Waterlogged Scriptorium

The scribe carefully picks up the vial filled with a bright red ink and gives it a shake, then gestures with their own hand a dipping motion. You dip your fingers into the ink and a jolt of vitality courses through you! Pleased with your reaction, the scribe gives a polite bow and waves you goodbye.

Navigating the murky passages, you stumble upon a withered figure working a small shop. The multitude of shelves are stuffed full of damp scrolls and parchment. Noticing a patron has entered, the scribe-shopkeeper snaps to attention and gestures at some implements arranged on a desk.

The scribe grabs the prickly sponge (it squeaks) and dabs it across your scrolls. *squeak squeak squeak* The prickly texture leaves behind shimmering marks that seem to stabilize the ink...

The scribe lifts the wriggly quill and with swift, practiced movements, etches a strange mark unto your head. The mark glows bright, then vanishes...