The Mark of the Lanari

Originally intended as a mark of shame, the facial tattoos of the Lanari people were crudely and hastily made. Their purpose was to let other provincials know which of their neighbors had sided with the aspirations of Lan, the would-be emperor. Over the years, the politics around that particular practice have faded from all memory, but the tattoos still serve to identify the Lanari as a people apart from the rest of Provincial society.

The tattoos themselves were never imposed after that first generation of the Lanari. They were given to men and women, alike. And given to children as young as newborns, but they were adopted voluntarily by every succeeding generation. First perhaps, as a sign of stubborn solidarity to a dying political cause; but eventually as a mark of in-group membership.

Ironically, Provincial law still forbids the ownership of land to anyone with the mark upon their face. So this stubborn custom does more to perpetuate the lifestyle of the Lanari as travelers living on the cusp of poverty than any other. 

Still "taking the mark" has risen to the level of an artform among these people. From a simple initial L, the mark has risen to loops and sworls and geometric shapes of incredible complexity. Some marks cover the entire face, others are merely patches around a single eye, or design upon the temple. It is considered a point of shame for the Lanari to hide their mark.