UrchinInk is the Art of magical tattoos. To enscribe a tattoo, a certain rare seaurchins must be found (different ones for each rune), which is then force fed certain magical weeds and corals. The spines of these urchins (which may not be killed) are used to scribe the tattoo. The process is rather painful, and must be done underwater. The dyes come in every color imaginable. The Art of creating these tattoos is Uu'aesh and one who does it is an Uu'aeshlolae and a practitioner of the art is Uu'aelae. Uu'aesh is two separate skills:  preparing the urchins is M/H. Actual tattooing is P/H.

There are two types of tattoos (uu'aels) , abstract geometric shapes (Glyphs) and images of aquatic animals (Animas).  Glyphs are rather like the Keys of Spellsongs - representing "verbs".  Example:  A spiral of three loops starting in red and fading to orange with a sky blue dot in the center represents Perception.  A green circle made of smaller loops overlaying a violet Maltese cross represents Healing.  Glyphs must be placed along the arms. Each Anima represent both it's literal image, a general abstract and a specific abstract dependent on its placement. Thus an Octopus (which can be any color or style) on the left shoulder blade represents octopi, Darkness in general, and specifically the Hide spell (Magic pg 50). Such a InkMage with Perception on his left forearm could cast DarkVision by touching his left hand to the Octopus Anima and his right hand to the Perception Glyph or the Hide spell by touching the Octopus Anima with either hand. If the Octopus had been on his right breast, the specific spell would have been DarkJet (new spell?). A Triggerfish on the left shoulder is generally Movement and specifically Haste. The same Triggerfish on the sternum would be Apportation.

There is one Glyph unlike the others:  The Glyph of Intensity. It is a two dimensional representation of a cube, each line a different color. Once the ability of using multiple Glyphs is obtained, this can be used to strengthen spells. Thus a touch to the Cube and another to the left shoulder blade Triggerfish would be Great Haste. Alternately, an Arch-Uu'aelae could simultaneously twitch his right arm muscle for Intensity, his left forearm muscle for Creation and his right pect Octopus for a superstrength DarkJet.

Using each tattoo is a P/H skill - NOTE, these are NOT mental skills. When casting a Glyph-Anima spell, the lowest skill is used. When using a simple Glyph, only that skill is used.  At skill levels below 11, the Inkings must be touched simultaneous and held there for a few seconds. At levels between 12 and 15, the touch can be very brief. At 16 through 19, the touches need not be concurrent, allowing multiple Glyphs to be used in casting. At skill levels above 20, no touch is necessary, the Uu'aelae need only twitch his muscles. Casting time is always very short, and energy cost are determined by the GM.

Normal Glyphs simply cost money and time, provided a skill Uu'aeshlolae can be found. Animas cost money and each specific power must be paid for in character points as if it were a Knack. The Intensity Glyph is a 10pt advantage. Uu'aelae must have Magery 1 to be able to do anything, this is reflected by a tattoo on the center of the forehead. Magery 2 and 3 and enscribed (oddly enough) on the soles of the feet. They do have to be touched in spell casting.

If an Uu'aelae is exposed to sunlight or other burning damage enough to cause his skin to peel, he must make a HT for each uu'ael or it is too damaged to be used. Magical healing prevents this, and the damage can be repaired for half the time and money it took to create the original.

The Mother of Pearls and Queen of the Alathae is covered from head to toe with uu'aels.