View source for A Lesson In Tattoos

[[Category:Bardic Merit Awards]][[Category:2007 Bardics]]
By: Spudd
Posted on: June 22, 2007


Whilst enchanting for a young Tsol'aa<br>
A pair of water-walking shoes<br>
She asked a ponderous question:<br>
"Excuse me Sir, but what use are tattoos?"<br>

I departed the ouroboros<br>
Raced to her side in double time<br>
And answered her the best way how<br>
Which is, of course, in rhyme!<br>

"On your arms or on your head<br>
Little Tsol'aa, what should you seek?<br>
What, tattoos? Yes, Very well done<br>
But remember, each is unique<br>

For every magical tattoo<br>
Has an interesting power<br>
When etched with care upon your skin<br>
You have new skills that very hour<br>

The firefly flits to and fro<br>
Playing gaily through dusk's gentle bloom<br>
But when you touch it on your skin<br>
You may see in the darkest gloom<br>

Your lifeblood is draining swiftly<br>
You feel and your death is nigh<br>
Alas what course shall you take?<br>
Touch a moss, to clot, lest you die<br>

Flying, falling, tremors vibes<br>
These can leave you full of dismay<br>
But if you touch your delicate feather<br>
Levitation shall save the day<br>

Picked a fight you cannot win?<br>
You are in serious pain<br>
Touch a shield, get a chance to heal<br>
Whilst your foe attacks in vain<br>

Blinded and deafened with no epidermal<br>
Tut tut, no need to fear<br>
For a simple touch of your Mindseye tatt<br>
Will let you see and hear<br>

Someone hiding behind a shield?<br>
Don't waste time awaiting their move<br>
Invest your inks in a Hammer<br>
So their shield, you can safely remove<br>

Those who try to Brazier you<br>
Are now all laughable dreamers<br>
For a simple touch of a cloak tattoo<br>
Can shield from irksome subpoenas<br>

Paranoia setting in?<br>
Is everybody watching you?<br>
A simple trick is to ink a Bell<br>
To see if the conspiracy is true<br>

With depleted health, where can you turn?<br>
To vials, herbs or skills?<br>
No, dear child, just touch your Crystal<br>
For a daily healing of ills<br>

Mental reserves are not endless<br>
Even for a clever Grook<br>
Touch a Moon for regeneration<br>
When your mana is looking crook<br>

Despite Her loving nature<br>
Few desire to see Maya in Her Halls<br>
A starburst resurrects once upon your death<br>
To stop you traversing those bittersweet walls.<br>

Need a little pick-me-up<br>
to get you feeling right as rain?<br>
A boar tattoo will regenerate health<br>
To get you on your feet again<br>

Sick of adventurers running away?<br>
Are they to fleet to scythe?<br>
A Web tattoo can hold them in place<br>
Well, at least until they writhe<br>

Snakes in trees or bombing Magi<br>
Are no longer beyond your reach<br>
The Tentacle can pluck them from the sky<br>
From oak, willow and beech<br>

Is someone looking drowsy?<br>
You can now put them to sleep<br>
The Hourglass uses sands of time<br>
To have you foe counting sheep<br>

Your target is avoiding you<br>
Trying not to meet<br>
Use the power of the Brazier<br>
To summon them to your feet<br>

Why walk or ride to someone<br>
When you can move in style!<br>
For those who enjoy teleportation<br>
A Prism is worthwhile<br>

Overwhelmed with afflictions?<br>
Then listen to this rhyme<br>
The Tree of Life will save you from strife<br>
With a short recovery time<br>

Magical and mental tasks<br>
Can leave your mind quite drained<br>
The Megalith can help, for it<br>
Hastens how fast willpower is regained<br>

Swinging swords and physical duties<br>
Can even wear out even a troll<br>
Touch the Ox to regain that endurance<br>
And keep your body feeling whole<br>

Need to hide your face on public lists?<br>
Confuse others with this mirage<br>
For just one touch of the Chameleon<br>
Gives you someone else's visage<br>

And that my young Tsol'aa<br>
Is the magic of tattoos<br>
All of them important to know<br>
Though not all you will use"<br>

Patting her on the back I sent her<br>
To Vinci to make her choice<br>
And looking around I sought another<br>
To dazzle with my singing voice.<br>