The Mark

"The Mark of the Emperor" is genetic and granted by Sorellyn to the first Emperor of the L'Sheriss Royal Line, although its full effects only became evident in his son.

The Mark of the Emperor

Physical characteristics associated with the Mark are bright, sapphire blue ( thought occasionally different shades of blue or amethyst purple) eyes with unmatched intensity. They have a slight built, height frequently one to two heads shorter than average. They are generally rather handsome but not excessively so.

The Mark is both a blessing and a curse. Until recently, it was thought to be exclusively male.

The public is aware of the postive effects and a few of the negatives, but most of this information is known only by those that may encounter it.

Positive Effects

• Genius level intelligence

• Accelerated growth of wisdom
• Eager and quick to learn, inquisitive

• Inherent morality and sense of justice

• Heightened senses

• Excellent leadership skills

• Enhanced fighting ability

• Mark Magic

• Communication and control over the drakes

Negative Effects

• Paranoia of varying degree
• Many have an increased sensitivity and low tolerance to heat and cold
• Many fail to notice hunger or outright lack a hunger response

• Occasional quirky, eccentric behavior

• Increased potential for mental problems

• Mark Episodes*

• Violent temper

• Stress triggered need to kill**

*Mark Episodes can include: Catatonia, psychosis, split personality, extreme anger/sadness/desire, strange behavior, refusal to eat, violence, memory loss, and other behaviors.

**Only a very select few are privy to this knowledge. The need to kill only becomes worse when denied. The solution to this is either the battlefield or the law that all condemned criminals throughout the Empire must be sent to Rylithian to be executed personally by the Emperor. At this point, the condemned are 'shared' by anyone with the mark that needs them. The inherant sense of morality and justice requires that those they kill during an episode deserve to die or be enemies on the field.

Mark Magic

Often called 'blue stuff' due to its coloring, Mark Magic is a unique mix of arcane/divine/soul based magic that is unique to the Mark. It can be used to augment or activate spells, but is not used as a spell by itself. It is used in a raw form and can be willed into offensive attacks, defensive shields, and for some users, stone shaping. Those that have truly mastered its arcane usage can seperate elements and change temperatures. Mark Magic is also triggered for the user to teleport ('gate') to a single location within the citidel, the Gate Room. Unlike standard raw energy that will automatically harm anyone it touches, its wielder can specify or avoid targets.

An example of Mark Magic in use would be a dome shaped shield over an entire city with only those the caster considers as ally able to penetrate the barrier.