Branding, or "stigmatizing" as it is often called in some towns, is the is the process in which a mark, usually a symbol or ornamental pattern, is burned into the skin of a living person, with the intention that the resulting scar makes it permanent. This is often seen as a right of passage to everyone who endures the pain. Normally this occurs between the ages of 9 and 13, but some races have been known to scar later or earlier in life, depending on circumstances. Kalur Elves tend to be the only race that use extreme cold to brand, since their skin is capable of taking high temperatures (burns become ineffective). In some cases, it has been seen that branding is done to Human and non-human slaves as a sign of ownership; however, this is uncommon in Neverwere. Tattooing is a similar practice, but far less painful.