Genome Key

In the Celestial city, registered births have genome keys made immediately, the data taken from the umbilical cord after it is snipped. The registry is checked three times a day for dead or redundant keys... It is, without doubt, the strongest security system in the world. But every system has its faults. An acupuncturist working for the Second Councillor's mother was secretly a would-be assassin, and she managed to smuggle out the mother's code on the tip of her needles. She had a Permuter synthesise blood with the same code and attempted a transfusion... When she entered the city that night, of course, the walls read her real data underneath the falsified one, and she was eliminated immediately. But it was a valiant attempt.
Professor Wu Ai-Shin, Arcane Genetics and National Security, guest lecture at Arkala University

Genome Keys are an artefact created and used by the Empire as data storage for unique genetic codes. They can take almost any physical form, but they tend to resemble long needles made of a noble metal, most commonly silver. Their typical usage is to store and code data for the Empire's genome-based security systems, in particular that of the Celestial City in First Province. Such systems usually work on an inclusive rather than exclusory manner, I.E anyone whose data doesn't match an approved genome will set off an alarm or a preventative measure.
The Empire keeps vast databases of genome keys in the vaults of the Celestial City, as the data can be used to track the movements of people as well as ensure their identification even after extensive surgeries or Arcane Genetic Modifications. As the core genome remains the same regardless of AGMs, genome keys are one of few ways to reliably identify those who otherwise may appear entirely different. Regent Sai has expanded the genome-reading programme with the intention of eventually making it universal, but there are significant logistical obstacles, and as of Y.H.R 1,000 only the following groups are obliged to have a key made and stored:

• All those of the Chrysanthemum and Lotus Castes
• All those living and working in the Celestial city.
• All registered Permuters.
• All government officials and those in the direct employ of government officials.
• All Kalashtar, Shadar-Kai, and Genasi 

In the downtime after the second gauntlet, a Genome key was found embedded in the neck of Mishi Fen. It contained an unidentified code which was displayed when Mishi held the key. After discussion those participants of the gauntlet who were present decided to transfer it to the safekeeping of Bo.

The gold genome key found in the neck of Mishi Fen. It measures about an inch in length.