| Sigil | |
 Tablet used to translate runes. | |
| Sigil | |
| Magic Type | Adept |
| Power | Sigils |
| Notable User(s) | China Sorrows; Wilhelm Scream Dreylan Scarab |
Sigils are symbols that can release, bind and manipulate magic.
Sigils can be used by anyone, even if the individual doesn't have any magic of their own. However, there are so many different sigils, all of which must be inscribed with extreme precision, that no one can master the language of magic unless they are a type of Adept mage known as a Signum Linguist.
Mechanics[]
Sigils are written in the language of magic, and so they draw directly from the Source, not from the power of the individual who inscribes them. Though they typically release some form of magic, some sigils manipulate magic instead. For example, Melancholia St Clair is covered in sigils that trap the magic released during her Surge, granting her exceptional power. Other sigils must draw on the magic of a specific type of sorcerer, such as a Teleporter.
Sigils function regardless of where they are written or carved, and are often used as tattoos, but most of them must be activated with a touch. They must also be extremely precise, or they will be faulty or non-functional. Some sigils, such as the conjuring sigil that creates a reflection, also require certain words to be spoken aloud in order for the sigil to activate.
It seems to be possible to alter sigils in order to change their function. Gracious O'Callahan, for instance, considers altering the reflection conjuring sigil in order to improve it.
Discipline[]
China Sorrows, a Signum Linguist.
Signum Linguists are Adept mages, with the ability to become impossibly proficient in the language of magic.
Theoretically, Signum Linguists are able to learn every known sigil, and inscribe them perfectly at will. In actuality, this requires so much practice and training that it is virtually impossible for a Signum Linguist to ever reach this level. According to Auger Darkly, it takes a Signum Linguist years of study just to get the basics down. Even China Sorrows, a master Signum Linguist with over four hundred years of training, sometimes makes minor mistakes when inscribing sigils.
Some sigils must draw on the user's magic in order to function, such as the sigils used by China when she heals herself after being shot by Pennant. It is unknown whether any sorcerer can use these sigils, or whether they are only available to a Signum Linguist. As the sigils inscribed onto China's body give her an edge in combat, it is assumed that most of these are powered by a Signum Linguist's magic, and cannot be used by a non-Linguist (as otherwise, they'd presumably be commonplace).
Because it is a difficult discipline with only long-term payoffs, it appears to be somewhat uncommon, and the only known Signum Linguists are China Sorrows, NJ Maverick, and Wilhelm Scream. However, it is heavily implied that Eliza Scorn and Jaron Gallow are also Signum Linguists, and Omen Darkly considers taking the discipline after his Surge.
Mastery of the language of magic is impossible for non-Signum Linguists. However, with enough study, it is still possible for other mages to become somewhat proficient in sigil magic. Mevolent, Vandameer Craven, and Dreylan Scarab have all demonstrated this ability.
Named sigils[]
A façade consists of two sigils located on the user's collarbones, and creates a false face that covers the user's head, allowing them to disguise themselves or hide disfigurements. Façades can only be operated for around two hours at a time before they need to be recharged. China Sorrows creates façades for both Skulduggery Pleasant and Ghastly Bespoke, the former's to give him a different face every time the sigil is activated, and the latter's to replace his scars with smooth skin.
An Arietti Sigil, named for a sorcerer named Arietti, forms the strongest known seal in existence. There is no known way to break the seal except for the secret bypass, which is to scorch a triangle of white-hot fire into the sigil. It is used by Mevolent in the Leibniz Universe to protect the Sceptre of the Ancients.
The Meryyn Sigil was created around 800 AD by the Necromancers. It grants incredible strength and complete invulnerability for twenty-three minutes, but must be physically activated by completing three tests in the Necropolis. Valkyrie Cain uses the Meryyn Sigil to fight Darquesse on Devastation Day.
An auxilium, when tapped, sends out its location to its creator, or to anybody that the creator has linked to the same sigil. China inscribes one onto Valkyrie's hip, so that she will be able to summon reinforcements to Coldheart Prison after locating it.
Gallery[]
