From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe

Death Mask of Ptah
Owner:	Black Jack Rackham
Classification:	Mask
Bestowed Powers/Abilities
Manipulation of fear/terror/dreams
Known Materials
Unknown (never examined)
Usage
Worn (originally); now fused with Black Jack
No additional information available.

Appearance

The Death Mask of Ptah was an ancient Egyptian artifact, a skull-shaped mask (the exact appearance and materials of which are not certain).

Power

Ptah was an Entity of Travel and Exploration, as well as Gates and the Unknown. The exact purpose of the Death Mask is unknown, as is whether or not it actually belonged to Ptah. By utilizing the Mask, the wearer turns the fears of his foes against themselves. Most notably is the "fear of the unknown", which is what could be considered the "basic" form used by the Mask. However, different victims may see different things as their fears manifest.

It is speculated that the Mask might have been used in a more benign manner to encourage the followers of Ptah to embrace the unknown, but the strength of the fear generated and inability to examine the artifact causes some debate on this (see below).

History

This artifact has been irrevocably fused to Black Jack Rackham, and is the reason for his skull-faced visage. It is believed that some ancient Egyptian curse was involved, possibly direct intervention by an Entity, but Jack has not spoken on the matter. Regardless, it is likely the source of so much of his powers of fear and terror, and it is speculated that the Death Mask's original "benign fear" effect may have been strengthened and altered to more sinister uses over the ages by Jack.