Runemark

= Runemark = A runemark, sometimes called ruinmark or Witch's Ruin, is a mark on the skin of an animal or person denoting a connection to the Old Gods. Under the Laws of Order, animals carrying runemarks are put to death and humans are Examined and, if the Order deems it necessary, "Cleansed", i.e. executed.

Types of Runemark
Runemarks come in various types. Each different rune has different properties, sometimes linked to a particular Æsir or Vanir. The orientation of the runemark is also very significant as far as its strength is concerned. Lastly, while the Old Gods have runes from what is referred to as the Elder Script, new incarnations like Maddy and Ethel (after joining with Freya ) have previously unknown runemarks on their skins. One-Eye initially refers to these as Bastard Runes.

Fully Formed Runemarks
The most powerful, and thus most dangerous, are the fully formed runemarks. As the name indicates, these are fully defined runes and are exceedingly rare. In Runemarks, the only marks of this type were found on Maddy, Ethel, and Skadi, the last by virtue of hers, Isu, being symmetrical and thus non-reversible.

Reversed Runemarks
These are fully formed runemarks that are reversed, either naturally or on purpose. While giving power, reversed runemarks are remarkably less powerful and deplete more easily than their uninverted counterparts and are often regarded as unlucky.

Broken Runemarks
Broken runemarks are not fully formed runemarks sometimes found on animals and people. These runemarks generally provide little to no power and are in effect little more than a strangely shaped birthmark. In the lands beyond World's End, most humans who bear such runemarks are Examined at most, but within the Order's home city, these unfortunates are likely to be executed, or Cleansed.