What really happened to the god Mask in FR?

[dm4hire]

I’ve been reading through the FR Campaign guide reading about the various changes and whatnot that have occurred to the Realms. I regret that I haven’t kept up on all the novels but after reading Grand History I’m pretty up to date on the history anyway. I was pondering the fates of the various gods when a thought came to me concerning Mask and Cyric.

As has been discussed in other posts spoiling the back story, Mask has gone missing and Cyric’s priests for one reason or another can still cast spells. I was thinking about how Bane came back from the dead after years of absence when the thought occurred to me which might explain a lot. After Cyric killed Mystra he was banished for 1000 years within his private realm, Supreme Throne, but what if it wasn’t Cyric that was imprisoned but Mask? What if Mask was tricked into pretending to be Cyric when the other gods showed up? The other gods mistaking Mask for Cyric banish him before he can reveal that it wasn’t him. Mean while Cyric having seen what the other gods have done is laying low pretending to be banished. This would explain how his priests can still cast spells while Mask seems to have gone missing.

It seems like a stretch, but it fits into the FR mythology style of the past. That being defeated gods suddenly showing back up. What’s your thoughts?

 

[ProfessorCirno]

I think it's pretty good, but that ultimately, you're doing the job the writers were supposed to do

That said, it strikes me as odd that Mask could be tricked into doing anything, as typically he's the one that does all the tricking.

 

[GSHamster]

On the other hand, Mask pretending to be Cyric while Cyric is banished...

 

[joethelawyer]

i heard he got let go in the last rounds of firings at WOTC. His website, www.maskonline.com wasn't performing well and was behind schedule.

 

[humble minion]

That said, it strikes me as odd that Mask could be tricked into doing anything, as typically he's the one that does all the tricking.

In theory, sure. But in practice and in published material, Mask has been about as subtle, manipulative and tricksy as Boris Badunov. He's much more often been the conned rather than the con-artist.

Maybe that's why he doesn't have his portfolio anymore - sheer incompetence...

 

[El Mahdi]

i heard he got let go in the last rounds of firings at WOTC. His website, www.maskonline.com wasn't performing well and was behind schedule.

This is just wrong, but oh so sweeet!

 

[Orius]

On the other hand, Mask pretending to be Cyric while Cyric is banished...

...I'd certainly prefer.

I loathe the very idea of Cyric. He's an incompetant moron, and every time he does something in the Realms, he embarasses himself. Mask pretending to be Cyric and stealing his worshippers and power (something I'd expect from an evil god of thieves) just seems appropriate.

IIRC, didn't Cyric become a god originally with Mask's help during the Time of Troubles? And after he ascended to godhood, wasn't he kind of stealing Mask's influence and power? I just feel that Mask turning around and getting back at Cyric for all that is great.

 

[icarusfallz]

I like the idea of the God of Thieves hiding, and not even the other gods knowing where to find him...

 

[questing gm]

I think it's pretty good, but that ultimately, you're doing the job the writers were supposed to do

Oh, so true.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

I think it's pretty good, but that ultimately, you're doing the job the writers were supposed to do

Is it? I don't know how it's presented, but it reminds me a little of the typical "mysteries left for you to explore", like "what really happened in the Mournland?".

I like this kind of stuff. Leaving this open (both in the book and for later) means you recognize: Here's a plot hook. We don't resolve it for you, you can go on and make up your own.