Gomuri Mask

You think we are afraid to show our faces? Than you assume correctly. Only a fool is not afraid to show his expression and fear when dealing with such a savage pack of wolves. The mask hides the face and slightly evens the playing field, true, but it also tells a tale. Subtle hints that require no words, and those who know, know.

— Lady Malvionari, the Purple Duchess.

Masks are a traditional and common practice in Vintian and Vanizan masquerades. Like every other piece of clothing in these cities’ culture, the mask is also considered an extension of the wearer and their intentions.

Significance

Traditional Gomuri masks are available all throughout the Gomuri Expanse and even in the Kaviri Highlands and Free Islands. The quality varies greatly and serves as the first indication to a person's true social status. The masks will often resemble a creature that the wearers associates themselves, as well as their intentions in the current ball or masquarade.
While to the occasional bystander the mask’s design looks inconsequential, for a player of The Great Game it is the first card played in a match; a lion's mask means someone believes themselves superior to others, unafraid of any challenges to this claim; should anyone else arrive with another lion's mask, they are bound to quarrel.
Context is also important; if worn to a public event, a fox mask indicates someone is willing to exchange certain information, for the right price or favor; if worn to a private a event, a fox mask indicates someone is willing to dabble in promiscuity, often of bisexual nature.
The prime example of high-end masks are Gomuri Occulto, unique masks that are passed on from a spymaster to their successor; such masks are made from the highest quality materials and by the best craftsmen available, and most are even enchanted to give their wearer an additional advantage.
Genuine master-crafted masks are made-to-measure following a pedantic design process, and are also made according to custom specifications which allow for the mask to be enchanted with unusual spells.

Item type

Clothing / Accessory

Used by

• Gomuri Occulto

Related ethnicities

• Gomuri

Rarity

Common

Base Price

~5 cp (clay/wood)
~5 sp (cheap metals)
~50 gp (precious metals, magical)

Raw materials & Components

Primarily clay and wood, both of which can be of varying quality.