Masks of the Masks
A downloadable game
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a GMless PbtA game that explores how violence affects the lives of supposed heroes.
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a comic book that pairs imagery and scenes with game mechanics and prose.
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a set of tools for crafting a mystery that only ends in doom.
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a commentary on the inherent violence that comes with the ttrpg medium.
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a commentary on the inherent violence that comes with the superhero genre.
MASKS OF THE MASKS is a story that won't stop asking you questions.
PHYSICAL COPIES AVAILABLE HERE
CONTRIBUTORS
- Hazel Amber Goswick: writer, artist, designer
- Natalie Eve Quinn: editor, co-designer
- Ryan Henderson: variant cover artist, play-tester
- Jake Drukman: editor, play-tester
- Zoe Wright: play-tester
- Cat McDonald: mentor, foreword writer
PRESS & ACTUAL-PLAY
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Exclusive Content
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Community Copies
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Comments
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thank you so much for the community copy. I’m a disabled pensioner so really appreciate when generous creators make their hard work available to those who can’t afford it
This game is so great, so glad I got a physical copy. It would be nice to have some printable playbooks that aren't so heavy on the black ink though.
just added some greyscale sheets! hope it helps!
Hi, I read your game and I think it's really cool, simple and elegant. Have you ever tried playing it with a single master who uses all the pillars? Do you recommend it?
Regarding the move "Looking for Answers" the text says "search for ways to stop what is coming", what does that mean exactly? Does searching a crime scene for clues or questioning a suspect match the description?
Hello!! Thank you for the kind words!
Playing with a game master is something I've done plenty, and I'd definitely recommend it if that's what works for your group. A good in-between would maybe be keeping the Pillars open for anyone to use, but primarily still used by a GM.
As with a lot of things in the game, I like to leave meanings up to interpretation. The idea of "stopping what's coming" ties to the sense of dread from The Doom pillar, but it's not necessarily always directly tied to it. All that line really implies is that it's tied to the overall mystery.
The specifics of what you're trying to do with the move is what matters though. If you are searching a crime scene, Look for Answers could for sure work, but you could also have a pillar make a move (Like The Enigma's "Reveal the future, subtly or directly"). Questioning a suspect also works for Look for Answers, but you could also Manipulate Someone.
I hope that helps!
Ok, will be honest here. Claimed community copy a few weeks ago but only recently read through this little pdf. I feel this is the perfect superhero game. Not power fantasy but actually like psychological exercise on how freaking horrible to be one is. Yes it wears on its sleeve the main inspiration “Watchmen” but I’m pretty sure you can play any tragedy with capes in it. The only confusing and critical part for me is Relationships questions. First, they aren’t explained at all. Second, they feel restrictive especially it feels bad for Paragon question to Heir and Detached question to Hardline which forces this pairs to play specific scenario I feel. I might be wrong be free to correct me, but overall big thumbs up from Cape, Cowl and Spandex enjoyer.
I can't wait to play this. One question, are the choices for the pillars made once for the game? Or do you make the choices anew each time that pillar is used?
The choices you make in the Pillars are essentially world/story building. I've never played with these aspects changing, but I see no reason for them to always be stagnant. If your story builds to something fundamental undergoing change, then go for it! Hope this helps!
This game is so cool! Do you have any idea when physical copies will be available??
Around spring! I'll of course update this page and send out an email about it when we're closer to release.
Hi, about the pillars, the text says at one point “one master may carry them all”. Did you mean that in a traditional sense? It's not a critic, but I found that weird, since the game is presented as "GMless" without mention of a "GM Mode".
Yeah! I ended up playing the game as a GM and solo during some playtests, so I figured I'd hint at the possibility. No specific rules for those modes of play at the moment though.
Fantastic game, with one of the more compelling implementation of the PbtA framework. Also, the layout is amazing and brings the whole atmosphere to life. Highly recommended
Good read. I have a few questions:
From the move Look From Answers, how is the “You unveil an uncomfortable truth.” a bad thing? It’s extra information.
For Destructive Moves, are the statements below each questions an automatic +1, nothing, or a question (+1 or nothing) too?
From the Contrite what does the “What will this cost you?” mean?
How is the Authorities move “Introduce an ally” a bad thing?
What even is a “system of power”?
great questions!!! this game was designed with various interpretations in mind, so I'm not going to fully answer every question, just provide some extra context.
1. I wouldn't necessarily say it has to be extra information. it absolutely can be extra, but this option could act as context to your 7+ option. More information doesn't always mean the information is helpful or good. An uncomfortable truth should be uncomfortable.
2. This isn't explained on purpose, do what feels right to you. I will say one thing though. Just because something is phrased as a fact doesn't mean you can't disagree with it.
3. This also isn't explained on purpose. Just know that there is always a price The Contrite has to pay.
4. Pillar Moves can be used in many contexts, they don't always have to be negative. If you want to use this move in a negative context, then maybe explore the ways an ally can make the conflict between Masks and Authorities even more complex.
5. Institutions, Social Constructs, Laws, Authorities.
Thanks for the repply.
If the information is not helpful, then it is the same as if I had rolled a 10+. No information is ever bad. Imagine I was running into a trap. Falling into a trap is bad, but the knowledge of it is not bad, as I have a bigger picture of the situation to come up with a solution. The last sentence is a circular argument.
I don’t know cause depending on which approach is taken the Destructive Moves become better (in the sense that I get more chances to succeed), worse, or equal to the default moves. On the first the players are “tempted by the dark side” as it gives more power, on the second the players go on a negative character arc as they accumulate Destructive Moves, and on the third there is a re-flavored of the approach of character and it’s personality as it is forced to take those moves over time.
The concept of the Contrite isn’t clear enough for me to understand what happens if the price is not paid, nor if the elements of the list are what the character should maintain to be a superhero or what they have to put aside to be one.
Ok, got it.
Ok.
I would like to buy this as a gift... is it possible to arrange things so that I send the money and you (the author) send the pdf to an email I provide? (I do not think that my friend has an itch.io account).
so sorry if I'm answering this too late (I assume you were planning on a gift for the holidays). but if you still want to gift this to someone at some point, physical copies will be available later this year. I figured that might be a better way to gift the game. when that happens, I'll be sending out an email to people who already own the game. Also, community copies will always be available!
any idea where the physical copies will appear? Don't want to miss out!
you can get them here!
Oh I knew one day someone would make a game like this, but this is so much better than I could have ever imagined it. I don't even like PbtA but I'll certainly give this a good read and try to play it.
This game seems really cool! I can't wait to fully dive into it!
can it be played solo
it's not specifically designed for it, but you can absolutely play it solo!
Thanks!