1) Yes, they are permanent,
2) While painful (and enduring it is something symbolic), the overall sting of the procedure is alleviated by having a waterbending healer on-call.

--- Philip

	Philip J. Moyer Contributing Writer, Editor and Artist (and Moderator) -- Eyrie Productions, Unlimited CEO of MTS, High Poobah Of Artwork, and High Priest Of the Church Of Aerianne -- Magnetic Terrapin Studios "Insert Pithy Comment Here"

It's worth pointing out that it's not just a head tattoo. See the one on Ikki's left hand? There's one on her right hand too, and on both of her feet, and all five are connected.

Air Nomads are way more badass than the man-in-the-street gives them credit for being. :)

--G.
-><-
Benjamin D. Hutchins, Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & Forum Mod
Eyrie Productions, Unlimited http://www.eyrie-productions.com/
zgryphon at that email service Google has
Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.

Ebony the Black Dragon

"Life is like an anole. Sometimes it's green. Sometimes it's brown. But it's always a small Caribbean lizard."

As long as Leslie Nielson doesn't show up in a saffron robe to be introduced as "Air Master Acolyte Frank Drebin", I'm cool with this.

-- Bob
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My race is pacifist and does not believe in war. We kill only out of personal spite.

Oh, good. It isn't just me.

Peter Eng
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Insert humorous comment here.