Freelance Traveller

Skinmarker (Pa-asab)

by Timothy Collinson

A ‘skinmarker’, or more formally a Dermal Pattern Emitter (Babespaab Peb), is a handheld device that Bawabkaerwa-paaba-a who live amongst Bwaps can use to tattoo their skin.  It’s an ovoid unit which applies patterns and colouration onto flesh.  It is often used by non-Bwaps who live or work closely with the sophonts to show respect for their culture, as a way to visually integrate into a wapawab, or simply as an aesthetic choice.  The patterns are not permanent tattoos but long-lasting micro-dermal applications using bio-electric field guidance.  It has a cartridge of biocompatible, semi-permanent pigment microcapsules which are designed to mimic the copper-based circulatory system’s effect on Bwap skin tone, producing the correct range of blues and greens.

The device first nebulizes the pigment into an ultra-fine mist and then projects a low-intensity, variable bio-electric field onto the target skin area.  This field guides the charged pigment particles to adhere to the epidermis in precise, preprogrammed patterns, mirroring the genetic and manipulated patterns of Bwap clans.

The device then emits a fine spray of breathable, waterproof polymer which seals the pigment, preventing it from being washed off and protecting it from moisture.  The sealant is flexible and lasts for several weeks before naturally breaking down [1d6 weeks + 2].

The user selects a pattern from a library stored on the device or sent to it via comms, perhaps from a Bwap colleague or friend.  Libraries may have extensive sets of traditional patterns but more obscure, specialist or high-ranking markings may have to be bought separately.  The user then holds the emitter a few centimetres from the skin and the device applies the pattern in seconds.  The process is painless and non-invasive.  Cartridges and sealant may be replaced periodically.

NOTE: Users should beware that while some Bwaps see the use of a skin marker as a respectful recognition of their culture, there are some – particularly those with high Inflexibility or Conservatism (see Bwap Psych Profiles) – who see it as an offensive appropriation of a key biological identifier.  A Bwap’s pattern is a unique and important part of their identity, determined by genetics and careful manipulation.  Displaying it is an important aspect of greeting rituals.  Non-Bwaps using a skinmarker are advised to familiarize themselves with the specific cultural context of the Bwaps they are interacting with to avoid causing unintended offence or being perceived as a source of kabkowekabkade-akasteb (disruption).

For each application roll 2d6: 2-11 = no adverse side effects; 12 = the sealant causes a skin irritation that results in a severe itch for 1d6 days (the distraction and discomfort is represented by INT-1 for the duration of the itch).