Ready to go? Good. Get in.

I suppose I ought to explain where we're headed. It's close, don't worry. I have just enough time to explain if you don't ask too many questions. You'll like what happens after you leave, trust me.

In the older part of town is a street of fine houses. They typically stand roughly two or more stories tall and have fine yards. No, I'm not taking you to some society event in some back yard, you don't need to be afraid of that.

The people on the street are typically older, yes. They keep the area the way it is. They are typically pretty normal. The house we're visiting belongs to one of them, as you probably guessed by now.

He's a fairly usual fellow. A kind old man, really, for what it's worth. The most unusual thing is that he constantly wears a mask. Childhood accident, from what I've been told. No, I've never seen it, thanks for asking.

Here's what's going to happen. When we arrive, you'll step up to the door and give it a knock. We always knock. I'm told you don't want to know what happens if you try to ring the doorbell. Something about associations, or the like. Perhaps he just thinks you're going to try to sell him something. I have no idea. Just knock at the door.

Once he opens, he will invite you inside, and invite you for tea. While this is not... precisely important, you might as well. He has some good tea, and is a fantastic cook. It won't hurt you to drink it, and eat the pastries, or whatever he has cooked. He will join you, removing a small part of his mask near the mouth.

I might also mention this. The walls will be covered with masks. Not just one or two in a room, but absolutely covered. He collects them, for whatever reason. 

While at tea, you need to somehow work in those phrases I taught you. You remember them, right? Good. once he catches on, and it should be fairly quick, he will look a little disappointed. He will stand, and tell you to follow him as he puts back in the mouthpiece. He will bring you to the kitchen, and once there, Everything you once thought you knew will be proven wrong.

With but a wave of his hand, the kitchen floor will roll up, everything you thought solid will simply roll. Nothing will break. Nothing will bend. Everything disappears into the walls, from a small table to the stove.

Underneath the floor you will see a stairway leading down. It will, of course, be pitch black. As the man descends the stairs, you will see emerald flames spark up in masks set along the walls. The cracks in the stone steps will also glow. Don't ask me how, I don't know how it happens.

as you go down, you'll notice something feels... different. I don't know. Might be the musty smell, the clammy feeling of the air. Take your pick, or decide for yourself. I don't care. Anyways. Once you get down there, you'll see a bunch of masks. They all look completely alike. they all have the same face with the same blank expression.

Now, this is something important. It might not be the best idea to touch the masks in the rest of the house. But there? That one's different. He'll tell you to begin touching them. now, not every single one of them will actually do anything, but some will. More than one, usually.

once you have a few, he'll bring a box up for you and tell you to pick one. After you've picked the one you like, you will take the box and put on the mask. And from that point forward, your life will never be the same again.

The mask will open up an entirely new world for you the likes of which you never would have imagined. For some, it grants the ability to move objects. Others it grants great strength. Each mask is different. But each one only gives you one ability. That's why you need to be careful when you pick the mask.

Now, what you do with that after you get it doesn't matter to him. It matters to us, of course. We expect you to side with us, understand? Good. Can't have you go over to the other side. Remember, you're only as good as your ability to use your power.

Now, aside from all that, I'm sure you're wondering a couple of things. You want to know why the old man hasn't been killed and his collection taken. Well, see, the last few people who tried it found their masks wouldn't work anymore, and the mask he wears is some sort of master mask. It can steal the ability from multiple masks, leaving it just porcelain on your face. Meanwhile, he can counter anything you try.

Now, why doesn't he care? I suppose he just likes being the sort of person who incites the chaos in the world. And for every one of us, there's one of them. 

Oh, and one more thing. Once a year we all get together. Our side, their side, the ones who don't take a side. All of us. We have dinner and talk. No one is allowed to lash out at anyone else. No one would dare with that much firepower in the room. Of course, you will be expected to attend. The Society of Masks will make sure you get an invitation one way or another. Everyone has their ways.

Ah, we're arriving. Good. remember everything? Well, if not, don't worry. So long as you remember the phrasing, and to knock at the door, you'll be just fine. I'll be going now. Things to do, you know. Call me, or send a telepathic message, if that's what you go for, if you need a ride. Otherwise, welcome to your future.