Vascian tattoos

Common practice among Vascians, especially Vascian sailors, in southern Sirrion is to tattoo symbolic images of various exploits and achievements to their bodies over the course of their lives. Size and placement of tattoos will vary, depending on the amount of importance the event holds to the owner. For example, tattoos on the left breast are particularly significant, as they cover the heart. Any tattoo on the chest is more significant than one on the upper arms, which in turn are more significant than those on the forearms, and so on. Seasoned sailors may have dozens of tattoos interlocking across their bodies.

Locations

 * Chandakkar Lands - Lion paw or four vertical claw marks
 * Copper City - Anvil or Hammer
 * Crystal Water City - Ouroboric Water Dragon
 * Gold City - Crown
 * Silver City - Lighthouse or Torch
 * Raven's Watch - Skull with crown

Crew Positions and Merits

 * The Blackwater Trade Route - Kraken
 * The Spine - Twisted serpent
 * Transcontinental Voyage - Sun rising over waves
 * "Ghovt Bi Veda" - old Vascian saying, "Winds Guide Me", a mariner's prayer
 * Apprentice Seaman - Knotted rope
 * Deckhand - Locks or keyholes on the back of the hands (to grip rigging tighter)
 * Lookout - Perched crow
 * Helmsman - Compass
 * Bosun - Five pointed star
 * First Mate - Five pointed star with laurel border

Crime

 * Murder - Dagger (multiple daggers often represent multiple killings)
 * Sanctioned duel, honorable killing - Plain dagger, blade pointing up
 * Murder of an unarmed opponent, dishonorable killing - Serpent wrapped dagger, blade pointing down
 * Prison or Work Camp terms - Chains (number of bands equals years served)
 * Standing Death Sentence - Open noose