The Persona-Masks

There is no Self, only a choice Roles to play.

Core Concept

This species takes the Artisans’ practice of adopting social roles and elevates it to a biological and psychological imperative. Their form changes to match the persona they choose to inhabit, exploring the idea that identity is performance.

Physiology & Biology

A mutable, “actor’s” body, capable of significant but temporary physical change to match a chosen Archetype (a “Persona-Mask”). The change is not merely cosmetic; it alters their core Attributes and Needs to fit the role.

Psychology & Society (Faith / Fiction)

Core Faith: They believe there is no “true self” beneath the masks, only a series of roles played with more or less conviction. Their society is a grand theater, and their highest art form is the “Method,” a deep meditative Ritual where they fully become their chosen persona.

Core Fiction: Their history is a series of great plays. Historical figures are remembered not by their names, but by the legendary roles they embodied: “The Great Tyrant,” “The Sorrowful Mother,” “The Loyal Soldier.”

Gameplay Hooks & Tensions

A player could Craft or acquire new “Persona-Masks,” which function like character classes they can switch between (with a significant time/resource cost). Choosing the “Soldier” mask grants high Strength but also a Need for Order and Conflict. Choosing the “Lover” mask grants high Charisma but makes them vulnerable to Betrayal.

A major internal conflict is “mask-bleed,” where traits or Needs from one persona start to affect another, creating psychological dissonance. Or worse, getting “lost in the role” and being unable to switch back.

Eidos Generated

• [performance]
• [archetype]
• [persona]
• [the_empty_self]
• [method_acting]