r/baldursgate • u/one_depressed_MF • 1d ago
What is a tattoo of power?
I just completed BG1 and caught this.
24
u/Longjumping_Care989 1d ago
It doesn't otherwise exist in the BG series, but they are very much a thing in Planescape: Torment https://torment.fandom.com/wiki/Fell%27s_Tattoo_Parlor
So, you might have a tattoo which magically increases a statistic when worn https://torment.fandom.com/wiki/Tattoo_of_Action
Or more relevantly, might allow you to cast a number of pre-stored spells with limited charges, like a contingency: https://torment.fandom.com/wiki/Tattoo_of_the_Bonesinger
Conclusion: Semaj is from or has travelled to Sigil. Not necessarily, but makes a good headcannon, right?
6
5
2
u/Greyhand13 14h ago
Was in 3/3.5 forgotten realms, probably one of the supplemental books (magic of faerun) if it wasn't the campaign setting book. IIRC, it functioned like a scribed scroll but there was a beneficial mechanism attached to it (either applying a meta magic feat spontaneous or being able to use it as a quick action).
ETA: it was a red wizard of Thay ability.
1
u/FamiliarMGP 12h ago edited 3h ago
Nice headcannon, but totally incorrect. It was an ability tightly related to Red Wizards of Thay.
5
u/Hot-Community-7940 19h ago
Tattoo of Power was a spell in 2e dungeons and dragons. It functioned a lot like a spell sequencer, a spell was tattooed on their body by a mage and then could be cast at any time. Usually the idea was a wizard would cast it on someone who couldn't use magic and then they would suddenly shoot out a fireball or something like that.
4
u/Baptor 18h ago
Was it one of the Red Wizards? They were well known for using tattoos with spells stored in them.
3
u/one_depressed_MF 17h ago
No, this is Semaj. He's Sarevok's least seen henchman as the final fight is the only time he appears. Angelo and Tazok are the other two and they are part of the story.
3
u/Yanceystreetyahoo 12h ago
A Tattoo of Power would ideally go on your right shoulder, visible with a tank top, but covered up with a short sleeve shirt.
An AC/DC logo is a great starter power tatt.
1
u/one_depressed_MF 14h ago
I wouldn't have had to post this but it seems it's misspelled on the wiki.
Tatoo of Power Released
1
15
u/backgroundbob 1d ago
It was basically Spell Sequencer (a spell stored earlier for instant use under specific circumstances later) but BG1 didn't have that implemented, so they gave him something special.