7 Branding Irons

1-Soulmark Brand

When this is moderately warmed, and applied to the arm or leg of two different people of roughly the same age, it gives them a soulmark and a passionate love for each other that normally lasts until death, in effect binding their souls together. It is used in marriage ceremonies to ensure that people stay together, even if the wedding was arranged for them against their will.

2-Coiners Brand

When this is heated and applied to coins that are not gold, it in effect gold plates the coins, turning a copper or silver coin into a gold coin that appears to be worth much more than it really is. As one might expect, it is a highly illegal item to own, and some countries might even have the death penalty for someone found with one of these. After a few days, the thin gold layer rubs off by which time, if they have any sense, the swindlers have long since left the area.

3-Slavers Brand

This brand is placed on the thigh of slaves to mark them legally as slaves, and they are normally left bound and sometimes gagged until it heals. An enchanter of renown can enchant the brand to turn their slaves into people who are unable to disobey them, but in most cases it just is there to make escape harder for slaves.

4-Military Brand

This is placed on the arm of soldiers, sailors and airmen to make it possible to identify them if they desert and are caught. Officers have one as well. It is a small brand as it is not meant as a punishment, and no one wants their soldiers getting infected and unable to fight.

5-Replacement Brand

Another brand that it is very illegal to own the branding iron of, this can be used to force someone to become a replacement son or daughter. By itself the magic stops the person revolting or running away-the needed knowledge and mannerisms to make the unfortunate victim truly pass as a replacement have to be taught non magically and can take years.

6-Animal Control Brand

This has no effect on humans or sapient animals that have human like minds, but it can be used to magically make a non sapient animal do what it is told. If the branded skin is ever damaged in some way and the animal has been badly treated, it will try and kill its owner, but that doesn’t happen if the owner has always treated their animal well.

7-Undead Control Brand

A popular item amongst Necromancers, whilst this has no magical effect on the living it can be used on zombies, skeletons, mummified corpses , Ironbones and even Vampires to make them obey the necromancer as long as the skin or bone that has been branded does not rot or crumble away. If it does, the suddenly freed Undead will turn on and probably manage to kill the necromancer.