Shia's Mark / Mark of Mora
The mark of the gods of life and death, either given by Shia or Mora.
Transmission & Vectors
The mark is caused by physical harm done by Shia or Mora, or also by deliberate physical contact meant to cause it.
Causes
Being wounded or deliberately given the mark by the God of Death or God of Life.
Symptoms
'Blank' white marks in the form of scratches, punctures, or patches on the skin, hair, and body. The marks are permanently fixed in the light they were given, giving the appearance of being completely unaffected by light, neither reflecting or absorbing it. In the dark, the marks may appear to be glowing, if they were given during the day. It will persist through any part of a person's body- If someone was scratched by Shia or Mora, all hair over the wound after it heals will be affected, and the mark will go through all the tissue down to the bone.
The mark cannot be removed, or covered up with makeup, paint, or dyes of any kind, only other physical objects like clothing or bandages. (ex: Chiiri Hanley can wear a hat to cover his Shia's Mark)
Treatment
There is no treatment, or removing the mark. Once given, it is permanent, even lasting through death until the body is completely decomposed. It is thought that the blank eyes of Shia's Dead is a form of the mark.
Affected Groups
Any race, species, or ethnicity can be afflicted with the mark.
Cultural Reception
Those afflicted with Shia's Mark or the Mark of Mora are in general, respected and also slightly feared. The only way to get it is to be attacked by or make a deal with the gods of life and death, people with the mark are seen as incredibly brave and strong willed to warrant such an action from the gods. As most people who have been given the mark by Shia, the God of Death is often a result of attempting to have a loved one revived, it is often seen as a symbol of someone having mourned so deep they attempted to change fate. Those affected may receive small gifts during Shia's festival.
Due to the circumstances most people gain the mark, particularly Shia's Mark, it is considered incredibly rude and disrespectful to ask about it across all cultures. Doing so is akin to asking about the death of a loved one without warning, and the inquirer may even be shunned for a period of days or weeks for doing so. Those with the mark may have strange abilities or skills in life and death magic they did not have prior to being afflicted, and all other phenomenon may at times be attributed to the mark.
Type
Supernatural
Origin
Divine
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare
Affected Species
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