The Mask of the Beast is a wooden mask carved to resemble a tiger’s face, described as a family heirloom belonging to Azaka Stormfang. It is actually a magic item (detailed in appendix C) with specific properties related to lycanthropy.
Location and Recovery
The mask is stolen by pterafolk and held at Firefinger, a spire topped by a flat, 40-foot-square platform 300 feet above ground. The pterafolk, led by a scarred leader named Nrak, lair atop the tower alongside a magical flame beacon. The mask is stored inside a crumbling stone tower at the pinnacle, wrapped in cloth within one of four moldy wooden chests that also contain coins, gemstones, and a spell scroll.
Connection to Azaka Stormfang
Azaka Stormfang, a Chultan human weretiger who works as a guide out of Port Nyanzaru, conceals both her lycanthropy and the mask’s true nature from the party. She offers to guide adventurers for free in exchange for help retrieving the mask from Firefinger. When questioned, she only describes it as a “family heirloom” and will not elaborate further. If she accompanies the party to Firefinger and the mask is recovered, she claims it immediately.
Adventure Hook
The mask serves as a primary quest hook for hiring Azaka as a guide. Her willingness to work without payment in exchange for its recovery indicates its significant personal value to her, beyond what she reveals to the party.