Marks, Pins, Patches, and Signets

A Mark is, simply put, a logo for a person, family, or group that runs a business or partakes in a trade. So a family who breeds pegs will have a Mark. A posse that rides rescue on the Bushcat Flats will have a Mark. A blacksmith or farrier will have a Mark. So will a Pilot who trains other Pilots. These symbols or logos will be small, easily replicated, and recognizable. A person or group's Mark has legal power and may serve in place of a signature or statement of ownership.

Anyone can make a Mark. There are no limits and in most towns there is no registration process. The generally accepted rule, however, is that a person has only one Mark that they make for themselves, and then do businss by that Mark and the reputation it conveys on the owner.

In addition to their personal Mark, a pilot must carry a Mark from the person who trained them, as a certification of their worth in the air. Certain trainers have better repuations than others, so getting a Mark from a known/skilled trainer can often get you better jobs and more respect. Most pilots prefer to wear their Marks on the blue scarves that mark them as full-fledged pilots, though some may carry Marks on their saddles if they have several.

The types of Marks that may be carried by a single person at any given time include:


 * Their trainer's Mark
 * The Mark of their current posse, faction, or trade
 * Marks granted as a reward for outstanding achievements or winning prestigious competitions
 * Their family Mark

These Marks may be kept as individual and unique symbols, or worked together into a single Mark, incorporating elements (such as shapes, borders, or letters) to indicate each honor given to the owner. Pilots particularly like to be highly decorated, as it grants both increased reputation and bragging rights.

The majority of people, pilot or otherwise, see having multiple Marks as a good thing - the more, the better. As with most things, having several Marks is seen as a good thing, but carrying too many at once will look suspicious, and may earn you the suspicious side-eye in towns where youre Mark isn't well known.

It is common practice for artisans such as smiths and potters to mark their goods with their personal Mark. In the same vein, it is expected for a well-known breeder to apply their Mark to the colts and fillies of their herds in the form of a brand, ear tag, or wing band, depending on the island.

General rules:


 * Usually 1” - 4” in diameter, often on the smaller side
 * Can be embroidered on cloth or carved, stamped, or etched into leather, bone, horn, wood, or metal
 * Can be any symbol, but monograms are most common
 * Can be supplemented by any other generally known Marks that represent honors
 * Usually a 1:1 image ratio - square or circle