The Mask of Mirthful Deception

### *Introduction:*

The Mask of Mirthful Deception is an extraordinary artifact created by the malevolent entity Chuckles, the Malevolent Jester. This enigmatic white jester's mask possesses a unique ability: it can shift its expression, endowing its wearer with a diverse array of powers corresponding to the displayed emotion. This wiki page delves into the origins, properties, and legends surrounding this legendary artifact.

### *Origins and Creation:*

Forged amidst the depths of the Abyss, the Mask of Mirthful Deception is a testament to Chuckles' mastery over emotions and manipulation. Crafted from an otherworldly material, the mask's ornate design and lifelike features add to its allure. The exact rituals and methods employed in its creation remain shrouded in secrecy, heightening the mask's mystique.

### *Emotional Shifting:*

One of the most captivating aspects of the Mask of Mirthful Deception is its ability to shift expressions, each emotion imbuing the wearer with unique powers:

* Joyful Grin: This expression fosters camaraderie, granting the wearer and allies temporary hit points. It instills confidence, vital in the heat of battle.
* Angry Snarl: The mask's anger fuels the wearer, granting resistance to non-magical slashing, piercing, and bludgeoning damage. It channels righteous fury, enhancing the wearer's endurance in combat.
* Sinister Sneer: This expression invokes fear, causing enemies to hesitate. It provides a tactical advantage, making foes more vulnerable to attacks and strategic maneuvers.
* Manic Laughter: The wearer gains enhanced speed and agility, enabling rapid movement and quick thinking. It ensures the wearer stays one step ahead, crucial in dynamic combat situations.
* Melancholic Sigh: This expression enhances empathy, granting deep insight into others' emotions. It aids negotiations and social interactions, making it a valuable asset in diplomatic endeavors.
* Piercing Gaze: The mask sharpens the senses, allowing the wearer to perceive the unseen. It detects hidden threats and provides a strategic advantage in stealth and detection.

### *Cursed Influence:*

Attunement to the Mask of Mirthful Deception comes at a price. The wearer becomes increasingly obsessed with emotions and deception. This obsession might lead to manipulation, provoking specific emotional responses, even at the cost of honesty or empathy. The wearer must navigate a moral labyrinth, balancing the mask's power with ethical considerations.

### *Chuckles' Whimsy:*

Once per day, the wearer can invoke Chuckles' Whimsy, changing the mask's emotion at will. This grants access to the corresponding abilities, providing a fleeting but potent advantage. The window of opportunity lasts for 1 minute, during which the wearer can strategically employ the mask's powers.

### *Legends and Folklore:*

The Mask of Mirthful Deception has inspired numerous legends and folklore. Its powers have become the stuff of adventurers' dreams and scholars' inquiries. These tales serve as both warnings and temptations, cautioning against its potential dangers while tantalizing those hungry for power and intrigue.

### *In Conclusion:*

The Mask of Mirthful Deception remains a captivating enigma, a symbol of Chuckles' cunning and emotional manipulation. Its powers offer a strategic edge in various situations, making it a coveted artifact. However, those who dare to don the mask must confront their own emotions and navigate the thin line between manipulation and genuine connection, for in its presence, truth and deception dance in an eternal, chaotic waltz.

### Item Statblock

#### The Mask of Mirthful Deception

*Wondrous Item (mask), legendary (requires attunement)*

The Mask of Mirthful Deception is a pristine white jester's mask, intricately designed and imbued with the essence of Chuckles, the Malevolent Jester. This enigmatic artifact can shift its expression, conveying a range of emotions, and grants its wearer various abilities corresponding to the displayed emotion.

Properties:

* Type: Wondrous Item (mask)
* Weight: 1 lb.

Emotional Shifting: As an action, the attuned wearer can mentally command the Mask of Mirthful Deception to shift its expression, displaying one of the following emotions:

* Joyful Grin: The mask's joyful expression grants the wearer advantage on Charisma-based checks and saving throws. Additionally, allies within 30 feet of the wearer gain temporary hit points equal to the wearer's Charisma modifier at the start of their turns.
* Angry Snarl: The mask's angry expression fuels the wearer with rage. While wearing the Angry Snarl, the wearer gains resistance to slashing, piercing, and bludgeoning damage from non-magical weapons. Additionally, the wearer's melee attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage of a type corresponding to the mask's expression (e.g., fire for a fiery expression, cold for a frosty expression, etc.).
* Sinister Sneer: The mask's sinister expression instills fear in enemies. The wearer gains advantage on Intimidation checks, and enemies within 30 feet of the wearer have disadvantage on saving throws against fear effects and spells.
* Manic Laughter: The mask's manic expression enhances the wearer's speed and agility. The wearer gains a +10-foot bonus to their movement speed and can take the Dash action as a bonus action on each of their turns.
* Melancholic Sigh: The mask's melancholic expression grants the wearer insight into the emotions of others. The wearer gains advantage on Insight checks, and they can cast *Detect Thoughts* at will without expending a spell slot.
* Piercing Gaze: The mask's piercing expression sharpens the wearer's senses. The wearer gains advantage on Perception checks, and they can see invisible creatures and objects as if they were visible.

Cursed Influence:

* While attuned to the Mask of Mirthful Deception, the wearer becomes increasingly obsessed with emotions and the art of deception. They may find themselves compelled to manipulate situations to provoke specific emotional responses in others, even at the expense of honesty or empathy.