Mask of Biccum

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Aspen

In a shadow filled room, around a small round table a group of men play a game of poker by the light of an oil lamp. The stakes have become very high and it has come down to one hand. A young man pushes his pile of steel to the center of the table, "All in." The others mill over this for a bit then join him, convinced that he has nothing. All night the young man has show tattle tail signs when he had good cards. He showed none of them now. Much to their shock he lays down a royal flush. As the winner pulls his winnings towards his purse, one of the players leans towards another and whispers, "Must have slipped on The Mask of Biccum."

In the Age of Dreams a young man by the name of Glorton Biccum lived in a small village out side Istar. Like many people, he was filled with ambitions of wealth and power. But unlike most, he was willing to do anything to get it. Biccum came from very humble beginnings. He was poor, physically unattractive. He was smart, though, and when an opportunity presented itself, he was the first one to jump on it.

The daughter of the mayor came of age and her had was ready for the taking. Along with her hand came the right to take the mayor place when the old man passed on. Knowing that he didn't have the funds or the charm to win the girl honorable, Biccum turned to the Gods. He lied down his soul at the feet of Takhisis. How could she refuse? He's heart was full of lust and greed and hatred. She could easily control such a man. He was a perfect tool.

Takhisis gifted Biccum a mask. When he wore it those that look at him saw a most handsome man. He was charming and his voice was calming. Every word that left his lips was believed. No on could see past the mask to the ugliness that lay beneath.

Biccum took all he wanted, as well as what his Queen desired. He would hear her whisper his wantings in his ear as he looked at all he owned and wanted more. His greed was the downfall of the village. It citizens fell into despair but did not know where to put the blame for their financial shortcomings, for every time they turned to Biccum for help, he told then nothing was wrong and they believed.... till another bill collector came calling.

Biccum's downfall came one night when, as he was bathing,( the only time the mask was removed) his bride tip toed into see him. She found a fat, bold man him her husband's tub and, thinking him an intruder, she stabbed him to death. After his death, all was remembered and the Mask was known for what it really was.

Rumor of the mask reached Istar about the same time that the Kingpriest first began collecting artifacts of the dark gods and goddesses. After the fall of Istar, rumor had it that the Kingpriest had used the Mask of Biccum to hide his true intention from his followers. But the theory was soon forgotten and the mask fell into rumor then legend.

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