Create Mask

With this spell, a shaman creates a mask to be used when dealing with a specific spirit or spirit type. Examples would include masks designed to be used for a specific spirit, the ancestors of a single tribe, or all guardian spirits. Generally, a mask affects either a single powerful spirit (6 or more Hit Dice), or a group of less notable spirits.

The caster must create the mask without the aid of others (and thus must have a proficiency in carpentry, pottery, or a similar field) and casts the spell as work progresses. The finished product must resemble the spirit it is designed for use with (at least symbolically), and is generally decorated with rare feathers, shells, bones, and similar materials. At the DM's discretion, a mask may require specific, rare decorations that may cost more, or even require the shaman to undertake a quest.

When worn, the mask provides a -1 bonus to most rolls made by a shaman while interacting with the spirit or spirits for which the mask was designed. That means a +1 bonus for shamanic rituals. Charisma checks when using persuasion or guile, etc. It does not affect saving throws against powers wielded by the spirit.

The mask can only depict a spirit of the same alignment as the spirit that granted the shaman this spell. For example, if the casting shaman gained the spell from a lawful neutral spirit, he or she could only create masks designed to affect lawful neutral spirits.

Furthermore, the spirits inevitably hold shamans responsible if the masks that they create are misused. Thus, most shamans create them only for their own use or the use of their tribe, and guard them well.

The material components are those items incorporated into the finished mask. These materials cost the creator at least 50 gp.