I dunno how many from the mask scene actually come around here but I figure it's worth a discussion even if we don't have any.

Why wear them?

Do you seriously need to keep your identity secret?
A PR device?
Fetish?
All of the above?

I can honestly say I have not once (as of yet anyway) considered wearing one but I see them all the time and it at least has gotten me curious.

I wear a mask because I occassionally break the law. It is as simple as not wanting to go to jail.

A mask wouldn't hide my identity anyway.

"Well, what did the masked nova look like?"

"Honestly Officer, I couldn't tell you. They kept flickering in and out of existance. Its a total mystery!"

"Yep."

...

Sorry Flicker, but I think the career path "Costumed Vigilante" is Right-Out for you.

It was never really on my list of things to do anyway.

Damn!

I guess I'll just have to scratch you off my list of possible Kid Sidekicks.

Don't look at me, either. I'm going to be working on the right side of the law.

Don't wear one m'self.

Bruce said my 'stache, chisled jaw and eyes were all I needed to make a statement.

*scratches another one off the rapidly shortening list*

While the idea of a mask has it's charming appeal, I don't know if running around the streets in a costume is for me.

I do often use a funny mask to cheer up children, but I don't know if that is what you were looking for as an answer.

We all wear masks, Wakinyan. Some do it to protect themselves, and some don these facades to protect others.

Very few actually elect to manifest them in physical form, where they can be seen.

Dude, why the fuck did I picture John Wayne Gacey when you said that?

For such a good guy you type creepy.

I've treated a few people with masks. In most part, the mask is part of their psychological persona. When they wear the mask, they are Nova-X. Without it, they are Person-Y.

Oddly, I've met few novas who use masks to hide aberrations.

He's a pediatrician, for crying out loud. Cheering up sick children is an integral part of his job, ya know? I know that our culture finds any adult male interaction with children to be potentially threatening, and creepy, but I think you're overreacting.

Why do I picture Vile Bill beating up the clowns at his birthday party when he was a kid?

I would imagine eufiber masks would not only defend your identity, but also shield the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. These are all vulnerabilities in the human-like form and there is a benefit for giving them extra protection.

You mean why does that bring a smile to your face, right?

Right.

What's not to love about a baby in baggy pull-ups, a cigar, cowboy hat, sunglasses, and a five o'clock shadow?

Slugging a clown.

Well, if it didn't bring a smile to your face, it definitely worked for me. That mental image is going to keep me giggling for the rest of the day.

You are welcome. I've done something wonderful then.

Me, too.

Though masks themselves are creepy.

Hey, it's more than just that post, little lady. It's a whole bunch of them. Kind of sugar sweet but still kinda cold?

Fucker was asking for it.

I don't see it myself, but I guess I can understand where you're coming from.

I wear masks for some of the dances I do. It's really the whole reason I thought to ask. How different reasons can be for needing one is interesting.

Wakinyan, first, let me say that I don't mean this disrespectfully, but do you perform just for your people? Do you allow visitors to watch?

Just wondering.

I never cared to wear a mask, myself, but to be honest, if I'd adopted some public nova persona when I was starting out, I probably would have. As it is, I've always just been Henry, so the idea of putting a mask on that seems a little wankerish.

I only wear a mask when welding or for air filtering in my workshop. I doubt that counts though for the conversation here.

Seriously... I'm not an elite or anything.