Ekman's Screw (mask relay)

From: https://archonsmarchon.blogspot.com/2026/08/mask-relay-37-everlixir-visor.html

To: https://velvetinks.blogspot.com/. Have fun!

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A metal handle, bent into a loop and tipped with a wickedly sharp drill bit. A few inches back from the bit end, there's a metal cap. (Looks a little like a paint can opener turned combination lock, all told.) Carved onto the cap, written from the center out like spokes on a wheel, are six words: joy, sorrow, surprise, fear, anger, disgust.

If you insert the screw into the base of the skull behind the spinal column, slowly, methodically, you can turn the key to adjust the facial expression of whoever's been screwed. It works on anything with a face, living humanoid or otherwise otherwise. The insertion looks real nasty, but it's only a dull discomfort, like how people say acupuncture doesn't hurt (which, unrelatedly, bullshit, man). Before it gets turned, it can be removed without any negative effects save a concerning amount a blood. Pulling it out once it's been turned, though, is the hard part; without a medical professional taking their time to extract it, save vs. death, taking a permanent -d6 to INT even on a success.

Built by Ekman, a renowned professor who wanted to help manage his depressive symptoms. He didn't have any trouble getting it in...

Thanks for reading, and happy gaming.