Inkbinding
Use
Inkbinding spells have a wide application of use within the world, from things as mundane as bookbinding and screen printing to heavy manufacturing, and applications in the beauty and body modification. It is not uncommon for inkbinding spells to be taught in the artistic fields as another method of utilizing materials as well as the conservation of resources, such as cleaning spilled paints and dyes. Some painters and dyers use inkbinding spells as their primary artistic method, creating entire works with use of the spells alone, with a growing interest from the fashion industry. Cults such as that belonging to Svrar, Goddess of Tigers, have long been known to use the spell for dyeing intricate woven silks, which are often utilized in ritual, fashion, and as class symbols. The beauty industry has also made significant use of inkbinding as a way of complementing traditional hair dyeing and tattooing techniques, as well as enhancing them. Although far less common than their traditional counterparts, 'pain free' tattoo parlors will commonly use inkbinding rather than tattoo needles or guns. Contrary to the name, using the spell on flesh still causes some irritation, but the majority of the population does not experience sharp or noticeable pain unless the spell is performed improperly. Inkbinding can also be used for tattoo removal, even if the initial tattoo was not applied through use of the spell, oftentimes mitigating the need for laser tattoo removal procedures and its side effects. Salons and barber shops also will commonly make use of the spell in hair dye procedures, especially with more difficult pigments like fast fashion colors, pigment removal, or severe color corrections.Religious use
Angels are perhaps the most well known group to utilizing inkbinding magic as part of deeply religious ceremony surrounding tattoos and body modification. Scripture based tattoos hold deep cultural meaning to the group and are more often than not deeply tied to one's personal pantheon, significant life events, and cultural milestones. Although some traditionalists balk at the use of inkbinding for scripture tattoos, the practice has become widely accepted in angelic society and widely adopted, with its own religious rites, practices, and norms. Angels are not, however, the only groups to utilize inkbinding in worship. The Cult of Ludovic also makes use of the magic in their tattooing, which is commonplace among priests and other high ranking members of the cult. Ludovic himself alongside his high priest, Rorschach, are notable members of the cult who have used inkbinding to obtain their tattoos as well as maintain them. Despite wide usage in the production of dyed silk, inkbinding as a religious act is not observed in the Cult of Tigers.Effect
Inkbinding spells have a broad spectrum of effects, but are most commonly used to manipulate physical pigments, such as its namesake, in some fashion. This is often done through standard manipulation of it in space, changing the area an ink or pigment can affect, blocking ink or pigment from affecting an area, or infusing it into a material. The pigment is then often bound to the material being manipulated, binding it with magic rather than chemical processes.
Side/Secondary Effects
When used on the body, particular sensitive areas such as the skin, the spell can cause mild irritation on its own due to displacing some cells to create space for pigment to enter the flesh. This irritation can cause some swelling and redness that typically resolves within a period of days, if not hours, with over the counter medication and skin creams. Just as with traditional tattooing, however, use of the spell can present dangerous side effects such as infection if pigments used are not properly sanitized and sterile prior to application.
A potentially life threatening side effect of botched uses of inkbinding is damage to tissue below the skin if the spell is used too deeply, and can cause burst blood vessels, bleeding, nerve and musculature damage, or even death. Such incidents are, thankfully, incredibly rare in the modern day due to practitioners of the spell requiring licenses to practice and training. All body modification centers and tattoo parlors with inkbinders are also subject to heavy regulation in where they may purchase inks and pigments, as well as routine inspection for their health and sanitation practices.
Related Organizations
Material Components
Some type of pigment or ink is required for the spell. Liquid pigments and inks are preferred, but can be used in powdered form alongside liquid binding agents or water.
Related Discipline
Related Element
Water
Effect Casting Time
Sustained
Level
Requires training or prior knowledge of liquid based magic and/or mana
Applied Restriction
Requires licensed training for all manufacturing or body modification usage.
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