Mask Guide

While it might seem strange to the general public, Mortesan & Jakal Worshippers have been using masks for centuries; these designs span over many different sects making them the 'standard' or most common.

Masks are often used to represent or honor a Worshipper's Deity, many masks also carry specific ritualistic purposes. Some masks are highly personal and are made specifically for or by the individual wearing them, or they are used to represent a specific group-wide ideology. In recent years, however, masks have become more of a necessary anonymity tool for many Worshippers because of the lingering threat of the Rose Corporation, who is known to target Worshippers for capture as they often have Morphosis.

Those who worship Rai, generally. There's no reason for anyone who does not worship a rai deity, or is a part of a group centered around them, to wear one. Sometimes non-worshipping groups will wear masks for tradition or anonymity's sake. Worshipper masks are considered by many governments to be legitimate religious attire, despite being more niche, and therefore many outsiders don't feel comfortable wearing them when they do not believe, usually not wanting to appropriate their religions, be associated with the cults, labeled as insensitive, or be seen as a demon worshipper. Some less-than-moral people will take masks as trophies from captured or slain Worshippers.

### Jakal Worshipper Masks

Perhaps the most common masks to see, Jakal Worshipper masks are actually rather new all things considered, only showing up en masse on Earth roughly three-hundred years ago, thought to be around when the Seers of Jakal were active. Originally an off-shoot of Mortesan worshippers, Jakal Worshippers outgrew their predecessors and are mainly seen in the Americas, Jakal worship being less common in most of the old world. The oldest Jakal Worshipper masks found resembled the Aspects (Boon, Equipoise, Bane) of Jakal in shape, the famous 'Snouted' design only becoming more popular around seventy years ago.

#### Aspect Shaped

Often worn only by radical leaders in modern times, these masks seem to have been the standard originally. These masks usually have signature swooping structures that represent Aspects, and usually have two or four eyeholes and are mostly made from wood or clay.

Boon - *Roughly or directly inspired in shape by Boon.*

These masks get their regal shape from the aspect of Boon. The oldest Jakal mask ever found appeared to be inspired by this symbol.

Bane - *Roughly or directly inspired in shape by Bane.*

These foreboding masks were inspired by the aspect of Bane. Relatively uncommon to see in modern day, a notorious radical Bane cult and its members caused the mask's reputation to be tarnished.

Equipoise - *Roughly or directly inspired in shape by the concept of Equipoise, or bearing both Boon & Bane resembling structures.*

Heavy and bold, Equipoise masks are incredibly rare, mostly due to the large portion of Equipoise followers being casual, and the factor of 'Equipoise' not being an actual symbol seen anywhere on Jakal.

#### Snouted

Thought to all represent Jakal's long snout and head, these masks are now the most popular to see worn by anyone even vaguely associated with Jakal Worshippers. Often mistaken for masquerade or doctor masks, these have become most popular probably due to their recognizable appearance that inspires curiosity.

Thin - *A thin, open-bottomed structure extends straight out or curved down from the face of the mask.*

These sharp masks are the oldest of the snouted variety and are often favored because of their lightweight form. They are often decorated on the underside with little teeth, and sometimes jaws will be attached.

Broad - *A long, wide, open-bottomed structure extends straight downward from the face of the mask.*

Heavy, broad, and sometimes inconveniently massive, these masks can limit mobility, making them uncommon to see among most groups. However, some favor these for their bold presence.

Contotic Mold - *Two halves of a thick enclosed structure extends over the face and is fastened shut with bands or belts.*

One of the most rare to see out and about, these masks were originally used to force and bind contotic facial growth into the shape of Jakal's head. They are often made up of metal and are incredibly heavy.

### Mortesan Worshipper Masks

Associated with the most notorious of cults, Mortesan masks are positively ancient, the oldest known records of them exceed two-thousand years old making them a near-constant throughout history. Mainly found today in Europe, Mortesan masks came over to the new world with Mortesan Worshippers at an unknown date. The oldest found Mortesan mask was face-like, carved from an unknown bone-like material and encased in gold. Though silent and their true numbers unknown, Mortesan Worshippers seem to have always existed, their masks seldom changing over the ages, usually taking up a signature flat or convex shape that hugs the face. Mortesan masks are almost exclusively made from Porcelain in modern times.

It's not uncommon to see Mortesan masks missing their bottom half, and this is entirely intentional. The meaning differs between groups and different types of masks, but it's probably the most telltale sign you're looking at a Mortesan mask. It's mainly thought to represent the jawless-ness of Mortesan, Bliss, or transcending mortality. Keep in mind the descriptions for 'Mawed' in the sections below are fluid and an individual can decide what they mean for their group or themself. Being so isolated groups often develop new traditions separate of others.

#### Face-Like

These masks appear to be human faces or skulls, sometimes, a mix of both. Though never very popular in history, modern Mortesan Worshippers have taken a liking to them and they are steadily increasing in popularity, mainly among extremists.

Full - *Resembling a human face, usually expressionless.*
Thought to symbolize mortality, or be a reflection of the person wearing them. These masks are considered to be unnerving and tend to have strong ritual ties.

Mawed - *Resembling a human face, usually expressionless with everything below the nose removed.*

As the full mask insinuates mortality, removing the mouth portion of the mask often represents someone who has reached immortality, but more specifically something known as 'Facial Withdrawing', which is a supposed side-effect of becoming a Mortal-Born.

#### Dome

These masks are becoming increasingly popular in the Americas. They range from small, circular, face-hugging masks to large plate-like domes that can sprawl outwards, decorated with ridges and raised sections. Despite being relatively unseen in history, these anomalous masks are usually ancient and passed down for centuries.

Full - *A convex, rounded mask that hugs the head.*

When whole, this mask often represents composure, while sometimes representing a chosen emotion or dedication. Unlike most Mortesan masks, these often have multiple eye holes with varying emotions, and they are usually asymmetrical. However, unnervingly, these masks are incredibly popular with Mortesan Worshippers who honor Mortesan with cannibalism or sacrifice.

Mawed - *A convex mask that hugs the head with the bottom half removed in a rounded shape.*

The mask when whole represents composure or emotion. Mawing this mask represents, almost exclusively, Bliss. This mask is often chosen by those hoping to seek Bliss, or those who believe they already attained it. Bliss is often seen as a state of true perfection, devoid of happiness or sadness, no guilt or worries.

#### Classic Flat

Simple and usually inoffensive, the Classic Flat mask is the most popular across most of history, probably due to how easy it is to produce.

Full - *A flat, simple, slightly convex rectangular mask.*

Thought to represent a shield, one who wears this mask identifies with its stoic nature, and is usually seen as a protector, of one's group or Mortesan, as the practice of wearing masks in Mortesan worship at all was thought to have originated from her guardian, Hethse. The mask is also worn because of its easy-to-personalize flat surface.

Mawed - *A flat, simple, slightly convex rectangular mask with the bottom cut out.*

When mawed, including all other possibilities, this mostly unassuming mask takes up the meaning of a ferocious or bloodthirsty warrior. Why mawing this mask is seen in this way is thought to represent the breaking of a shield, or exposing one's own teeth to fight with as Mortesan was said to.