The first Mark of the Lanari was given involuntarily to men, women and children who were counted the family and followers of Lan Ferona. In latter generations, the Mark was taken voluntarily by their descendants who disavowed land and titles, and who took up the peculiar lifestyle of that people bearing Lan's name.
The Mark is now only taken after coming of age. Lanari youth are encouraged to spend at least a year outside of their community sometime after reaching age 16. Only those who go out into the world and find themselves tempted by it, and yet return to their people are permitted to take the Mark. This period of voluntary exile is called the Kasata and those who leave the community are Kastanir.
Upon returning, they are greeted in the traditional manner, "You are seen upon the road."
At which point a tattoo is given upon the face, and the Kasato (or convert) is accepted among the Lanari.
Upon returning, they are greeted in the traditional manner, "You are seen upon the road."
Instead of answering, "And I will be counted," as with different clans meeting upon the road, their response is: “And I would be counted.”
At which point a Wayspeaker is called for and the three questions are asked. One, “What did the uncounted (necontato) offer you?” The expected answer is, “Everything—and none of it was mine.” Two, “What did you become among them?” The expected answer is, “I was as they were—but I was not as they are.” Three, “Why have you come?” The expected answer is, "I choose to be counted.”
At which point a Wayspeaker is called for and the three questions are asked. One, “What did the uncounted (necontato) offer you?” The expected answer is, “Everything—and none of it was mine.” Two, “What did you become among them?” The expected answer is, “I was as they were—but I was not as they are.” Three, “Why have you come?” The expected answer is, "I choose to be counted.”
At which point a tattoo is given upon the face, and the Kasato (or convert) is accepted among the Lanari.
One of those who has taken the mark and who is faithful to his community is prophesied to one day rule all of the Provinces as the Lion of Ferona. He will then restore that proud people to lands that are their own. Their sons will be princes and their daughters will be sought as prizes. Only then will the Lanari settle down and hold to lands and titles among the people.
The ultimate disgrace is for a Lanari to have been put to death and to undergo the skarna -- where the mark is flayed or abraded from his skin. This particular judgement is reserved for those who have committed irredeemable crimes. And for those who commit truly abominable acts, skarna can occur while they are still alive.
The ultimate disgrace is for a Lanari to have been put to death and to undergo the skarna -- where the mark is flayed or abraded from his skin. This particular judgement is reserved for those who have committed irredeemable crimes. And for those who commit truly abominable acts, skarna can occur while they are still alive.
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