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Original Author: 1000dumplings. Rewrite Author:
TrailmixNCocoa.
Wall Masks are theatrical artifacts scattered across various levels of the Backrooms. These masks not only manipulate the behavior of those who wear them but also amplify their physical or mental strengths in unsettling and dangerous ways. It is generally advised to avoid them at all costs.
An Arlecchino Wall Mask.
Description
Wall Masks are often discovered affixed to walls in levels with theatrical or ceremonial themes. They come in intricate designs and sizes and reshape themselves to fit the face of anyone who puts them on.
Though often bolted to walls and requiring tools to remove, some masks are found discarded or near the remains of unfortunate wanderers. A peculiar aspect of these masks is their allure—wanderers feel compelled to wear them, particularly if the mask resonates with their personality or desires. Once worn, the masks amplify the wearer’s strongest traits, making the wearer exponentially more dangerous. It is assumed that these masks do not affect or lure in non-human entities, as there have been no appearances of masked creatures.
The masks are divided into three categories: Subtle Masks, Overt Masks, and Violent Masks, reflecting the severity of their effects on behavior and strength.
Mask Types:
Subtle Masks
These masks cause minor changes in behavior and moderately amplify mental or physical traits.
Colombina Mask: A colorful, half-face mask known for its elegance. It’s considered the most common masquerade mask in the Frontrooms and is mostly decorated with flowers, feathers, or gemstones.
True to the character of the Commedia dell’Arte, the mask captivates those drawn to creativity and emotional depth. That is to say, it appeals to wanderers who either embrace their empathy or secretly long to connect with others on a profound level. Those who wore it have noted an increased sense of empathy and an unnatural ability to intensify the emotions of those around them. This could lead to the distraction and disorientation of wanderers, allowing them to be vulnerable for this mask type to attack. However, such an ability often leaves the wearer consumed by the emotional energy they channel, leaving them open to attack themselves.
However, it’s important to note that locating these masks is a difficult task; so far, only 20 have been found across levels. Expect possible description changes with the acquisition of more Colombina masks. That being said, wearers experience no notable physical changes from wearing this mask type.
Volto Mask: A full-face mask with a white base and intricate golden swirls. These are considered one of the more common forms of Wall Masks and are often favored by those who are naturally observant or secretly desire invisibility. Those who wear this mask develop an uncanny ability to blend into their surroundings, reamining unnoticed in crowds despite their physical presence. Some rumors even suggest that Volto mask wearers can slip into the shadows, becoming nearly invisible to other wanderers.
The mask’s ability to blend the wearer in their surroundings allows for them to silently approach and ambush wanderers, making it easier to strike while remaining undetected. However, sudden loud noises, aggressive confrontations, or even direct eye contact with the wearer might disrupt the illusion; this then forces the wearer to either reveal themselves or retreat. One may also benefit from staying in less populated/brighter areas to decrease the chance of an attack from this mask type.
Kitsune Mask: A vibrant, fox-shaped mask that covers half the face. These masks attract wanderers who either embrace their cunning or secretly wish for control through charisma. Wearers become more sly and flirtatious, amplifying their ability to mislead and outmaneuver others. Kitsune mask wearers excel at manipulating situations, drawing victims in with flirtatious gestures, teasing remarks, and an aura of playful mystery. They are particularly adept at luring others into isolated spaces, where they can strike quickly and with precision, often using the element of surprise to their advantage. Some have even noted fox-like behaviors, such as mousing, which includes the slow tilting of the head. These abilities, while useful for the wearer, are more likely than not associated with an intense sense of distrust towards others.
Despite these behavioral similarities, it is important to note that wearers of this mask are not actual yokai from Japanese folklore; they are humans and can be dealt with as such. It is crucial to stay focused when interacting with them and not give in to their playful gestures.
Overt Masks
These masks impose noticeable personality shifts and amplify the physical traits of the wearers.
Oni Mask: A striking, horned mask with sharp features. These masks attract those with a strong sense of judgement and justice or unspoken anger. Those who wear it experience mild shifts in physical appearance, such as the thickening and lengthening of hair, the reddening of one’s complexion, and the hardening of nails. Some have noted feeling great pain in the sides of their jaws and temples, where the horns and large teeth of the mask are located.
Arlecchino Mask: Also known as Harlequin masks, these are colorful masks with arched brows, bells, and occasional headpieces. It’s the rarer of the three Overt Masks, and possibly the one with the fewest physical shifts other than the Subtle Masks. It appeals to those who embrace or secretly crave spontaneity and whimsy. Wearers are noted to become erratic and impulsive, with amplified reflexes and unpredictability in combat. They move like contortionists, disorienting their victims with bizarre behavior before striking. When tested, wearers are noted to have somehow developed Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, or JHS. While this allows them to move in unnatural ways, this also makes them more prone to joint dislocation and sprains.
Pantalone Mask: These masks are most notable for their large, hooked nose, slanted eyes, and prominent eyebrows, which mimic the caricatured features of the original Pantalone from Commedia dell'Arte. Its allure lies in the promise of heightened ambition and cleverness.
Just as the theatrical Pantalone embodied greed and cunning, these masks instill a similarly manipulative and calculating shift in their wearers. Those who don the mask often take on an air of arrogant shrewdness, becoming fiercely ambitious and single-minded in pursuit of their goals, much like Pantalone’s relentless obsession with wealth and status. This heightened ambition makes wearers particularly difficult to distract or persuade, as their focus on their objectives borders on obsessive.
Once worn, the mask’s wearer becomes fiercely focused, calculating, and manipulative. Their physical form may subtly alter, with elongated fingers or limbs that reflect their grasping nature, although not all of these may be affected uniformly. While their reach may be extended, their agility or coordination could suffer as a trade-off; the disproportionate limbs may hinder precise movements or balance, especially in confined spaces.
Violent Masks
These masks drastically alter personality and amplify abilities to extremes, often erasing the wearer’s sense of self.
Buskin Mask: A white mask with a frown, representing sorrow and anger. It resonates with those burdened by grief or suppressed rage, drawing them with the promise of release. Wearers become irritable and emotionally unstable, amplifying their endurance and pain tolerance. They lash out in bursts of violent rage, making them dangerous in prolonged confrontations. Along with these behavioral shifts, their skin has been noted to significantly harden, making them even less susceptible to injury. This does push them to recklessness; with enough time, they could be driven to exhaustion.
Bauta Mask: A rectangular mask with no mouthpiece, often a single solid color with subtle swirling patterns. Wearers become stoic and domineering, amplifying their ability to intimidate others. The wearer’s frame becomes more imposing, with broadened shoulders, thickened muscles, and an enhanced physical strength that allows them to overpower adversaries with ease. Their movements, while not particularly agile, are deliberate and powerful, favoring direct confrontation over evasive tactics. However, this physical and psychological dominance comes at the cost of flexibility; their bulk and heavy movements make them less suited for nimble or reactive combat, leaving them vulnerable to faster, more agile opponents.
Sock Mask: A smiling counterpart to the Buskin Mask, with exaggerated cheer. Wearers become unhinged and sadistic, amplifying their speed and combat efficiency. It attracts those who suppress violent urges or secretly desire chaos. Essentially, the mask promises freedom from inhibition.
Once worn, they revel in violence, targeting anyone who doesn’t appear cheerful or compliant. Physically, the mask alters the wearer’s body by lightening their bone density, enabling faster, almost inhuman movement. However, this increased speed comes at a cost: their brittle bones become prone to fractures, leaving them vulnerable in prolonged fights or against heavier blows.
Defense Against Wall Mask Wearers:
Depending on the mask type, different strategies may prove effective:
Method 1: Verbal persuasion. Subtle Mask wearers retain some reasoning ability. Appealing to their humanity may persuade them to remove the mask.
Method 2: Distraction and Removal. For Overt Mask wearers, use distractions to gain the opportunity to forcefully remove the mask. Be cautious, as they may resist violently.
Method 3: Avoidance or Termination. Violent Mask wearers are almost impossible to reason with. Avoid them at all costs. If escape isn’t possible, neutralization is the only viable option.
Final Notes:
- Avoid direct interaction with Wall Masks, especially if emotionally or mentally vulnerable.
- Carry almond water, which can reduce the masks' allure.
- Report Wall Mask sightings, as well as any masked individual, to the M.E.G. to prevent further casualties.