Mask of Erathar

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Prehistoric Article This article contains information said to be from Prehistoric Times. The validity of prehistoric content is dubious at best due to poor recordkeeping in the era, and should be considered unreliable, or at best: Legend.

Mask of Erathar, as worn by the Patchwork Queen

A black mask with iridescent filigree that seems to shift its material and form to fit the face of whoever bonds to it.

Creation

There are many stories surrounding the creation of the Mask of Erathar. Each bearer of the mask claims it was created for them, either by master craftsmen or by some divine, infernal, or otherwise otherworldly force as a sign of their power. While none of these stories have ever been proven, one story has been repeated enough by bearers and non-bearers alike that it has passed into common myth throughout Quelmar.

The Story of Erathar

Sometime during Prehistory, from the depths of the plane of Hades, Doppelgangers arrived in Quelmar. Most began taking forms and inserting themselves into the societies they found, eager to learn more of this strange new Material Plane that they found themselves in. Some of them were not content to simply live among the residents of Quelmar, instead beginning crusades to subjugate this new world or become objects of worship. Still others sought to destroy everything, allowing the souls who resided in this new plane to be dragged back to Hades.

The Mask of Erathar's original form upon its creation and bestowment to the first ruler of Gol Zenagi.

Erathar wanted none of this. A Doppelganger greatly attuned to the fabric of magic, the multiverses, and fate itself, Erathar knew quickly that this new land would not survive forever. At first they were content to explore and commit it all to memory, Erathar began getting images, feelings, and predictions of heroes, monuments, and items that would be needed even after the physical lands of Quelmar were destroyed. Distraught over this knowledge, they took two major steps to ensuring everything would have a chance.

First, they created the mobile city of Gol Zenagi. Powered by intense levels of magics drawn from every plane of existence, the floating citadel would become a haven for anything that felt it did not belong anywhere else in Quelmar or objects deemed too powerful or unnecessary for that time period. Second, they created their Mask, a process that caused them to infuse their energy, soul, and malleability into an ordinary mask. This process cost them their life, but allowed them to grant their gifts, foresight, and guidance to whoever led Gol Zenagi, who Erathar believed would be the bearer of the Mask until the end of Quelmar.

Erathar's Curse

The Mask of Erathar is a sentient magic item, as it contains the intellect and primal essence of a being bearing Erathar's name. If the wearer of the mask is a citizen of Gol Zenagi and/or shares the goal of protecting the outcasts of Quelmar, then the possessing spirit remains at peace, granting all boons that come with wearing the mask without a fuss. If, however, the new wearer is an enemy of Gol Zenagi, someone Erathar predicts would lead the city to ruin, or even someone whose goals have nothing to do with the prosperity of the city, then Erathar will attempt to make their lives a living hell.

Those fighting Erathar's spirit must constantly exert their will over it in order to keep it subdued and gain the benefits of the mask. If they give the spirit too much leeway even for a second, they will find themselves at Erathar's mercy. If they are lucky, Erathar simply possesses them long enough to get the mask to a proper host. More often than not, however, the wearer's spirit is destroyed, and their body is twisted into a monstrous guardian, to protect the mask until a Champion of Gol Zenagi can come to reclaim it.

Gifts of the Mask

The Mask of Erathar bestows many gifts upon the wearer of the mask (provided they have the spirit's blessing or have it subdued).

Unearthly Charisma

The wearer of the Mask of Erathar is blessed with a sense of presence that one can only describe as otherworldly. Whether it be irresistible beauty or an overwhelming aura of power, the wearer of the mask becomes exceptional at leading others. While in the past this has led to the creation of several dangerously fanatical cults, it is intended to make the wearer a proper leader of Gol Zenagi.

Gift of Foresight

The ability of the wearer to see the future depends on several factors, including how magically inclined they were before receiving the Mask of Erathar and if the spirit within is willingly giving the wearer these gifts. However, every wearer is aware of the future Erathar predicted, and if they focus, they can generally foresee at least a few minutes into the future. The more powerful of the users have even been said to foresee every attempt at assassination or theft, allowing them to keep themself and the mask safe.

Spellcasting

Whether or not the wearer could cast before the mask, they can now feel the fabric of magic all around them, and manipulate it into casting any spell they want. The power level they can safely channel depends on how long they've worn the mask. Going above that safe level can lead to complications in the magic and has been the cause of death of several previous mask bearers.

Sage Guidance

Whether Erathar is content or subdued, their knowledge can be drawn upon by the wearer. This can take the form of asking advice of the mask's spirit, demanding information, or even delving into the memories of the spirit (which includes anything it saw or experienced while born by previous wearers of the mask). No matter how the wearer chooses to access the information, it never comes to the wearer in words. Usually it is quick images that much be sifted through, though powerful users have been able to experience whole scenes in a matter of seconds.

Known previous bearers of the Mask

The Patchwork Queen