Editing Tradition Politics (section)

===Branding===

More serious crimes may get an offender branded, permanently marked by magic for all to see. Branded mages lose all Reputation Traits, they are removed from any leadership position they might have held, and they can be banished from the area. Some may even be declared Errants by their Tradition if the crime is serious enough.

In addition, they are two Traits down on all Social Challenges with mages who know their status (which is usually obvious, either to mundane sight or Prim magic). Breaking solemn oaths, leaking secrets intentionally (as long as no deaths arose from them), attacking another mage without provocation, wantonly killing one abusing Sleepers, destroying a Wonder or committing other clearly intentional acts that represent a serious disregard for the lives and trust of other mages are all potentially worthy of branding. Brands cannot be removed without a great amount of effort, and word of the offender’s deeds usually travels quickly enough to make removal of the actual mark a moot point anyway. This punishment should be rather infrequent in most games, since it usually means that a character must depart the chronicle. When it is necessary, the Storyteller should ensure that it is enforced, or the attitude toward Tradition justice will quickly become too relaxed.