Every elf of value within the Empire of Blossoming Flowers owns a mask. These masks are personal, crafted individually or by a trusted artisan. The masks are frequently caricatures of their less cultured neighbors, especially humans and dwarves, or stylized depictions of cultural heroes, like Kazen Who Slew the Night-God, or Nomi Who Tricked the Wind. Elf masks are worn when one wishes to inflict violence upon another, because violent acts are illegal within the borders of the Empire of Blossoming Flowers.
When an elf dons a mask, they become essentially anonymous. Even if among family, or a trusted cohort, when an elf places their mask upon their face, their identity is veiled, allowing them to partake in the infliction of violence without fear of persecution by the Empire. Even witnesses to public duels are at a loss to say who it was that cut down the loser – despite the fact that everyone may know the owner of the mask, who is to say they are truly the one wearing it?
Engaging in violence unmasked, therefore, is considered an act of unparalleled barbarism in the Empire of Blossoming Flowers. Every elf is obligated to report violence to the nearest Peace Officer, under pain of death alongside the perpetrator. Of course, if the perpetrator’s identity is unknown, then there would be nothing to report. A commonly taught form of bladed self-defense involves quickly donning one’s mask, grappling a would-be assassin, and severing the ties of their mask, should the mask be tied on, essentially rendering them unable to retaliate or defend themselves in the eyes of the law.
The Urban Druid 