Sun Splitter Mask

The Sun Splitter Mask (or Mask of the Sun Splitter) is an accessory worn by Orcish clan leader Sun Splitter of the Burning Face. It depicts an orcish skull set ablaze, the flames spreading out from the face in every direction except below the chin. The flames are angled towards the back of the wearers head. There are more copies of the Sun Splitter mask with the same name but they only cover the wearer's face whereas the original encases most of the skull.

History

The mask refers to the Burning Face clan's first battle and its founding. The orcs had freshly bloomed clan-less out of a Breeding Mound close to the border with Ustalav. It was not long until they were spotted and targeted by a squadron of Ustalavs who attempted to make quick work of the young and disorganised orcs.
The orcs fought back, at 60 they outnumbered the squadron approximately 2 to 1. The soldiers' greater experience made up for the number disadvantage and they dispatched much of the young orcs. It seemed as though the young clanless orcs would be eradicated until one of the soldier set one of the orcs' face on fire.
The orc let out a howl of pain which caught the attention of all fighters. Rather than attempt to extinguish the flames, the orc instead launched into the melee with revitalised ferocity, which united the other orcs behind him. The howl of pain the orc let out had stunned many of the human soldiers, who were taken by surprise by the orcs now fighting with a coordination unseen until this point. The orcs eventually killed every single soldier which had attacked them and shortly thereafter formed a clan when a witch awakened among them.

Significance

Now clan leader, the orc who would later be named Sun Splitter had a mask fashioned for shielding much of her burned head and eyes from injury and the sun. The mask then took on cultural significance as elite warriors of the clan fashioned their own copies, both in respect and commemoration.
These elite warriors were named the Sun Splitters and all don a mask of their own into battle. The right to wear a mask of one's own is acquired by challenging a Sun Splitter to a duel to the death.

Manufacturing process

The original

The original Sun Splitter mask is intricately carved and required the engineering talent of The Steel Eaters from The Foundry and the leatherworking talents from the Flayed Skull clan to finish.
The carved, painted and finished wood pieces were assembled first by the Steel Eaters who joined the pieces on spring loaded hinges so the mask can rest closed without compressing Sun Splitter's head and injuries. It was then brought to the Dry Skin Lake to be lined with one singular thinner and softer piece of Orcish Bog Leather to provide padding and comfort while worn.

The Copies

A Sun Splitter mask is made by carving a solid piece of dense wood into the desired shape, accounting for the angle of the flames to the face. It is then painted yellow and shaded ochre. Though not required, most prospective orcs and indeed most Sun Splitters add glue to the outer side of he mask. They then sprinkle fine sand onto it in order to catch the light, giving the mask a scintillating feature as they charge into combat. Similar to the effect achieved by the brass gilding of Sun Splitter's original mask.
Once the mask is crafted, the prospective orc can challenge an established Sun Splitter to a duel to the death during which they both wear their own mask.

Item type

Unique Artifact

Current Holder

Uelas Sun Splitter of the Burning Face

Related ethnicities

• Seed Orcs

Rarity

Unique to Sun Splitter. The copies of the mask worn by elite warriors are unique to the clan of the Burning Face.

Dimensions

Roughly circular, 40cm in diameter.

Raw materials & Components

Original

• Ebony wood

• Leather lining and hood

• Sinew for the lace to close the leather hood at the back of Sun Splitter's head

• Paint

• Brass gilding

Copies

• Piece of dense or hard wood

• Two leather straps to attach the mask to the face

• Paint

Optional though common:

• Glue

• Sand

Tools

• Carving knife

• Paintbrush