Corpus Arcanum
History
Throughout history, many cultures have developed their magics, many have climbed to heights that have yet been paralleled. Spell books, textbooks, scrolls, leafs, tablets and stones have been marked, etched and scratched to preserve the knowledge hard fought and well earned. A spell is not something one uses lightly, it is a conversation between a mortal soul and powers beyond itself. To toy with the forces that created this world, a solicitation of cosmic origins. Regardless of ones education, ignorant to ones level of understanding, all Casters have sought to preserve their findings to be taught, or hidden, from others.
Spell books are sold in markets from sea to sea, scrolls and grimoires are common to find on the shelves of just about any well-to-do home. Where these have been transferred from mind to mind, passed over countless hands. From master to student, from student to student, from intrigue and general use. Magic is simply everywhere, on the metals that make up the engines that breath fire and steam through each city, to the gun barrels and machines in factories, now...
Now... it is painted with care and attention on the bodies of those who wish to utilize them. A refinement to Alchemical Henna, far more permanent, far more potent in the hands of those capable of understanding it. Corpus Arcanum is inking these lessons, these spells, these hopes and dreams onto the body of the Caster. Some are utilitarian, covering as much of the body with as many spells as one can think of. Some art true works of art, flowing script that blends seamlessly into the next. To call these just tattoos would be an insult.
Execution
Depending on style, ethnicity, creed or origin, it is done differently. Though all result in the same end product, a spell book gracing the skin of the Caster. Some are painful acts of love, some are strict adherence to stoic resolve, some are fun and entertaining, yet to all, it is not a process taken lightly. Placement on the body is important, what is written in each location is important. For each create a different effect depending on these two factors. Once completed, a Caster no longer needs to use the usual methods of casting their magic, it all remains active constantly. A much lower power level, yes to be sure, yet instead of conjuring the spell to mind, directing through one's talent, then manifesting it into the world and hoping for the best. One only needs to channel that power to the body instead.
Arcane mundanity aside, these are deeply sentimental to the majority of Casters, each one painstakingly hand drawn exactly to be copied onto the body by an Artificer. Placement careful chosen, future modifications given deep considerations. For a spell can change over time, given more subtle lines, given a softer voice with a higher range of complexity, can add potency. This level of cosmic conversationalism is still present even when written on the body.
Some examples of styling:
Zybtinian Script is a flowing Arabian script depicted in spirals and plant features. Often leaning toward power rather than subtly, a mimicking of their faith given a corporal form, as Bhal the Great Conqueror demands glory and ambition, so too do those who employ his words in their magic. A gloriously complex style that seems to never have an end.
Huronian Stippling is a more pragmatic approach to things. Often utilizing as much space on the body as possible, artistically it would be trying to attempt to read the script as if looking through many mirrors. Spells layered on top of each other, typically these rune structures bare the dot patterning to a very high degree during the process. As this style uses a single needle poked into the skin to deposit it's ink.
Goblin Scars, as the name would imply, their spells are written in scars. Small ceremonial knives are used to etch the runes into the skin through repeated damage until scars form in the shape of the desired spells. Though used without ink, the goblins skin tends to change in color wherever scars form, effectively tattooing the pieces in the flesh. The Goblins of the Skullbrood Clan are very fond of chaining spells together, interlacing them into eachother that can be activated individually or in sequence casuing new effects. In the world of Corpus Arcanum, this style is known for it's "one is many" type of runic structure. Meaning that "one" tattoo can have many many spells laced together in it.
Oh, very cool!
I'm glad you like it! I need to build on this more