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While rereading the Harlequin codex (it's so good!), I decided to reread all the wargear rules again to see if there's anything I missed. That's when I noticed this language (emphasis mine):

Harlequin codex, p.93 wrote:Mask of Secrets
A model with the Mask of Secrets has the Fearless special rule. In addition, enemy models within 12" of the bearer suffer -2 to their Leadership.

So, it doesn't affect the entire unit unless every model is within 12" of the bearer. Leadership is the one characteristic where you always use the highest value. Doesn't this mean that the effective range for the Mask is much shorter than players have been using it at? Effectively, you need to be within 4" of a larger unit to cover most of it. And there's no way you can nerf a Green Tide with it.

I am reading this right, aren't I?

You are reading it correctly. It has use against psykers and MCs as well if say a character in a n unit is within 12" The unit may have to use the lower of value of a model in the unit not in range.

Hmm. Interesting.

 Jimsolo wrote:
Hmm. Interesting.

Kind of a big poop on a lot of freak show builds.

Yeah, I played it today to check how impacting the gameplay is with the understanding the entire unit (or at the very least the highest Ld model) has to be within 12" of it. I didn't get any benefit out of it at all again AM. Very underwhelming.

Great against solo non-vehicles or small units that are likely to be clumped together. Not good against hordes.

Well if you're into DE allies, then the Armour of Misery, despite having a 6" range, does affect the whole unit.

Still, you're completely right about it.

The use the highest rule is only when the unit is taking the test. A number of ld tests are taken by the model, and so would be affected by this rule

 HawaiiMatt wrote:

 Jimsolo wrote:
Hmm. Interesting.

Kind of a big poop on a lot of freak show builds.

Nah. Since Freakshow Shadowseers are almost always DSing, often without scatter, (in a vehicle, no less), their footprint is large enough and projected enough that it's a nuisance, but not so much of one as to take a serious dump in our oatmeal.

Would the few weapons in the game that wound off Ld still benefit from a Mask's presence? Haven't read the rules in a while--is the allowance to use the highest only for LD tests, or all purposes?

 Jimsolo wrote:

 HawaiiMatt wrote:

 Jimsolo wrote:
Hmm. Interesting.

Kind of a big poop on a lot of freak show builds.

Nah. Since Freakshow Shadowseers are almost always DSing, often without scatter, (in a vehicle, no less), their footprint is large enough and projected enough that it's a nuisance, but not so much of one as to take a serious dump in our oatmeal.

Would the few weapons in the game that wound off Ld still benefit from a Mask's presence? Haven't read the rules in a while--is the allowance to use the highest only for LD tests, or all purposes?

This is going into dangerous terrority. I'd suggest keeping all Ld things based as Ld tests and be done, or else people will start rules-lawyering.

I think there was a thread on this a while back, regarding Psychic Shriek and multiple Ld's.

Although the WHOLE Unit does not have to be in range for the mask to have some effect:

If a Marine Vet Sergeant is within range of the mask, but most of his Unit is not, then the Unit would have to test on a normal marines' Ld, as the Vet Sergeant is now of a lower Ld than some members of his Squad...

 BlackTalos wrote:
Although the WHOLE Unit does not have to be in range for the mask to have some effect:

If a Marine Vet Sergeant is within range of the mask, but most of his Unit is not, then the Unit would have to test on a normal marines' Ld, as the Vet Sergeant is now of a lower Ld than some members of his Squad...

Indeed.

psychic shriek has a range of 18" and you then subtract the target's Ld. You can't target models outside of 18". Just make sure that the seer with shriek is just within 18" of models who's Ld is reduced (so can't be on same seer with mask).

It's just another example of poor rules writing. half a unit has 8 Ld, the other half 6. gets very messy.