The Mask Hierarchy of the Veiled Order

In this AU, no one is truly “seen.” A person’s mask defines their rank, rights, voice, and worth. To remove or damage one’s mask without authorization is a grave crime, often punished by exile or death. Advancement is rare and heavily controlled.

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I. The Ash Masks — The Uncounted

Material: Rough charcoal, ash-bound clay, cracked wood Appearance: Uneven, smeared textures; asymmetrical eyeholes; often stained or chipped Symbolism: Erasure, silence, disposability

These masks are issued at birth to the lowest caste. Ash Mask wearers are considered barely above animals in the social order. • They have no surnames, only assigned numbers • Forbidden from speaking to higher tiers unless spoken to first • Not allowed mirrors—self-recognition is considered dangerous • Masks are replaced, not repaired

Roles: Menial laborers, waste handlers, miners, experimental subjects Punishment for disobedience: Mask removal (public humiliation) or permanent sealing

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II. The Iron Masks — The Bound

Material: Dark iron, steel, or riveted bronze Appearance: Heavy, expressionless, often bolted shut Symbolism: Endurance, obedience, controlled strength

Iron Mask wearers are valued for their usefulness, not individuality. Their masks are designed to be uncomfortable, reminding them constantly of their place. • Limited freedom of movement • Allowed basic education but no creative expression • Faces are fully concealed; emotions are irrelevant • Masks are passed down, dented and reforged across generations

Roles: Guards, soldiers, factory overseers, enforcers Privilege: May carry weapons Cost: Lifelong conscription

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III. The Glass Masks — The Seen but Watched

Material: Frosted glass, smoked crystal, tinted quartz Appearance: Smooth, elegant, partially translucent Symbolism: Visibility, scrutiny, fragile favor

Glass Mask wearers exist in a precarious middle tier. They are visible to society, yet constantly monitored. • Facial outlines can be faintly seen, but never clearly • Masks crack easily—symbolizing how quickly status can shatter • Required to perform for higher castes (art, speech, diplomacy) • Encouraged to compete with one another

Roles: Scholars, artists, minor officials, scribes Privilege: Can petition higher tiers Risk: A single mistake can demote them instantly

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IV. The Porcelain Masks — The Refined

Material: Fine porcelain, bone-white ceramic, lacquered enamel Appearance: Smooth, flawless, often hand-painted with delicate designs Symbolism: Purity, cultivated perfection, controlled beauty

This is the most coveted tier. Porcelain Mask wearers are considered civilized—their masks reflect refinement rather than brute function. • Each mask is custom-made and irreplaceable • Designs indicate lineage, profession, and achievements • Cracking a porcelain mask is a social catastrophe • Wearers are trained to move gracefully to avoid damage

Roles: High officials, judges, architects of law, cultural leaders Privilege: Influence policy, own land, command lower tiers Hidden Truth: Many porcelain masks hide scars or deformities, never to be revealed

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V. The Gilded Masks — The Elevated

Material: Gold-leafed porcelain, electrum, inlaid gemstones Appearance: Radiant, ornate, almost blinding Symbolism: Authority, divine favor, untouchable power

These masks are worn by those believed to be chosen rather than appointed. • Never touched by anyone else • Removed only in sacred, sealed chambers • Said to amplify the wearer’s voice, making commands irresistible • Rumored to subtly reshape the face beneath over time

Roles: High nobles, supreme clergy, rulers’ advisors Privilege: Near-absolute authority Myth: Their faces no longer exist beneath the mask

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VI. The Veiled White — The Nameless Above

Material: Unknown; described as living porcelain or divine ceramic Appearance: Pure white, featureless, softly glowing Symbolism: Transcendence, judgment, final authority

This tier is almost mythical. Few have seen them and lived. take your pick