At birth, all natural born Rilaoans are given a mark of citizenship. This mark represents the beginning of their life as a Rilaoan. The tattoo is progressive; it’s added to throughout the subject’s life. These additions take place at key moments in a person’s life, like birth, puberty, and adulthood. These tattoos also function as a visual confirmation of a person’s age as well as their role in societal tasks.
Each new tattoo is accompanied by a sacred ceremony welcoming the new Rilaoan into more exclusive circles of the community. If an individual does not complete all tattoo stages then they will not become a full citizen and will be barred from some professions.