Tearers
Tearers are slaves in Stakhlian, people who have lost their way or gone into debt. A tearer is identified by having one to four tears tattooed on their right forearm. It is a crime to purposely conceal the tattoo. There are four levels of tearers that currently exist.
- One tear - people who are indebted, goes free after a maximum of 5 years. Don’t earn anything.
- Two tears - born slaves, who successfully completed the Learning Camp. Never go free, but are treated well most of the time. Earn a stipend.
- Three tears - Ordinary slaves with no particular skill. Never go free and earn a meager stipend. Not treaded well. Often used as bed slaves.
- Four tears or dirt-diggers - People who have lost their freedom due to a crime or some other wrong doing and are given hard labour. Never go free and don’t earn anything. Often die within a few years after becoming a four tearer.
The first sentence you learn as a slave I feel well m’lord, like any other day under your protection. I have food to give me strength, a roof above my head and the Creator’s light within me.
Terms of Bondage[edit]
it is the rules that tearers must adhear to
- One tear
- two tear
- three tear
- cannot ride anywhere - has to walk
- four tear
Traces (slave signs)[edit]
More discreet when negative emotions, more forward otherwise:
- Avoid - Fist with slightly outstretched pointing finger
- Danger - Fist, thumb placed inside
- Hello - palm flat and forward
- Compassion - Fist to heart
- Safety - touch the back of your neck then grab wrist behind you
- I'm sorry - brush your cheek with your fingers
- proud - two fingers outstretched in front, palm down
- anger - a fist held in the other hand
- respect - slight touch to the forehead
- friend - pull on any ear
- Beauty - tap just beneath the eye
- Fear - two fingers extended on the thigh
- Where (are you going) - brushed her ear with her finger.
- Peace - 4 fingers brushing the other hand
A tearer, who has earned his freedom can never cover up the spot, but may tattoo freely around it. Instead of dismissing the tear, the tearer receives a ring professing their freedom.
Sanctuary of Light and Knowledge[edit]
short: Sanctuary
It is where Paters train tearers to be knowledgable about various subjects. It is a harsh and unforgiving place.