The following is an excerpt from the book, City of Ruin, by Naria Heft. [Originally published five years ago.]

A unique mask culture reportedly exists among some scavengers in Kurtow. The masks themselves are not typically utilitarian in purpose or used to gain anonymity, but worn to instill fear in those they encounter. These masks serve to dehumanize their wearers, disguising their human attributes and replacing any facial expressions with a uniform, uncommunicative facade. Such masks may also afford the wearer a psychological “pass” to engage in unethical pursuits they might otherwise feel uncomfortable participating in.

GunRiot. Story by Midnight. Art by Kuraikabe1990.