Beauty Seal

by Fania

Back to Chronicles of the Basin.

Fania2010-02-08 01:10:22
QUOTE
The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "The last of the Nine Seals has yet to find its champion."


cry.gif

I'm just on pins and needles waiting for the announcement! Go go go people. Would it hurt to put Beauty on a separate day as all the rest so we don't have to wait forever past the posted date?


With the new rules they aren't really going to let us whine much, but I would like us to share our non-winning designs after the announcement. Maybe even a productive discussion of who you thought should have win. Wait can that actually have that?

Well whatever, good luck everyone who entered.
Xenthos2010-02-08 01:16:32
First Place: Kharaen (Iridescent tiara of blooming flowers)
Second Place: Narynth (A silver-plated merbloom chain)
Third Place: Incabulos (A throne of twilight concordance)
Fourth Place: Arel (A thick tome covered in misted crystal)
Fifth Place: Arte (A platter of quivering tapioca spires)
Razenth2010-02-08 01:17:22
Man, Halli is just sweeping.
Lehki2010-02-08 01:21:14
QUOTE
The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "And the winner of the Challenge of Beauty..."
6291h, 6678m, 6041e, 10p, 26660en, 29690w ex-<20:18:22.772>

The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "The one mortal who shall wield the Seal of Beauty..."
6291h, 6678m, 6041e, 10p, 26660en, 29690w ex-<20:18:44.242>

The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "The one mortal whose design rose above all others..."
6291h, 6678m, 6041e, 10p, 26660en, 29690w ex-<20:19:04.609>

The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "As overseen by the Divine Judges..."
6291h, 6678m, 6041e, 10p, 26660en, 29690w ex-<20:19:30.900>

The divine voice of Avechna, the Avenger reverberates powerfully, "The winner is Kharaen of the Daughters' Trinkets Cartel for an iridescent tiara of blooming flowers!"
6291h, 6678m, 6041e, 10p, 26660en, 29690w ex-<20:20:02.973>
Anisu2010-02-08 01:33:17
Lets show off winning designs!

Fifth place:

A heaping pile of tapioca pudding has been dumped onto a porcelain
platter and arranged into a shape accordant with that of Hallifax, the
City of Spires. Thick enough to maintain its shape so long as it is
handled gingerly, the gelatinous mound has been scooped into the shape
of five towers rising from a craggy base. The towers are moulded from a
creamy vanilla paste, interspersed liberally with pearls of translucent
tapioca and minced fruit. Four of the spires rise at intervals from the
base, each connected to its neighbours by a series of gravity-defying
bridges. All four are linked to the central spire, which rises taller
than all others, held in perilous equilibrium by dozens of glistening
bridges and lattices of sculpted pudding. Bits of apple, plum, pear and
orange are suspended within, and together with the tapioca pearls they
serve to mimic the iridescent glow of Hallifax's gemstone towers.
Kharaen2010-02-08 01:40:53
A bit in shock, sorry...

6894 - an iridescent tiara of blooming flowers
Dropped: Bejewelled seeds have begun to sprout, speckling the entwined band of this tiara with a myriad of vibrant blossoms.
Examined: The slim, platinum band of this diadem-like tiara tapers as it encircles the head until it suddenly blooms into clusters of large, whimsical lilies that nestle above each of the wearer’s ears. The lilies’ silken sunset petals are stiff from the application of a musky perfume and have been lightly speckled with golden freckles. Multihued palladium vines entwine delicately about the band, meshing into a complex pattern reminiscent of chantilly lace. Tiny emerald seeds sprout from among the vines, blossoming into a stunning array of wild flora that overflows the band, loose roots and drooping petals dangling below. The captured flowers represent many regions, from the desert kouseki to the lofty skybloom and the ethereal moonflower, their colours and shapes both blending and clashing together in a purposefully chaotic assembly. The blossoms have been carved with marvellous detail, their petals sculpted so finely that they seem to be shifting towards an unseen light and their leaves seem to be ruffling against silent eddies. Crowning the tiara is an orchid in half bloom, carefully carved from refined crystal. The crystal’s facets capture the colours of the surrounding bejewelled flora and refract radiant light, bathing everything about them with a rainbow-tinged hue. An iridescent pearl shell coats the sheltering petals of the stunning orchid, silver detailing every vein.
Siam2010-02-08 01:45:53
QUOTE (Kharaen d'Attai @ Feb 8 2010, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A bit in shock, sorry...

6894 - an iridescent tiara of blooming flowers
Dropped: Bejewelled seeds have begun to sprout, speckling the entwined band of this tiara with a myriad of vibrant blossoms.
Examined: The slim, platinum band of this diadem-like tiara tapers as it encircles the head until it suddenly blooms into clusters of large, whimsical lilies that nestle above each of the wearer’s ears. The lilies’ silken sunset petals are stiff from the application of a musky perfume and have been lightly speckled with golden freckles. Multihued palladium vines entwine delicately about the band, meshing into a complex pattern reminiscent of chantilly lace. Tiny emerald seeds sprout from among the vines, blossoming into a stunning array of wild flora that overflows the band, loose roots and drooping petals dangling below. The captured flowers represent many regions, from the desert kouseki to the lofty skybloom and the ethereal moonflower, their colours and shapes both blending and clashing together in a purposefully chaotic assembly. The blossoms have been carved with marvellous detail, their petals sculpted so finely that they seem to be shifting towards an unseen light and their leaves seem to be ruffling against silent eddies. Crowning the tiara is an orchid in half bloom, carefully carved from refined crystal. The crystal’s facets capture the colours of the surrounding bejewelled flora and refract radiant light, bathing everything about them with a rainbow-tinged hue. An iridescent pearl shell coats the sheltering petals of the stunning orchid, silver detailing every vein.


Wow.
Arel2010-02-08 01:48:21
9370 - a thick tome covered in misted crystal
Dropped:
A thick tome lies here, glimpses of gemstone spires visible beneath its misty
crystal cover.
Examined:
The creamy vellum pages of this thick tome are bound together by thin
sheets of silver. Sealed onto the front cover of the book is a thin slab
of opaque, milky-white crystal; the opacity shifts and alters with
movement, turning the cloudy crystal partially transparent. Slender
gemstone spires appear beneath the misty crystal, fading into view as if
breaking through a hazy bank of clouds. Turning the book reveals
fascinating changes in the scene as the dense fog appears to dissipate
and reform. At one angle, a graceful tower of deep emerald pierces the
cloud cover, glittering as if in sunlight; a partial turn causes the
emerald to fade, replaced by a slender spire of sparkling blue sapphire.
Another slight rotation causes a tower of gleaming golden beryl to rise
from the misted crystal, which melts away in favour of a spire of pale,
shining amethyst. The tome leaves the impression of an enchanting city
of spires hidden away behind banks of fog; never completely visible, but
pieces of its collective beauty blooming forth.
Arte2010-02-08 01:55:41
frenzy.gif
Kharaen2010-02-08 01:59:26
If anyone was curious, these were the Daughters' cartel entries:

Daughters' Paraphernalia:
QUOTE
9322 - a windswept lyre
Dropped: Catching any available light, an opal lyre rests on its face here.
Examined: The quadrilateral, round-cornered body of this lyre is comfortably contoured along the bottom. The arms curve outwards before sweeping back towards each other, the left arm arching in at a sharper angle to meet with the right with no need for a crossbar. The sweeping arms taper and widen, allowing the open heart of the lyre to form a perfect circle for the strings to cross. The lyre itself is crafted from opal, its planes smooth and unblemished. Inside the transparent gem light catches and roils a dark, storm-warning blue. In places the colour mellows to a silvery grey and in others it is cut through with green and gold. The silk strings of the lyre have been expertly dyed so that the circles and symbols of a mandala sweep over them in bright golds, rich browns and cool greens. The mandala vibrates with any touch to the strings and gives the illusion of spinning with each chord. Where the left and right arms meet, three geometric opal charms dangle from delicate platinum chains, their corners and edges clinking softly against each other and against the lyre.

Designed by Eliron.


Daughters' Artificiers:
QUOTE
9361 - a clockwork matrix musicbox
Dropped: A crystal music box glitters here.
Examined: This crystal music box is built around an octagonal base. A thin layer of moonstones lines the bottom and sides, causing the light that shines through the clear lid to bounce about, tinged with new colours. Inside the box four legs support a crystal platform upon which rests a transparent sphere, the shape split and falling open into eight even pieces. A gold arm rises through a circular hole in the platform and supports an intricate clockwork mandala. The mandala’s centre consists of three golden cogwheels connecting to a thin rod on the arm and to the first of the outer wheels. Each outer layer is formed by a toothed crystal circle adorned with numbers and symbols in jade, turquoise and beryl. The first layer sits parallel to the bottom of the box, the next perpendicular to it, and the third at the midpoint between the two. Two smooth circles etched with a flowing script compose the outer layer. A thin bar runs from the central arm to the edge of the box, passing through the side and coming out as a golden key. When they key is wound and released, the cogs of the mandala start to move. They turn around and about the central arm while the separate pieces of the sphere slowly rise together, catching the light reflected from the moonstones in their curves. Gold and crystal chime softly against each other until the sphere is whole. Then the box falls silent, and the mandala spins to a stop while the sphere falls open again.

Designed by Eliron.


Daughters' Feast:
QUOTE
5698 - a scorching desert whiskey
Consume: Taking a swig of this slightly reddish beverage, you are assaulted by a wave of potent fumes that make your eyes water and your nose run. The burn of pure alcohol sears your throat, but it is a mere trifle in comparison to the intense, fiery taste of Skarch peppers that follows. As you are recovering from the ordeal, the flavour of sweet cactus fruit soothes your throat slightly, though not much.
Smell: The wave of alcohol fumes combined with the overwhelming scent of hot peppers is enough to bring tears to the eyes of even the hardiest of drinkers.
Taste: Even a tiny sip of this drink is enough to burn your tongue and make you cough.

Designed by Arix.


Daughters' Weavers:
QUOTE
9282 - magnificent greatrobes of the majestic eagle
Dropped: Some greatrobes are folded here, their folds replete with a motley of preened feathers and brilliant opals.
Examined: These pristine greatrobes are tailored from translucent opals, polished wood and gorgeously-plumed feathers that coat the whole garment. Luminous red and yellow opals have been carefully arranged in a dazzling array, their fiery colours enhancing the natural beauty of the surrounding feathers and reflecting off their metallic cases with fulgent brilliance. These gemstones are set in delicate, platinum casings and are linked together with fine clasps that are sewn onto the durable snowy suede that composes the bulk of the garment’s outer layer. Short, mottled, brown and white feathers are sewn between the opals and partially hide the reflecting gemstones, creating a resplendent display of glittering plumage upon the entirety of the front of the robes. Archaic silver runes are etched onto the leather and can be partially seen through the sparkling net and feathers. Prominent, golden-brown feathers have been carefully sewn between highly polished, triangular wooden plates of golden honeysap on the shoulders and arms, creating a striking resemblance to the plumage of an eagle’s wings. Clumps of extraordinarily long, black feathers protrude on either side of the shoulders and extend onto the neck, creating a spiky ruff with surprisingly protective capabilities. Tough, inflexible black feathers line the back of the robes and large, oval-shaped onyx gemstones are carefully embedded between the feathers, the gloss of the oily feathers indecipherable from the caliginous gleam of the gem’s shards. The hood is covered in soft midnight-black feathers, two glowing eyes sewn along the middle of the hood’s front, the unsettling gaze seeming to sporadically flicker and intensify. A menacingly jagged beak forged from brushed silver has been fitted onto the upper hem of the hood, the curving hook of the beak blackened and shadowing the wearer’s eyes. The lining of these robes has been fashioned from pale sienna silk and is waterproofed with several layers of fluffy down feathers, ensuring utmost comfort and warmth.

Designed by Barrin.
Shaddus2010-02-08 03:03:12
QUOTE
Item: Sconce Type: Wallfeatures Org: SRO
Commodities: gold 2 wax 2 ruby 6
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Space: 10% Furniture Type: Wall Furnishings
Outdoors: No Container: No Can Have Lock: No
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: SCONCE
Appearance:
a vermillion sconce of the golden forge
Dropped:
Throwing ruddy light upon the surrounding area, this wall sconce is etched with Celestial scenes of battle.
Examined:
This golden sconce juts out from the wall and opens into a spherical
lamp of ruby. An interior candle throws light far and wide, throwing a
vermillion glare across the surrounding room and lending light to the
furthest corners. Carved into the sides of the lamp are small scenes of
battle, various angels plunging brightly burning swords and smashing
flaming maces into the heads of demonic figures. Central to the whole
piece is a representation of Lord Methrenton, standing vigil over a
downed cherub and roaring soundlessly out at an unseen foe.

QUOTE
Item: Couch Type: Couches Org: Anshienjiku
Commodities: cloth 15 wood 3 redtint 5 bluetint 5 greentint 5 purpletint 5 yellowtint 5 goldtint 5 iron 2 sand 1
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Space: 30% Furniture Type: Normal Furnishings
Outdoors: No Container: No Can Have Lock: No
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: COUCH
Appearance:
a patchwork couch
Dropped:
Standing proudly in the centre of the room is a comfortable looking couch, embroidered with scenes from around the Basin.
Examined:
Almost two and a half metres wide, this comfortable looking couch is
upholstered with swatches of various shades of cloth. Embroidered into
the cloth is what appears to be the cartography of the Basin of Life in
resplendent colour despite the obvious age of the couch. The upper back
of the couch is done in a brilliant forestal green, with silver swirls
running throughout and setting off an embroidered tree almost in the
centre. Alongside the tree runs a thin line of a light sky blue,
denoting the Moon River and running into the lower back of the couch,
which is done in a deep cerulean cloth. Obviously depicting the Inner
Sea and Bondero Bay, the blue cloth is meticulously sewn with small
seacaps in white. To the left of the sea is a small bit of pearlescent
cloth embroidered with golden thread in the shape of a spiralling conch
for Celest, while to the right of centre is a darker swath of cloth with
a crimson and steel grey patch to show Magnagora. Various other spots
are sewn onto the couch to denote spots of interest; a sandy patch
towards the lower left leg is stitched with a crimson dracnari to show
the Skarch Desert, while a small spot of dried, cracked leather on the
lower right side shows the dry appearance of the Blasted Lands. The
bottom of the couch is cloth of a dark mauve and stitched with
depictions of trees and flying crows to show where Glomdoring would be
in the Basin. Inset into the front of each armrest is a small iron seal
carved like Portal of Fate, an unnamed novice walking through with a
smile upon his or her face.


Not my design, but it's in my cartel. Submitted by Kalaneya.
QUOTE
Item: Crown Type: Crowns Org: Innerworm
Commodities: iron 20 gold 20 silver 20 platinum 20 steel 20
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: CROWN
Appearance:
a crown of writhing metal
Dropped:
Gathering dust, a majestic crown lies here.
Examined:
A variety of reptilian figures form the body of this heavy crown. Two
thick, scaly iron pythons twist about each other as if in battle,
forming the base of the crown. Their heads meet in the front of the
crown, where the snake on the left is shown to be spitting a stream of
white-silver venom at the other snake. A single iron turtle figure
connects the snakes' tails together on the back of the piece. Perched on
either side of the writhing snakes' heads, a platinum alligator and a
crocodile of the same metal stand defiantly, toothy maws open towards
the sky in a display of feral ferocity. Sprawled redolently over the
sides of the crown are two silver iguana figures, looking as though they
are enjoying a relaxing sunbath. Tiny lizards hammered from light blue
steel appear to dart to and fro over the bodies of the other reptiles
adorning the piece. Rising majestically over the entire crown is a
massive golden figure of a scorpion, claws upraised in dominance and
tail curling menacingly behind it. Exquisite carapace details have been
etched onto the surface of the figure, looking a bit like ancient glyphs
when viewed from a distance. Deadly golden barbs emerge from the
scorpion's stinger and claws, enhancing the brutally unmerciful image of
the creature. While the cadre of reptiles has been left to oxidize and
dull, the golden figure is polished to a reflective sheen. When taken as
a whole, the crown appears to be a tribute to the creations of the God
Blooredi.


Kaia2010-02-08 03:04:19
What a nice surprise smile.gif
QUOTE
Appearance:
a silver-plated merbloom chain

Dropped:
A plated merbloom chain glints in the available light.

Examined:
Two fragile stalks of merbloom have been artfully entwined and plated in
a sheen of silver to form this delicate chain. Each stem slighter than
the width of a fingernail, the dainty plants have been stripped of their
leaves and arranged to overlap one another in a perpetual pattern of
crossing paths. Recognisable primarily for its lacy fronds, the merbloom
itself would be indistinguishable from any other aquatic herb were it
not for the two leaflets preserved and hung from the centre of the
carcanet. Silvered similarly to the adornment from which they hang, both
have been moulded to create deep depressions, touching only at their
respective edges. Positioned in this way, they form a hinged locket,
contents visible even when the piece has been clasped shut. Within, a
tiny silk iris resides, several deep blue and purple petals dipping
dramatically toward its stem even as a select few reach upward to press
against the gilded prison. Tendrils of green branch outward from the
flower's stalk to intertwine with the locket's netted exterior, allowing
the minute work of art to remain suspended and supported.
Shaddus2010-02-08 03:12:17
Someone post the ones they gave an honourable mention to. This is the one from Gossipers.

QUOTE
Item: Grimoire Type: Tome Org: Gossipers
Commodities: wood 20 leather 15 goldtint 5 firegem 5 ruby 5 gems 10 infernobeetle 3 gold 10 silver 10 emerald 5 kousekiflower 1 silk 1
Gold Outlay: 9000
Mortal Reviews: Disallowed
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: GRIMOIRE
Appearance:
a jewel-encrusted grimoire
Dropped:
Covered in desert jewels, the grimoire on the ground here glitters like the stars on a clear summer night.
Examined:
This heavy grimoire is covered in crushed gems, giving it a sparkling
appearance as though it were bound in the skin of a sandojin. Bits of
ruby are slivered and placed around the face of the book in a starburst
pattern around a central picture of the Guardian Drachou. Done in a
myriad of shades of firegem, the Drachou is shown here wrapping itself
around a rubescent Eternal Flame, tightly enough to where one can't tell
where the Flame ends and the Drachou begins. A trio of obsidian
butterflies flutters around the head of the Drachou, while another four
are hidden skilfully around the spine of the grimoire itself. The pages
are a creamy off-white, soft to the touch and gilded on the edges.
Wrapping around the side of the book opposite of the spine is an emerald
encrusted golden lock, complete with a silver key dangling from a silken
cord to keep this grimoire from being read by outsiders. On the back of
the book itself is a small silver emblem: a stylised ear, cupped by a
clawed hand. The scent of kouseki flowers hangs heavily over the book,
bringing a spicy feel to the air.
Quois2010-02-08 03:18:00
QUOTE
Item: Bracelet Type: Bracelets Org: Trinity
Commodities: gold 2 onyx 8 steel 2
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: BRACELET
Appearance:
an imp-clasped bracelet of the Nine Seals
Dropped:
Filigree glitters from the links of this delicate bracelet, winking upwards from
the ground.
Examined:
Capering golden imps grin with mindless glee as their claws reach
outwards, sinking barbs into the nine gemstones clutched within the
chain of this deceptively delicate bracelet. Between them, loops of
delicate wire twine amidst the warped demonic figures, uniting and
providing further support to the twisted minuet. Talons sink into the
edges of polished onyx coins, gleaming wetly against the black; the Nine
Seals are given form on the face of each ebon stone, carved with a
meticulous hand. At the back of the bracelet, a steel gear pressed with
the image of Avechna's Peak rests; an elongated fob depicting the
Avenger rests at the opposite end of the strand, providing a secure
clasp by which the piece might be fastened.
Comments:
Unknown2010-02-08 03:19:45
All I can say is WOW. Amazing designs. I very much like your wining design Kharaen. Almost makes me think it was made for Maylea.
Nariah2010-02-08 03:40:57
Hmm... can't remember what I submitted from HDV that got the honourable mention for the love of me. wtf.gif Been unable to be on for a week before the Seal so didn't prepare anything special, ended up submitting some old stuff on the last minute. I think this was it:
QUOTE
Item: Gown Type: Highfashion Org: Hdv
Commodities: silk 12 redtint 5 gems 2 ruby 3
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Layer: NORMAL Bodyparts: chest, gut, arms, legs, ankles, waist
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: GOWN
Appearance:
an aristocratic gown of blood-red brocade and silks
Dropped:
Folded into a neat pile, a resplendent gown of sumptuous blood-red hue has been left here.
Examined:
This resplendent gown has been sewn from a variety of opulent fabrics,
heavily patterned plush brocades, softly rustling lavish silks, and
intricately woven laces; each dyed to the sumptuous hue of blood-red in
variegated degrees of intensity. The boned bodice has been lined with
black silk, whilst on the outside, brocade shimmers with a raised
pattern of baroque motifs encrusted with corpulent rubies. An abundance
of effulgent lace trims and sculpts the neckline above the bodice
subtly, creating an off-the-shoulder design for the gown by extending to
envelop the upper arms, the shoulders left exposed alluringly. The
sleeves are nonexistent beyond a few petal-shaped wisps of silk
fluttering from the lace, the whole of them lavishly adorned with
ribbons, ruffles, and motes of luminous amber and carnelian twinkling
from the lace along the whole neckline. Flourishing right from the hem
of the bodice is a full skirt of glistening panels of silk, the split in
the back revealing layers of a ruffled petticoat of scarlet chiffon that
trails behind the gown modestly.
Kharaen2010-02-08 03:50:15
QUOTE (Sarvasti @ Feb 7 2010, 10:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
All I can say is WOW. Amazing designs. I very much like your wining design Kharaen. Almost makes me think it was made for Maylea.


Close, was a request by a Maylean follower. She asked me to design a tiara for the Order. I tried to follow her Order scroll when designing it, and also wanted it to be a match with Dinoniel's "a shofa of blooming wildflowers" from the AAF cartel.
Nariah2010-02-08 03:52:14
QUOTE (Kharaen d'Attai @ Feb 8 2010, 04:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Close, was a request by a Maylean follower. She asked me to design a tiara for the Order. I tried to follow her Order scroll when designing it, and also wanted it to be a match with Dinoniel's "a shofa of blooming wildflowers" from the AAF cartel.

How fitting that it would win then. An Order item of Maylea's Order being the symbol of Beauty. Very nice.
Eliron2010-02-08 03:59:13
Not a runner up or winner, but I liked the concept a lot so I'm posting it anyways. Kharaen already posted my other two submissions with the d'Attai designs.

Appearance:
a wand of wars
Dropped:
A thick wand with jewelled bands rolls about on the ground here.
Examined:
Hewn from alabaster marble, the thick bolt of this wand has the weight of a club and for ease has been balanced like a blade. Smooth black veins entangle the marble with images that shift with the focus of the eye. What look like the lush leaves of a magnificent tree at one angle outline skeletal branches at another. From there, the spidery lines twist around the wand like dancing flames and light on water. The lines reunite and start out as spheres and polygons but end as cracks on the surface of a great monolith. Six gem rings separated by gold bands embrace the marble. Golden figures detail each ring, showing a sharp contrast in their actions depending on whether they gaze above or below their own ring. Shadowy faelings dance around the amethyst ring, beckoning those below to join them while directing Mother Night's wrath towards those above. On the ruby ring, dracnari burn and sear or laugh and raise pipes. The bloodstone band is marked by horned viscanti who stab and slash amid laughter and by others who plot amongst themselves. Neat rows of lucidians and trills line the crystal ring, the lucidians surrounded by lightning, the trills fanning their wings in welcome. The deep sapphire ring is covered in merians swimming through waves and in ominously churning whirlpools. Lithe elfen stroll about the emerald band while centaur guards watch, bows raised. Beyond the rings, the top of the wand tapers to a blunt point. A simple twist unlocks that portion from the body of the wand, allowing the rings to be removed, then flipped and reordered in any pattern.
Kalaneya2010-02-08 04:12:22
Pleasantly surprised that my forging design got an honourable mention.

QUOTE
short: an enigmatic nekai of masks
dropped: A nekai lies here, its masks staring blankly into space.
comms: gold 10 silver 10 steel 5
long: Black steel forms the sturdy base of this gauntlet, covering the wrist, forearm, and the back of the hand in a tight shell of protection. A multitude of different masks is forged together atop the steel, forming a perplexing mosaic of emotion. Death masks of all races spiral around the forearm guard, their screaming faces melding together like spirits struggling to escape their earthly prison. In stark contrast to the armguard, smaller theatrical and ritual masks with joyous smiles plastered over their facades dominate the landscape near the three brutally sharpened blades of the nekai, creating an unsettling union between innocent happiness and cruel violence. At the center of the jubilant congregation is an elegant mask bearing the face of a beautiful woman with lips closed gently, her lips coloured with a coating of dusky crimson gold. The silver metal has been treated and polished to a bright, pristine white and the entire piece has been etched with soft, blossoming roses. While her eyes are blank like the rest of the crowd, her completely neutral expression is chilling amongst the sea of grins, sneers, and howls of rage plastering the rest of the weapon. At the junction between the two sections of the weapon sits a bizarre jester's mask, maw turned upwards in a horrifying caricature of a grin. Making the mask even stranger are two twisted horns that emerge from the jester's forehead; the horns curve backwards and downwards towards the claws of the nekai before finally intertwining around each other to form a handgrip below the palm, allowing the wielder to exert greater pressure and force with each attack.