Ashsign

That which brands the misguided and doomed.

Written by Acturus Albani

An ashsign is any jewelry or accessory worn by the members of the Cult of Melanthios, also called the Cult of Annihilation, in order to be identified by other cult members and to guarantee their safe passage into the its gatherings, while also remaining discreet enough as to not inform the rest of Solaris of the cult's existence. Each ashsign is a personal representation of the individual that was tasked with crafting it, meaning would-be infiltrators and thieves are almost always found out and dealt with quickly by the cult's members. An ashsign is also used as a way to indicate when a meeting is to take place by heating up against its user's skin, while also indicating when a member is to be sacrificed to the Edge of Oblivion, wherein it will cool down considerably.

Because of their unassuming nature, ashsigns have proven to be an excellent means of communication between cult members, this notion furthered by the fact that there is no paper trail to follow nor any messages to intercept, ensuring that the group's activities will remain hidden until further notice.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Ashsigns are made with spare parts that grow for the Edge of Oblivion's main body. The metal itself seems to pulse with life, faint red streaks coursing through it like veins, its inherent magic and connection to the Edge of Oblivion giving it its magical properties.

Manufacturing process

Usually, a novice is given a piece of the Edge's metal after successfully completing their initiation rites. Once they do so, they have a day and a night to make it into something they can wear while being discreet, which is usually achieved through the slight heating of the gifted chunk, looking to achieve the desired shape. After a short period of cooling, the accessory can be used safely.

Significance

The ashsign is of vital importance to the members of the cult, serving as a way to identify other members and a means to enter its gatherings with no issue. It also serves as a reminder that anyone can die at any time, should the Edge of Oblivion wish for it.

Item type

Jewelry / Valuable

Current Location

Solaris

Owning Organization

Cult of Melanthios

Rarity

Each ashsign is unique to their maker, yet are shaped into common jewelry or unassuming accessories so as to not arouse suspicion.

Weight

Varies, but usually weighs less than 10 g (0.35 oz)

Dimensions

Usually smaller than 4 cm (1.6 in) in any direction or side.

Base Price

5 gp

Raw materials & Components

Ashsigns are made from the Edge of Oblivion's metal. What this metal is has yet to be determined, as asking anything to or of the Edge is considered an offense and is grounds enough to warrant a full memory removal.

Tools

Each member of the cult can shape their ashsign however they please, so long as it is discreet. To this effect, and considering the extreme malleability of the Edge of Oblivion's metal, each individual can use a wide away of tools to do so, be it smith's tools, magic, or some other means.