Maskname

A Maskname is an alias assigned by the government or priesthood in the Zesheko religion for members of the faith to protect their true names from foreign curses, capture, or influence.    Traditionally, there is a belief among the Zeshem that dark powers can use a person's true name to harm or control them. This is not entirely untrue; Curse Magic typically requires a person's self-identified name to work. For this reason, using your true name in foreign "polluted" lands is inherently dangerous. A Maskname redirects all corruption into a second spiritual vessel - a Masiteb or "second body" - and keeps you safe, healthy, and free.    It is considered taboo or evil illegal to reveal your true name to foreigners who are not official allies of Holy Zeshema. Foreigners who are granted the honor of entering Holy Zeshema are able to learn people's names, but are not supposed to reveal them to others. To tell an outsider your true name is a very intimate and trusting act for any Zeshem believer.    A list of Masknames is provided in the Zeshem Language article.