notes to self...

"Started as a concession to the modesty of nobly-born gunners who wished to preserve their good looks from the inevitable scars from the breech discharge of their own guns, the gunnery mask was quickly seized upon by the Corps as a suitable method for increasing the longevity of airship gunners in general.

The basic ideas were quickly taken and improved- a housing made of sturdy brass, to protect from both blowback and shrapnel. Smoked-glass optics to protect from the harsh glare of weapons-fire. Baffles to deflect incoming shot. An alchymical ward-sign, to stave off the more toxic effects of both friendly and enemy chymical weaponry. And finally, a breather- connection with an independent filter and hose, allowing the wearer to simply filter the outside air, or connect to a bottled air supply, should the ship have to rise to an extreme altitude.

Aviators instantly seized on the newly designed protective gear, and for many, the masked faces of ship-gunners quickly became a new symbol for the Corps itself."