| African Ngil Fang Mask | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Ngil Ceremony/Fang People |
|
Type |
Mask |
|
Effects |
Gives user the ability to magically sentence others to death. |
|
Downsides |
Attaches itself to user and overtakes their personality. |
|
Activation |
Close proximity to self-righteous people |
|
Collected by |
H.G. Wells |
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
Podium 49 |
|
Date of Collection |
December 14th, 1901 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
The Fang people, aka The Beti-Pahuin, are a Bantu ethnic group located in rain forest regions of Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé, and Príncipe. The ceremony of Ngil has slowly died out in recent decades, due to a lessening of traditions and superstitions. The Ngil ceremony is a secret ceremony done at night. Those accused of sorcery or harmful witchcraft would be taken to a secret council, each person wearing the traditional Ngil mask. There they would face judgment for their crimes, sometimes ending in execution.
The mask is stylized to represents the spirits of ancestors of the tribe. The Ngil mask is stylized with a long, oblong shaped face with squinting eyes.
This artifact can be seen briefly in the episode "Breakdown" as a part of the Dark Vault's inventory.
Usage[]
The Mask has a sort of mean-spirited sentience. When in close proximity to someone feeling judgmental or self-righteous, it flings itself onto the victim's face. It will immediately take control of the wearer, forcing them to seek out people to condemn. With only a point and an accusation of guilt, the accused will instantly suffer whatever death sentence has been decreed. For example, if the accused is sentenced to death by fire, then he/she will burn to cinders within moments. The more gruesome the executions and the higher the body count climbs, the stronger the Mask becomes.
The only way to stop the Mask is to douse it in neutralizer, or to use the original collection method with a mirror. When the Mask wearer points at his/her victim, a mirror may be used to reflect the judgment back. This will cause the user to die in place of the victim. The Mask, however, will remain unharmed. Another method to prevent death is to secure the hands of the user. Without pointing out a victim, no accusations can take place.
Agents have reported hearing the Mask laughing darkly when nearby.
Collection[]
Agent Wells collected the mask when an African art display went terribly wrong in London. After the mask attached itself to a snooty patron, the mask began sentencing others to terrible deaths. Reported modes of execution include: burning, disemboweling, decapitation, drowning, quartering, and hanging. Agent Wells was able to turn the tables on the mask by holding up a hand mirror as it attempted to take her life. Sadly the mask's victim spontaneously combusted, but it shocked the mask long enough for Agent Wells to neutralize it.
Storage and Handling[]
This artifact is stored in the Dark Vault under it's own standard neutralizer field.
Neutralizer gloves are mandatory. It is also advised that one feels no emotions when handling the artifact in order to keep in from activating. If the neutralizer fields are down, keep at least five feet away from the artifact and maintain a calm composure.
Dark Vault Display Tag