Chronicles of Sha'Lazar

Inheritance : Misaruan Cognatic inheritance is most consistent with their ethos. This approach reinforces the belief that women are inherently suited to lead and continue their cultural legacy, leaving men to fulfill roles outside the leadership hierarchy.


Recipients : Female Gender Only

• -- Fits with the matriarchal theme where the lineage and power rest with women.
• -- Symbolizes their divine right to rule or their sacred connection to the kingdom.
• -- Male heirs do not receive a tattoo, highlighting their secondary role in royal power structures.

Historical reasoning for the royal tattoo :

All the female royals have a differing tattoo that is assigned phasal distinctions within Nyxluna, Misaruan Goddess of the Two Moons.

• -- Part of that tattooing ritual is figuring out which patron moon, Sha’lei or Kar’im, they are under and which phasal divination they would be assigned, and then giving them a tattoo assigned to that phase of their designated moon.
• -- All are all crescent moon tattoos, but done in different ways to ensure no two living royals bear the same one at the same time.

Secrecy of the Royal Tattoo :

The tattoo is a potent symbol of her royal lineage and divine connection, but the secrecy surrounding it is nuanced rather than absolute. Thus a refined approach:

• Symbol of Sacred Authority : The tattoo is a mark of divine favor, granted to the royal family of Mis'aru as a sign of their connection to the Moon Goddess, Nyxluna. It is a representation of their celestial right to rule, symbolizing a deeper spiritual bond with the realm's guiding forces. This connection is important for royal duties, and the tattoo affirms their status as spiritual leaders.

Restricted Knowledge and Limited Exposure :

While the tattoo is not a closely guarded secret, its significance is not publicly understood.

• - Cultural Norms : The existence of the tattoo is not known to all citizens, but its true meaning is a matter of sacred tradition, veiled in symbolism. The royal family and high-ranking clergy are aware of its spiritual importance, while others may regard it as a divine symbol that holds significance beyond common understanding.
• - Clerical Authority : The clergy of the Moon Temples, who are deeply attuned to the spiritual practices of the realm, understand the full extent of the tattoo’s importance. The clergy will not reveal its exact meaning to the public but are often the ones who guide the royal family in their spiritual duties, with final proclamations by the Royal High Priestess of Nyxluna.
• - Political Rituals : There are royal ceremonies in private, where the tattoo can be shown as part of a ritual. However, its display is carefully controlled, revealing it only in select ceremonial contexts… such as royal initiations, oaths of succession, or coronations.

The Weight of Tradition :

The tattoo's concealment is tied to cultural taboos and traditional practices that prevent its public exposure, but not in the extreme sense of punishment or secrecy:

• - Public Discretion : Royals are expected to conceal the tattoo as a sign of respect for the unity of the realm, emphasizing the need for the monarchy to remain a symbol of spiritual and political integrity. However, the mark is not considered an object of shame or dishonor. Instead, its concealment is more of a social norm, akin to how certain ceremonial regalia are kept private until the appropriate moment.
• - Sacred Rituals and Privilege : Revealing the tattoo is reserved for significant rites… such as a consummation of a royal marriage, a public declaration of royal duty, or in moments of personal transformation. In these moments, the tattoo symbolizes strength, power, and a direct connection to the divine, marking a sacred event for the realm.

Ritualized Display :

When the tattoo is revealed, it is always framed within a ritual context:

• - Ceremonial Clothing : The royals are taught to wear special attire… often robes, cloaks, or formal armor… that subtly hints at the existence of the tattoo without exposing it. The tattoo is incorporated into the design of the royal garments, often hidden in layers or concealed in strategic locations (such as along the inner arm, under the neckline, or at the back of the neck), where it can only be seen during specific, formal occasions.
• - Sacred Unveiling : The tattoo may be shown in private or in special settings, like during important ceremonies or at the moment of royal vows. In such settings, its revelation is seen as an act of trust and a display of divine purpose, witnessed only by those of high rank or those involved in the ceremony.
• - Ritual and Symbolism : The tattoo’s unveiling is accompanied by rituals steeped in the kingdom’s history… chants, prayers, and blessings from the clergy… marking the tattoo’s divine origin and reinforcing its cultural significance.

The Tattoo’s Role in Royal Identity :

While royal tattoos are not an absolute secret, its role in shaping royal identity is paramount:

• - Legacy and Spirituality : It represents not only her divine right but also the unity of the kingdom. When the tattoo is revealed in ceremony, it serves as a symbol of continuity and sacred order, reminding her people of the Moon Goddess’ protection over their lands.
• - Personal Journey : The tattoo is a deeply personal connection to her own spiritual journey. As the royal grows, it becomes a source of inner strength, a reminder of her heritage, and a key part of her own identity as a ruler, daughter, and spiritual leader.
• - Unveiling to the Chosen Few : Though not everyone may fully understand it, the tattoo is recognized as a divine mark of the highest importance by those closest to the royal family… noble allies, high-ranking clergy, and those in the royal court.

This approach allows the tattoo to be a powerful and sacred symbol that carries weight in both political and spiritual matters but removes the extreme secrecy element. It maintains the idea of it being something of immense value, with its public display carefully regulated, and allows for a more organic connection to the culture of Mis'aru.

Responsibility :

Royal High Priestess of Moon Temple of Nyx-Sha’lei, who has dedicated her life to such a scenario, and is highly skilled with the process and application. The act of giving the tattoo is highly sacred and special ritual is performed at birth using ancient rites, chanting prayers, praying to the child’s birth deity, her focus is the care in marking of the child, symbolizing the divine connection between the royal family and their patron deity.

• -- a non-magical version is practiced beforehand on either a dead pig or even a condemned prisoner so it can be practiced before the actual ritual with the non-magical version being destroyed after completion.
• -- ritual is spoken twice in the life of the royal: at birth and at marriage, then a retirement blessing at death.

Luna Registry Books :

There are only two registry books containing the list of the tattoos and their previous and current bearers.

• -- The Royal Registry is at the palace under the personal care of the Empress,
• -- The coded version of the Royal Registry is located at the most scared temple, Moon Temple of Nyx-Sha’lei in the care of the high priestess. This one in case of disaster involving one being destroyed, so there is a backup in a separate location.
• -- Only two copies are allowed to exist at a time. If one is deemed to be too worn or damaged for service, a copy is made and then the now obsolete book is destroyed.

Tattoo Location : low between the breasts, in the sternal gap : intimate and symbolic, close to the heart, emphasizing loyalty and lineage.