Erithi theatre masks (saved post)
Topic: Erithians
Message #: 944
Author: GS4-XYNWEN
Date: 3/20/2009 10:42:42 PM
Subject: Erithi Theatre Masks
I've been reviewing erithi documentation as I can, specifically trying to track down as much as possible about what's been released via HSN 2004 and other things like that, and winnowing out what was official and what was player done, etc.
I finally came across a log of the theatre mask event at HSN 2004 (and by finally, I finally realized that that was what that massive 400 page log was that someone sent me when I first became guru). ;) I've skimmed it, and I wanted to share with you what you can consider "official" from that.
The NPC was Chelan, and rather than talk herself about theatre, she wanted to hear an outsider's view who claimed to have been studying it. A PC, Tierus, gave the talk on what he called shi'hadara. The NPC was guarded about her opinions, but did not jump up and down and scream "you are so far off you must have been smoking something" either. Therefore, I'm going to make it official that there is a theatre style that is at least similar to what was described, but I'm staying intentionally vague. I do have a more fleshed out document around this that I will be having reviewed and such, so we can tie up a loose end around something that might be confusing as far as officiality and such.
So, for this particular theatre style, the name itself isn't official, but speaking of elements in general covered during the talk would be fine. You are safe in assuming that there are many other variations of theatre that are popular among different groups of the erithi, so this one style is not the end all-be all, either. You can also consider it official that other styles of theatre utilize masks as well, based off Chelan's visit. Plus, like poetry, lots of symbolism can be read into the masks, and some make an art of it, and some might find it silly, while others profound.
In other words, plenty of leeway for your characters here!
One thing Chelan did which was really interesting was ask people to tell her one of their weaknesses or fears and let her design the mask for them based off that. She went on to say that this was a discipline of sorts. If you put your weakness or fear into the mask, and then put the mask on and play that part on the stage, you are removing it from yourself, because it is just a mask. Then afterwards, you remove the mask, and that part of yourself as well. In short, the theatre mask design (not to be confused with the masks described by Tierus in his talk) can be considered an art form as well as a philosophical one, should someone so choose.
Again, your character can take it or leave it, but it is there. You may consider "the Discipline of the Mask" to be something erithi. Obviously masks do not have to be designed with this in mind and they can hold other symbolism for the creator or wearer or none at all.
I found 4 examples of the masks in the log that I wanted to share, names have been removed. These are absolutely gorgeous, and the GM behind Chelan did a remarkable job. The only "error" is that the base is "an Erithian,festival,mask" where "erithi" would be more appropriate and "erithian" would be acceptable. However, I don't think we had standardized that you don't capitalize races at that point, so obviously it isn't an error really. Just remember if you have one made to lowercase it!
Female sylvan: examining an Erithian festival mask. Deep blue dyes cover the front of the fine silk mask so thoroughly that its original snow white hue is only visible from the inside and from a slight rim around the eyeholes. In the center of the brow, a brilliant star shimmers in silver and gold, and tiny sparks stream from that star to cascade over the temples and cheeks. Long lashes have been painted around the eyeholes in a fashion that suggests the eyes are gazing upward, and the mouth is contorted in a scream.
?, erithi: examining an Erithian festival mask. Dark-hued dyes cover the front of the fine silk mask so thoroughly that its original snow white hue is only visible from the inside and from a slight rim around the eyeholes. Dark violet veins curl over the brow and above the eyeholes before curving down to create twin nautilus shells on each of the mask's cheeks. Silver lines shape a set of uneven scales on the forehead, and a sword lies in each scale. The mouth of the mask is shimmering silver.
Female, erithi: examining an Erithian festival mask. Half of the mask is snow white, but the other half is shadow grey, and the two sections are divided vertically. They are not truly halves, however, for the line runs to the left of the nose, allowing the shadowed section to encompass more than the white. The eyeholes are unnaturally wide and rimmed with black to make them appear wider, while the cheeks are stained brilliant red. Equally brilliant red, the mark of a whiplash curves over the right cheek.
Male, aelotoi: examining an Erithian festival mask. Pale, slightly tinted dyes have been used to paint a pattern that resembles raindrops streaking over pale crystal upon the snow white silk mask. The only strong spot of color is a set of three dark red lines, which create the simple, stylized shape of a grinning fox's head with an open mouth. At the center of the mouth, just above the thin speaking-slit in the cloth, silver traceries suggest the shape of a kiramon perching on the fox's tongue.
--Xynwen--