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/lit/ - Literature

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4359465 No.4359465 [Reply] [Original]

Hello /lit/tle people!

How do I go about describing the mask worn by the man in the pic?

How descriptive should it be and what kind of details do I include for a approxiation of that mask to appear in the readers mind?

>> No.4359474

>>4359465
bump

>> No.4359478

is the mask so important? just say 'mask;', its all. kind of mask the character will be wearing isnt so important for the general message.

>> No.4359483

>>4359478
i suppose

>> No.4359486

>>4359478
The mask is the symbol of the elite of a martial cult, they all wear it during battle and rites, the protagonist is joining the elite with his squad and are offered these masks.

The mask symbolizes their position and skill within the order. So it is important as a descriptive for the narrative.

>> No.4359495

>>4359465
bump

>> No.4359497

It's a modification of the Bauta Cera electoral mask.

>> No.4359508

>>4359497
How do I describe it then?

>> No.4359515

>>4359497
The mask, dark in color, was rather plain compared to what it represented. The only features on it were two eye holes and a protruding line down the center, dividing the wearer's new face in two.

>> No.4359516

>>4359508
"a flat Bauta, blue,with orbits picked out in a contrasting metal. It lay across his face like a cowling depended from a casque. the bucca were feathered felt over laquered sandlewood, and the whole effect was one of sententious propriety."

>> No.4359520

>>4359465

The man looked like cobra commander mixed with a westeners' idea of a terrorist.

>> No.4359525

>>4359516
>>4359515
Thank you, the is a good place to start and evolve from.

Also how would I describe the light from a floating glowing orb machine that begins firing at any intruders. Do I classify the light hitting the walls and the angles it forms or is its brightness as it describe the effect of the physical presence of the machine. Or should I be brief on the presence of the orb and concentrate on what it represents and is capable of in relation to the story, that is a threat to the protagonists?

I find it hard to introduce new and unheard of things to readers but I dont know how long I should stay on explanation of the object or person or people in question. All this descriptions comes to mind and I end up overwriting a small part of the narrative.

>> No.4359526

>>4359516
'a metal mask with two eyeholes and a ridge down the center.'

>> No.4359528

>>4359525
how about you read at least a book before deciding to read yours

>> No.4359533

>>4359525
If you want to construct the machine as something deadly, you should describe it in shallow detail, and include a brief scene where the power of the machine is displayed (in deep detail), leaving the reader somewhat shocked and having them draw their own conclusion on the machine, rather than being told "lol, this machine kills people"

good luck, friend

>> No.4359538

>>4359465
The dark mask that entombed his face, blinding him with pride, also made it difficult for the wearer to suck cocks as it lacked for oral input.

>> No.4359546

>>4359538
lmao

>> No.4359549

>>4359525
>>4359525
the question to ask yourself is: "does the character recognize it?" if he does, describe what thoughts the memory raises. this is a valid type of exposition. If he's never seen it before, describe the first thing he notices, then the second and so forth. try to do it in his terms, not yours or the reader's. If he knows what it's capabale of, and the reader needs to know that too, have him think of it.

try it as a series of questions.

you: A Calicoth hovered over the doorway, just beyond the arch. its blue and somehow deliberate light drifted over the walls, flowing over the unevenesses in tight, abrupt waves"

reader: "What the fuck is a calico-whatsit?"

you: "He had seen brave men flee wordlessly from the questing rays and the deadly darts that brought madenss, terrible dreams and death. He had seen braver men die beneath its indifferent gaze"

Reader: "Oh it's some kind of weapon. Alright, how does he get past it?"

>> No.4359552

>>4359465
>/lit/tle people
i'll wrek you anytime m8