Flesh Painting
by Vrikh

                                     - 1 -
As you have taken on the task of painting the flesh of our kind, you will
soon discover that we have an intricate method to this craft of tattooing.

The dyes we use are a select few. And the instruments we use have been forged
just for this prideful purpose of marking our tribe. All this is written here.
If you do not have these things go to the captain and admit your failings and
perhaps he will take pity upon you and slay you quickly.

Here in this text is a chart of the standard markings for soldiers and officers
and the ways to tattoo their flesh. Other marks are inked into their skin as
proof of honour in the service of the Red Eye. That an orc would be worthy of
such a mark is rare, but be prepared to tattoo them. I pity the apprentice of
flesh art that angers one of these great orcs.

Now heed these rules:

Our mark always goes on the right side of the face. Any mark on the left must
be earned through deed.

Your craft is your only use, do not fail to study the chart, and be certain
you craft images of the animals according to their true nature.

Tribal markings are sacred, do not shame us or those who set you to the task
of tattooing.

                                     - 2 -
The rank of each tribe member must be considered at all time. From the lowly
snagas to the Great Goblin, they all bear the marks of their deeds past and
position they hold.

The battle-scarred warriors wear the sly salamander. When enlisted he is given
the tail only, as he serves us and is promoted, portions are added to the tail
until the tattoo grows into a full salamander. Then you may begin the spider
web completing the mark.

Those sly orcs that deem themselves assassins and scouts are a different breed.
They dwell in shadow, and bear the mark of the spider and the serpent.

A small spider on the cheek marks a scout to be known for what he is. The
assassin wears a snake upon his face. The serpent is always poised to strike.
These creatures both strike from shadows and should be crafted as such.

Those called shamans bear the mark of a lizard. If they are more skilled
in the black arts than most, this lizard is encircled by an eel. The eel
may have lightning, as it shocks the lizard. Some are even given a coiled
serpent, or a spider web ensnaring both the eel and the serpent.

                                     - 3 -
Orcs of greatness wear the marks of many beasts. Each beast a sign of their
might. Over the years the Goblin King has chosen the image of many a beast
of Arda and commanded it be forever tattooed on the left cheek of those he
honoured.

Once a tattooer was unprepared to draw the beast the Goblin King chose. To show
the next skilled in the craft what the beast looked like, he slew the first
right there in his hall drawing the image crudely himself in the blood of the
one that failed him. Remember this lesson well.

In the past our great leader has demanded:

- A rat, given to show that a Tarkhnarb with marked cunning and
  propensity to deception in the service of our lord.

- A fell beast once marked a great orc warrior who was unmatched in
  battle against the loathsome creatures of the west.

- A demon wolf commemorate the ferocity and ruthlessness of the orc's acts
  in the service of our tribe.

- A mountain is the highest mark ever bestowed, and the orc who bears this mark
  stood their ground to defend our caves against the hordes coming from the
  western lands.