| Engraver[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Japanese name | 針を刺す女 |
| Romaji name | Hari o sasu on'na |
| Other names | Needle Woman, Engraving Maidens |
| Age | Unknown |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Unknown |
| Occupation | Guards / Tattoo Artists |
| Cause of death | Unknown |
| Encountered in | Kuze Shrine |
| Family | Unknown |
| Appearances | Fatal Frame III: The Tormented |
| Voice actor (Jp) | Unknown |
| Voice actor (Eng) | {{{voice actor}}} |
Engravers are hostile female spirits in Fatal Frame III: The Tormented.
Fatal Frame III[]
Before becoming engravers, the woman were likely either Kuze family members or workers of the family. It is likely in their past they played a role as a Handmaiden in the ritual in their youth.
Once a new Tattooed Priestess was selected, two women were selected to be the next engravers based on their artistic abilities. The two women must be born from the same generation and to prepare for the maiden’s arrival, live and spend their time together. After being selected, they were forbidden to ever leave the shrine, dedicating the rest of their lives to the Kuze family.
In preparation, the Engravers were first tattooed themselves, so they may understand the pain the priestess undergoes during the process.
After their tattooing was completed, the woman went through having their eyes gouged out. The purpose was to make them blind to the real world and help them see visions and dreams. This also allowed the Engravers to properly “feel” the emotions within the red and blue ink for the tattoos. After their eyes are removed, a hemp rope was passed through the now empty sockets, creating an x shape on the face.
Next, the Engravers create the Ink of the Soul, before they do, their hands are pierced with needles and dyed so they may better transfer the ink to the maiden’s skin. They then begin the rigorous process of tattooing the priestess head to toe. This process takes all winter to complete, with breaks taken in between sessions.
With the priestess’ tattooing complete, the Engravers hands are then cut off, signifying the completion of their purpose, and their hands are cast away. It is unknown if they survive this event or continue to live in the shrine.