Mask Designs

While re-conceptualising the city itself, I've also been thinking about further character designs and translating these into areas of practise. One of the previous ideas I was thinking of progressing was the plague doctor bird mask. This is potentially for the character of the Hoopoe, who becomes more and more decrepit and fallen apart as the film goes on, as is hinted at the beginning of the original play.

The concept I have for his character at the moment is that he used to be human, but on a mad hunt for power and wealth he committed terrible crimes. His punishment was to be transformed into a harmless Hoopoe bird. On his quest to turn back into a human, he discovered a root that had properties of transfiguration. However, upon eating this, rather than turning him back into a human he was morphed into a half bird, half twisted human hybrid, explaining why he is constantly molting and is somewhat humanoid. It also justifies the Hoopoe going along with Pisthetairus' and Euelpides plan of forming power and alliance with the birds.
Because of this plot line I've written as the Hoopoe's narrative, it wouldn't be a far stretch to create a villain from this character; someone who starts off supporting and befriending the main characters, but for ulterior motives. Later on he could betray them, or want to overthrow the city becoming king himself.
Currently this is only an idea for the narrative I've come up with after designing and furthering my project through sketches and visual development, but I really like the idea of a hoopoe styled plague doctor mask that acts to hold together this character. I think  a lot of story could be told behind this one piece of costume. 

Above shows some simple thumbnail concepts I've drafted up looking into different shapes and styles. I think it's important to start with silhouettes when figuring out a piece of costume like this, as I need to see the overall look and form before trying to figure out more intricate details.