* ADVISORY

Having ‘sets’ of markings is also common. For example, Coran has three sets of markings, the first set covers his arms, left shoulder and upper back (purple line), the second set covers right shoulder, upper torso, lower back and right leg (orange line) and the final set covers his left leg and lower back (green line). Alteans with a single set of markings are often ones who can power and use Teluduvs and other high Quintesence demanding technologies. 

Markings are also typically raised, about the thickness of a piece of paper, off the skin and even covers over scarred skin, continuing its path along the body.

Throughout an Alteans life, the markings will rarely change shape without the aid of their shape shifting abilities. The phenomenon has only been recorded a handful of times and it’s believed to be linked to direct and prolonged exposure to certain types of Quintesence. 

What is not rare is the fading of marking colouration; as an Altean ages, the markings start to fade and lose their vividness. For elderly Alteans it can be used as a marker to suggest how long one has left but, should an Altean die of non-natural causes (sickness, accident, murder, etc.) their markings will suddenly lose colouration.

Other than showing the flow of Quintesence through an Altean, the markings serve other evolutionary advantages, for example, their luminescence creatures a form of Countershading, obstructing their silhouette, making it harder for predators and prey to spot them. Another use is the idea that they used to be used as bait, much like how an deep sea Anglerfish uses their illicium to lure prey towards them by dazzling them in the dark.

However, it’s common and typically expected for Alteans to keep their markings underwraps and out of sight. But, before its destruction, Altea was starting to accept the idea of markings being on display, although it was mainly enforced by the populations youth and commoners. Many Aristocrats and the ruling class weren’t as forward thinking. 

Corans personal markings: