What ARE inscriptions? I never figured it out

I see threads about people being worried about inscriptions but not actually saying EXACTLY what they are...

From what I can gather... it sounds like either...

1) you can salvage the mod of your choice.
2) you can salvage inherent mods like 15^50, etc.

So what is it exactly?

We'll know when Nightfall comes out.

I think both.

Or could be a way to remove the customized for "name” off a weapon you own. Not counting pre-order or bonus items.

Wouldn’t that be a funny twist.

People have been assuming it's the damage mod. I have a feeling that Anet will introduce a new, 3rd kind of mod, which are called inscriptions. Because damage mods are damage mods, not inscriptions, and regular mods aren't inscriptions either.

I definetly think they are going to surprise us with somthing not expected.

I second that, and I'm not interested in having another speculation thread. Closed.