The Five Gran Maestri

***The Gran Maestri***, also known as ***"The Five",*** have always been revered in the history of The City as the finest masters of their craft. With the title of Gran Maestro being reserved for only five individuals at any given time, it is no surprise that becoming a Gran Maskerer Maestro is considered a one-in-a-million achievement. Only the most talented and skilled Maskerers in The City are considered for this prestigious role, and it is held until the Maskerer's death or until they commit grave acts of heresy against The Mask.

When one of the five titles becomes vacant, a temporal judician jury is established to select the new Gran Maskerer among the most talented makers of The City. This occurs on average only two or three times in the lifetime of a typical Citizen, and each "advent" of another Gran Maestro is always celebrated throughout the city. Festivities that celebrate the new Grandmaestri usually last for about three or four months.

## ***The SoulMask And First Duties***

Upon being titled, the first obligation of the new Gran Maestro is to create the most important mask of their life – one that they will never wear in any situation until the day of their death. This mask is called the SoulMask and embodies the absolute power and magnificence of the art of crafting and mask-making. It is the most valuable possession of a Gran Maskerer Maestro and is taken care of with utmost care and attention.

Losing or destroying the SoulMask would be a catastrophic event for any Gran Maestro or Maestra, leading to immediate excommunication from The Guild Of The Worn Hands and the loss of their title. The rarity of such an event cannot be overstated, and the consequences are usually severe. Traitors are typically exiled, and in the most severe cases, they may even face execution.

The festivities that celebrate the new Gran Maestro can last for three or four months, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. During these celebrations, the citizens of The City come together to celebrate the art of mask-making, and the new Gran Maestro is honored and revered. It is a time for joy and celebration, a time to look forward to what the future may hold under the guidance of the new Gran Maestro.

## ***At The Top of The Social Hierarchy***

Every Gran Maestro or Maestra is a highly respected member of The City's social hierarchy and community, receiving "Hero" or "Idol" status from the moment they are chosen. Gran Maskerer Maestri are only permitted to wear their SoulMask on the day of their death, as stipulated in the Code Of The Worn Hands: "Every Gran Maestro shall be buried with their most prized and beautiful craft."

But becoming a Gran Maestro is not easy. The crafting of a SoulMask, the most important mask of a Gran Maestro's life, often takes years and is not completed until well into their career. The SoulMask embodies the absolute power and magnificence of the art of crafting and mask-making, and it is the most valuable possession of a Gran Maestro. In fact, it is so important that every Gran Maestro is required to create a SoulMask upon being titled, one that should never be worn in any situation until the Gran Maskerer's death.

Unfortunately, the raiding and looting of precious SoulMasks of the past from graves have been a continuous problem for generations. As a result, many Gran Maestri choose to be buried in secret locations, so as not to lose their SoulMask for all the days to come. The rascals that succeed in looting a SoulMask have in their hands one of the most beautiful and prized possessions that exist under the Tendome. SoulMasks of the past that belonged to even more important Gran Maestri are often seen in the private collections of many rich Amorists, Ecclesia, and Merchants.

The choosing of a Gran Maestro is a pivotal moment in the history of The City, and the celebrations that follow are an opportunity for citizens to come together and honor the art of mask-making. It is a time to reflect on the importance of The Mask and to look forward to the future under the guidance of the new Gran Maestro.

The Gran Maestri and their SoulMasks represent an important aspect of the history and culture of The City. Their mastery and dedication to the art of crafting and mask-making continue to inspire generations, and their legacy will undoubtedly endure for centuries to come.

## #TBA | EXPAND ON THE MASTERING OF MANY MATERIALS

And how it is directly correlated to being recognized as a master maskerer. One can craft even five or six masks only in it's lifetime, but if the art of bending the right materials is mastered, he/she will be forever remember and immportalized in the History Of The City.