Mark of Devotion

Alchemical Preparation

The process begins not with the brand, but with Alchemy. One to six hours prior to the ceremony, those to receive the Mark consume an alchemical compound specially formulated to complicate the healing process, with a second dose administered immediately prior to the branding.   A topical cream is then applied to the future brand site, most often the back of the neck, often extending down onto the back as well. Specially formulated based upon the species of the Devoted, the cream to enhance sensation of the skin. It also further ensures the scarring remains permanent as the ingredients react to the heat of the brand. These alchemical precautions ensure the brand remains permanent once it sets, typically within a year of application, regardless of what Curative Magic is applied after the fact.  

Branding

The hot brand itself is applied next, its design determined by the Grand Ascended the Devoted is to serve. This design is simple yet highly symbolic, representing the Conclave member or their ship in some way.   In the past these brands were applied with pyromantically-superheated branding irons, maximizing pain as a metaphor for the ultimate devotion of the Marked, although that practice has slowly given way to thermal branding pens. Rather than an attempt to reduce the pain experienced, the switch was wholly to allow for more intricate and even designs, versus the potentially uneven scarring caused by a flat branding iron.   As a result, the recipes and doses of the sensitizing cream were altered to make up for the pain reduction. This has the added advantage of requiring those Marked to hold their composure much longer, as the brand now requires more than an hour to apply in most cases, rather than mere seconds.  

Aftercare

After Marking, the newly Devoted are expected to keep the wound clean so they can shoulder their new duties as quickly as possible. Some Conclave members also expect their Devoted to agitate the brand with a soft bristle brush every several days, to cause larger and more noticeable scarring, although this will be dictated by the Grand Ascended themself.   Intentional desecration of the scar site, whether an attempt to remove the brand or over-emphasize it beyond that required, is punishable by death.   It is rarely quick.

The Mark is administered any time a new living Militant is chosen to serve on a Sanctorum. The date is selected by the Conclave member controlling the dreadnought in question, with the Devotion ceremony often held the day before or day of the new crew member's transfer.   The scars will remain sore for up to several weeks afterward, depending on the amount of Curative Magic permitted for the Mark recipient, or even longer in cases where the newly Devoted is required to exert themselves and potentially interfere with the healing process. On some Sanctorums, new crew members are permitted several weeks to familiarize themselves with the ship prior to beginning their duties, allowing time for the brand to scar and heal. On other ships, this is considered merely another opportunity to display one's Devotion.