The Mask of Many Faces is both an Eldritch invocation and a magical item in DND.
Here is what you need to know about the Mask of Many Faces:
Mask of Many Faces is fundamentally Disguise Self. In this Warlock invocation, a player can change their identity at will without consuming a spell slot. This spell and item allow you to look like another humanlike creature of comparable size and shape.
This is your ultimate guide to the Mask of Many Faces.
Mask of Many Faces: Official Overview
As a cantrip, the Mask of Many Faces (MoMF) gives you the ability to alter your appearance anytime you want.
That’s a powerful advantage in DND.
You can disappear into a dark alley, transform into a completely different person, and then walk out right past your pursuers. Or, turn into a noble to enter a locked enemy compound.
You might even impersonate another member of your party and ridicule them over the campfire.
The applications are limitless.
Whatever you have on your person also transforms into the disguise.
You are restricted to only disguising yourself as someone around one foot taller or shorter than you, and you must possess the same number of limbs.
Also, the Mask is more of an appearance and cannot withstand physical testing, so avoid getting too close.
As a Warlock of a single class, you typically do not have enough spell slots to use Disguise Self frequently.
Thus, MoMF is quite excellent.
It also encourages your character to engage in entertaining deception and subterfuge. That can make for some fun moments during gameplay.
Plus, using MoMF frees up your spell slots for other incantations.
Throughout this article, I will mostly refer to the MoMF as a cantrip or invocation. However, at times, I will also talk about MoMF as a magical item.
I have done my best to separate the spell from the item.
MoMF Incantation Stats
| Caster Level | 3rd |
| Prerequisites | The ability to cast Disguise Self |
| Effect | Self-masking at will without using a spell slot |
| Duration | 1 hour or until dismissed |
How To Use the Mask of Many Faces
The MoMF incantation is straightforward to employ.
First, ensure that you have the invocation (you can read about it in the Player’s Handbook, PHB).
Second, you cast Disguise Self anytime you want without wasting a spell slot. You may now alter your appearance to your liking.
You also don’t need any special rituals or materials.
However, there are a couple of things to remember when employing the Mask:
- Limited capacity – First, you can only use one cantrip at a time. If you attempt to activate a second, the first will deactivate.
- Limited duration – The duration of the invocation is one hour, or until it is deactivated or unless it is broken (more on that in a bit).
- Limited deception – Finally, the Mask can be detected. MoMF changes the way you look but not the way you sound to others.
You can understand more about the MoMF by watching this video:
Uses for the Mask of Many Faces
Assuming the form of another creature is a simple matter with the MoMF.
The creature must be of similar size and shape as the caster in order for the disguise to work.
Once you choose your desired form, you will assume your new identity.
There are many uses for the Mask.
It can be used to spy on enemies, commit crimes, create illusions, trick non-player characters, or simply remain anonymous.
Using the Mask for Good
One of the great things about the Mask of Many Faces is that it can be used for good.
Here are a few ideas:
- Disguise yourself as a guard and help protect a caravan from bandits.
- Pretend to be a member of a cruel, power-hungry noble and gain access to their private quarters to search for ways to take them down.
- Help an ally escape from prison by disguising yourself as them.
- Use your new appearance to gain the trust of someone who is being manipulated by a foe (to protect them).
These are just a few of the ways you can use the MoMF for good.
Using the Mask for Evil
Of course, the Mask of Many Faces can also be used for evil.
Here are a few ideas:
- Disguise yourself as a member of the nobility and gain access to their private quarters to steal from them.
- Pretend to be an authority figure and arrest an innocent person.
- Use your new appearance to gain the trust of someone you intend to betray or kill.
- Help an evil person escape from justice by disguising yourself as a prison guard.
Mask of Many Faces: Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve seen how the MoMF can be used let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this ability.
Pros
- Can be used for good or evil
- Allows you to escape detection
- It can be used to infiltrate guarded areas
- It can be used to change your appearance
Cons
- Does not grant you any special abilities of the creature you’re impersonating
- It can be difficult to maintain your disguise if you’re not familiar with the form you’ve taken on
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using the MoMF. It’s up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Who Can Use the Mask of Many Faces?
Warlocks can use the MoMF.
Other DND characters can multiclass with a Warlock to also get this ability, but it is not available for them innately.
Dungeon Masters (game masters) can homebrew the ability for other characters.
But the invocation is not available to all characters in the official DND books.
Other options:
- Obtain a magic item with the MoMF powers
- Use a Wish Spell to ask for the ability to cast and/or use the MoMF
- Beg a deity to grant you the MoMF
So, in short, the easiest way to use the MoMF is to either become a Warlock or convince your Dungeon Master to homebrew the ability for you.
How Many Times Can Mask of Many Faces Be Used Daily?
There is no limit to the number of times you can use the Mask.
MoMF can be used as often as desired without consuming a spell slot.
This means that you can use the Mask multiple times per day in different combat and non-combat encounters.
Mask of Many Faces Vs. Other Spells
Now that we know how the MoMF works, let’s compare it to some other spells.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Disguise Self
Disguise Self is essentially what MoMF is all about (just compare them in the Player’s Handbook).
Using this Warlock invocation, however, the player doesn’t have to worry about expending precious spell slots.
In other words, the MoMF is superior to the standard Disguise Self spell.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Hat of Disguise
The Hat of Disguise is a magic item that allows you to change your appearance.
However, it only allows you to assume the form of a specific creature. Additionally, the hat can only be used once per day.
The bottom line is that the Hat of Disguise can be a useful tool but it’s not as versatile as the MoMF.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Devil’s Sight
Devil’s Sight is a spell that allows you to see in darkness and through illusions.
However, it does not allow you to adopt a disguise.
While Devil’s Sight can be useful for seeing in darkness or spotting illusions, it won’t do you any good if you’re trying to pretend to be another person.
Which one is better depends on the adventure, overall bent of the campaign, and your preference.
Personally, I like MoMF, as it has many more in-game applications.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Misty Visions
Misty Vision is a spell that allows you to project an image of a person, creature, or object. However, the image is easily recognized as an illusion upon inspection.
This is a cool spell for temporary intimidation, distraction, and trickery.
However, it’s not going to help you if you’re trying to disguise yourself. Once again, my vote is for the MoMF.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Repelling Blast
Repelling Blast is a spell that allows you to push creatures away from you.
The Mask of many faces is better than repelling blast in the way that it can fool creatures. Repelling blast just pushes creatures away.
It does not change their opinion of the caster.
Mask of Many Faces vs. Myriad Forms
Myriad Form is a spell that allows you to assume the form of a creature.
If you want special abilities, like breathing underwater or flight, go with Myriad Forms. You can turn yourself into a fish or bird.
On the other hand, if you want to disguise yourself (and your stuff), MoMF is clearly better.
Does Mask of Many Faces Require That I Have the Spell?
Yes, you do need to have the Eldritch invocation in order to use the MoMF.
That means you must choose the invocation over other options. If you follow the official “rules as written” (RAW) of DND, you can’t cast the invocation otherwise.
However, as we said, there are ways around the pesky rules.
Can You Stack MoMF With Other Spells?
Yes, you can stack MoMF with other spells.
For example, if you’re a Warlock and you have the MoMF Eldritch Invocation, you can use it in conjunction with any other standard spell you know.
This will allow you to change your appearance AND cast other Warlock spells.
Since MoMF does not require concentration, you can cast:
- Enthrall
- Hold person
- Misty step
- Shatter
- And more
You can also perform other movements or tasks, such as threading through a crowd of townspeople, picking a lock, or eating dinner at a noble’s feast.
Does the Mask of Many Faces Change Your Voice?
No, the MoMF does not change your voice.
The effect of MoMF is entirely visual. You’ll need to try your best impersonation or to remain silent to keep the deception going.
If you want to change your voice, you will need to use an additional feat, item, or spell such as Alter Self.
The Actor Feat might also work.
Is the Mask of Many Faces an Item?
The MoMF is both an item and an invocation/cantrip.
As an item, it is legendary in rarity and needs the attunement of a Bard. So, the item is something that any character can find but not every character can use.
Mostly, the item is helpful for the Bards in your party.
MoMF Magical Item
In this section, we’ll explain the MoMF magical item.
The item is different from the spell but there are a lot of similarities, too.
Description
The MoMF (as an item) looks like a simple cloth mask. It is used to assume the identity of another creature. The size of the Mask is not important, as it will adjust to fit the wearer’s face. The creature must be of similar size and shape as the caster in order for the disguise to work.
Role in Society
The MoMF is used by criminals and others who wish to remain anonymous. It can be used for good or evil, depending on the wearer’s intentions.
Appeared in
The Mask first appeared in the third edition of Dungeons and Dragons. It has since appeared in other editions, as well as in various spin-off games and novels.
Other Names
The MoMF item is also known as the “Disguise Mask” and the “Identity Thief Mask.”
A DND book named, Volo’s Guide to Monsters describes the Mask as :
A fabric mask that covers the full face is known as a mask of many faces. It is utilized to take on the form of another creature and acquire its identity. The Mask does not need to be a specific size because it may be adjusted to fit the face of whoever wears it. If the monster is too large or too small, it won’t be able to disguise itself.
Personality
This magical item version of the Mask has a personality of its own and can be very persuasive.
It is always trying to get the wearer to use it for evil deeds. It speaks in a whisper, no matter how loud the wearer speaks.
The accent of this feature is always a Shakespearian style.
The Mask of Many Faces: Forms
The MoMF can take on the appearance of any humanoid creature.
It can also assume the form of various animals, depending on the needs of the wearer. The Mask is very versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Like many other parts of DND, the MoMF comes in variations.
These forms refer mostly to the MoMF as an item.
Mask of the Mimic
The Mask of the mimic can take on the appearance of any creature, regardless of size or shape. It is perfect for those who wish to remain anonymous.
Mask of the Beast
The Mask of the beast can take on the form of any animal.
This is perfect for those who wish to spy on their enemies or for those who simply want to blend in with their surroundings.
Mask of the Fiend
The Mask of the fiend can take on the form of any humanoid creature.
Use this form of the Mask to terrify enemies or to commit atrocities in the name of their dark god. As you might suspect, this Mask is not to be trifled with – unless you want serious trouble.
Mask of the Living Shadow
The Mask of the living shadow can take on the form of any creature, regardless of size or shape.
You might find this Mask especially helpful if you wish to stalk prey in the shadows or simply wish to remain unseen.
Mask of the Unknowable
The Mask of the unknowable can take on any form, but it is always shrouded in darkness.
This is perfect for those who wish to remain hidden from sight or for those who wish to intimidate their enemies.
How Much Does MoMF Cost?
As a legendary item, the MoMF will cost you 500,000 gold pieces.
That’s a lot of loot for any one (or group) of players to collect over decades of adventuring. As such a rare and expensive item, I suggest that DMs dole them out with great reluctance.
After all, the more legendary items in circulation, the less special they become.
Final Thoughts
The MoMF is a powerful tool in DND to automatically alter your appearance.
If you play a Warlock or multi-class as one, I suggest you give it a try. Some of my favorite DND adventures began with the phrase, “I use MoMF!”
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