Mask Modifiers

Mask modifiers are another random layer on top of masks that can generate. Modifiers are generic (not mask-specific), and are generally orthogonal to a mask's usual objectives.

Modifiers can alter any facet of how a mask presents itself or operates, but they typically just add new objectives to a character or give them a new ability / cache. These objectives are lower-stakes "B plots" compared to the mask objectives, which still constitute a character's primary motivations. The implications of these objectives change how others interact with a character, and how a character interacts with others--even if their mask has been otherwise deduced. For example, a Guzzler typically easily finds camaraderie with other Guzzlers--but one with the Jealous modifier may easily turn a heartfelt moment into an unexpected betrayal.

Modifiers are ways to inject variability and fun lower-stakes side objectives into the game without having to design an entire mask around the concept, taking up a slot within the round for something that may not be able to sustain itself on its own. In this sense, it is okay for modifiers to sometimes be duds, or not have much of an effect on gameplay in some contexts--the regular mask gameplay should be able to carry the round anyway.

Modifiers may be linked in much the same way as masks--necessitating that another player rolls a corresponding or symbiotic modifier in addition to this one. These kinds of 'targeted' or 'directional' modifiers are very interesting, as the masks of the players involved can change how the situation plays out in dramatic ways. For example, a Traitor may have a modifier that requires them to trade some special item with a Crewmember that they might otherwise choose to kill.

Any mask in any troupe may have modifiers it can roll, but modifiers are more designed for Crew masks, which naturally have less of an overarching plot and have space to fit in an extra B plot into their round.

Specifications for your Modifications

Modifiers are a generic random chance to roll after a mask is selected for any given player, but the mask itself and the current masquerade have several tools for altering the outcomes.

• Masks must opt-in (whitelist) to the modifiers that are allowed to roll on them by default.
• Masks can specify the chance for a modifier to roll at all, as well as the individual weights of each modifier they opt into.
• Masquerades can specify modifiers which are allowed to roll on masks, even if the mask has not opted into that modifier.
• Masquerades can multiplicatively alter the base chance of modifiers rolling, as well as the weighting of specific modifiers.