Unveiling Goldmask: A Guide to Elden Ring’s Enigmatic Intellectual
Introduction
The Lands Between are vast, brimming with demigods, grotesque creatures, and landscapes that whisper tales of a shattered past. Amidst this chaos, a silent figure stands, cloaked in gold, his face forever hidden behind a gilded mask. Who is Goldmask, and what secrets does he hold within this world? He seems a god, or at least destined to be. Goldmask is more than just an NPC; he’s a puzzle piece in the intricate tapestry of Elden Ring’s lore, a key to unlocking one of its most thought-provoking endings. This article will delve into Goldmask’s background, questline, and significance in Elden Ring, exploring his potential role in shaping the game’s ending and offering a path to an understanding of the Golden Order.
Who is Goldmask? The Basics
Imagine a gaunt figure, his body draped in simple, tattered robes that offer little protection against the harsh elements of the Lands Between. What stands out, of course, is the eponymous Goldmask, a gleaming, expressionless facade that conceals his true identity. Goldmask is first encountered by Tarnished adventurers near the Bridge of Iniquity in Liurnia of the Lakes. He’s not easily missed, and the bridge is often a hotbed for new players, so finding him early isn’t too difficult. Later, he can be found in the frigid Mountaintops of the Giants, a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge. Finally, he makes his last stand in the ruins of Leyndell, Royal Capital, a place of great significance in the history of the Golden Order.
Goldmask, despite his imposing presence, is utterly silent. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t offer guidance directly, relying instead on his devoted companion, Brother Corhyn, to interpret his movements and ponderous gestures. This reliance on an intermediary only adds to the mystique surrounding him. He’s clearly a scholar, a thinker, and a devotee of the Golden Order, the dominant religious and political power in the Lands Between. But unlike the zealous Corhyn, Goldmask seems to approach the Golden Order with a critical, almost scientific eye, searching for fundamental truths rather than blindly accepting dogma. This is where he differs from many others, most of whom are simply followers.
Speculation about Goldmask’s true identity abounds within the Elden Ring community. Is he a forgotten demigod? A former scholar who was exiled from Leyndell? Could he be someone we’ve heard of in the lore of Elden Ring? Some theories suggest he’s connected to Radagon, due to their shared interest in fundamental principles, but these ideas remain largely unproven. His silence only fuels these theories, making him one of the most enigmatic figures in Elden Ring. Whatever the truth may be, Goldmask’s significance in the narrative cannot be denied.
The Goldmask Questline: A Journey of Revelation
The path to understanding Goldmask is paved with cryptic riddles and philosophical insights. To begin this quest, you must first locate Brother Corhyn near the Roundtable Hold, Elden Ring’s central hub. He’s initially located near the central table, studying and praying. Corhyn is seeking Goldmask, his master, and his own quest only starts when he begins his quest. After the player progresses far enough into the Altus Plateau, Corhyn will leave Roundtable Hold and embark on a journey to find Goldmask.
Following Corhyn’s trail will lead you to Goldmask on the Bridge of Iniquity in Liurnia. Talking to Corhyn at this location will allow the Tarnished to understand that the duo are on the search for deeper meanings and principles within the Golden Order. From here, Corhyn and Goldmask will journey to the colosseum on the Altus Plateau, where you can interact with Corhyn to learn more about Goldmask’s thinking, but you will not be able to interact with Goldmask directly.
The First Riddle: Understanding Regression
The first major hurdle in Goldmask’s quest involves deciphering a complex riddle about the nature of the Erdtree. Corhyn tasks the Tarnished to find the “Great Runes are the seeds; from them sprout Great Trees” incantation and to solve the mystery contained in the Erdtree Sanctuary in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
To solve this riddle, you’ll need the Law of Regression incantation, found after defeating Goldfrey in Leyndell. Once obtained, travel to the statue in the Erdtree Sanctuary and use the incantation. The message “Regression alone reveals secrets” will appear. This reveals a subtle yet profound truth: the Golden Order, despite its claims of divine perfection, is built upon a foundation of hidden truths and manipulated realities.
The Move to the Mountaintops of the Giants
After solving the riddle, Corhyn and Goldmask will relocate to the Mountaintops of the Giants. Reaching this area requires progressing through the main story and defeating Morgott, the Omen King, to gain access to the Grand Lift of Rold. You’ll find them near the colosseum, still deep in contemplation. This location is symbolic, as it represents a point of isolation and detachment from the Erdtree, a place of contemplation, but still a search for an answer.
The Second Riddle
In the Mountaintops, Goldmask poses another riddle, one that further challenges the fundamental tenets of the Golden Order. Again, the Tarnished needs to use the Law of Regression incantation on a message found near the colosseum. This second riddle further exposes the flaws and inconsistencies within the Golden Order’s principles.
Leyndell, Ashen Capital: The Final Revelation
The final act of Goldmask’s quest unfolds in the Ashen Capital, the desolate ruins of Leyndell after the Erdtree has been set ablaze. Returning to the colosseum, you’ll find Goldmask collapsed and Brother Corhyn disillusioned and distraught, questioning his faith and his own sanity. This moment highlights the profound impact Goldmask’s discoveries have had, shaking the very foundations of Corhyn’s beliefs. At this stage, it is too late to do much for Corhyn, and the shock has done too much to him.
Here, near his lifeless body, you can acquire the Mending Rune of Perfect Order. This rune represents Goldmask’s final contribution to the world, a potential solution to the fractured state of the Elden Ring.
The Mending Rune of Perfect Order: A Perfect Ending?
The Mending Rune of Perfect Order allows the Tarnished to alter the Elden Ring when becoming Elden Lord, effectively shaping the future of the Lands Between. Choosing this ending results in the “Perfect Order Ending.”
The Perfect Order, as envisioned by Goldmask, aims to correct the perceived flaws in the existing system. It seeks to establish a more rational and predictable order, removing the influence of the Outer Gods and imposing a strict, almost mathematical, framework on reality.
However, the implications of the Perfect Order are debatable. Some interpret it as a step towards stability and prosperity, a way to prevent future conflicts and ensure the well-being of the Lands Between. Others view it as a form of control, a suppression of individual freedom and a rigid imposition of a potentially flawed system.
Compared to other endings, like the Age of Stars or the Frenzied Flame ending, the Perfect Order Ending offers a more moderate and less radical solution. While Ranni’s ending embraces change and uncertainty, and the Frenzied Flame ending embraces chaos and destruction, Goldmask’s ending seeks to refine and perfect the existing order.
Goldmask’s Significance in Elden Ring Lore
Goldmask’s quest is not just about acquiring a mending rune; it’s about challenging the established order and seeking truth. His unwavering pursuit of knowledge reveals the cracks and contradictions within the Golden Order, exposing its flaws and questioning its legitimacy.
He represents the power of critical thinking and the importance of questioning dogma. His silence is not a sign of ignorance, but rather a symbol of his deep contemplation and his refusal to accept easy answers.
The philosophical implications of Goldmask’s quest are profound. He embodies the tension between faith and reason, between tradition and progress. Is the Golden Order a divinely ordained system, or simply a human construct built upon flawed assumptions?
The Order is based on the Greater Will, which in turn is based on a god. Is it a false god? Does this mean the order is just based on science or religion? These are questions that players are left to ponder long after they finish the game.
Conclusion
Goldmask is more than just a silent NPC; he is a symbol of intellectual curiosity, a challenge to established dogma, and a key to understanding the complex lore of Elden Ring. His questline, though cryptic, offers a path to enlightenment, revealing the flaws and contradictions within the Golden Order. His mending rune provides a potential solution to the fractured state of the Elden Ring, offering an ending that seeks to perfect and refine the existing order.
But even after achieving the Perfect Order Ending, questions linger. Is this truly the best possible outcome for the Lands Between? Does a “perfect” order stifle creativity and individuality? And what will the future hold for a world governed by strict, unwavering principles? Goldmask’s legacy in Elden Ring is one of mystery and introspection, a testament to the power of knowledge and the enduring quest for truth. His silence speaks volumes, inviting players to question the world around them and to seek their own understanding of the Lands Between. The secrets he holds will resonate throughout many player’s experiences for a long time.
