A branded survivor is one of the strongest possible campaign engines, but should be used carefully. The Brand attracts evil spirits and marks the person as prey. This creates pressure on travel, shelter, secrecy, and trust.
Canon surviving branded people are extremely rare. If the campaign adds a new branded figure, explain the origin. Options: a partial failed sacrifice, a separate apostle ceremony, someone grazed by the Eclipse's residue, a false brand mistaken for the real one, or a victim carrying an incomplete mark that behaves unpredictably.
NPC reactions should be mixed. A healer may want to help. A priest may see heresy. A village may demand the person leave. A noble may want to study or exploit them. An apostle may hunt them. A witch may understand enough to fear for everyone nearby.
At night, the brand should create tension. Spirits gather. Animals panic. Wounds ache. Candles burn strangely. Sleep becomes dangerous. The party must plan watch rotations, shelter, wards, and escape routes.
Do not make the brand merely a combat trigger. It is social horror, travel horror, spiritual horror, and moral pressure. Protecting someone branded should force the party to choose compassion despite risk.