diao, including those in rural areas, will also receive tattoos at birth. However, more aristocratic, bureaucratic, and educated Diao must first prove their loyalty before receiving tattoos. In many cases, this means offering their service or the service of a child or family member to Tsenbai Saj's personal guard. The Kuan tattoo is either yellow or red, yellow, and blue and placed on the back of the hand.