What Does Goldmask Want? Unraveling the Enigmatic Seeker of the Perfect Order in Elden Ring
At its core, Goldmask seeks to achieve a profound reformation of the world through a reimagining of the divine. He believes that the current governing force, the Greater Will, and its intermediaries, the Two Fingers, are flawed and thus, the Golden Order they uphold is also imperfect. Goldmask’s ultimate goal is to establish a new system, a perfect and impartial divine order, that transcends the inherent biases and limitations he perceives in the existing framework. He envisions a world ruled by truly perfect gods, a concept that implies not a replacement of the divine but a purification and elevation of it. His journey is one of contemplation, not conquest, and his silence reflects a deep intellectual pursuit of the true essence of divinity and its proper application to the world. This drive for a flawless divine order is what defines Goldmask and dictates the trajectory of his quest within the Lands Between.
Goldmask’s Journey: From Fundamentalist to Reformer
The Tarnished Scholar and the Golden Order
Goldmask is introduced as a devout Tarnished scholar and a staunch Golden Order fundamentalist. He arrives in the Lands Between following the guidance of Grace, drawn by the prospect of contemplating the Golden Order in its center. He represents a deep-seated belief in the principles of the Golden Order, initially. However, unlike many followers who blindly adhere to dogma, Goldmask possesses a critical mind and a thirst for understanding that drives him to question the very foundations of his faith. This is a key aspect of his character – his intellectual rigor is what eventually leads him to break away from the traditional understanding of the Golden Order.
The Revelation of Imperfection
As he contemplates the Golden Order, Goldmask realizes that the divine beings associated with it, particularly the Greater Will and its vassals, are far from perfect. He observes discrepancies and contradictions within the established system, leading him to conclude that it is not truly impartial. It is this revelation that fundamentally alters his path. He doesn’t seek to dismantle divine power but rather to refine it, to replace a flawed system with one that is, according to his understanding, truly perfect. This ambition pushes him from a fundamentalist into a radical reformer, seeking a higher order than what the world currently experiences.
The Quest for a Perfect Order
Goldmask’s quest is not about personal power or control. It’s about understanding and implementing a divine order that aligns with his vision of perfect impartiality. He isn’t a conqueror like some other figures in Elden Ring. His journey is more about intellectual pursuit and the acquisition of profound understanding. His silence is not a sign of aloofness, but rather a reflection of his deep contemplation and focus on the intricacies of divine principles. His actions and positions within the world are all in service to this single, overriding goal: the realization of a perfect divine order.
The Age of Order Ending
The culmination of Goldmask’s questline is the Age of Order ending. Achieving this ending requires completing Goldmask’s quest in collaboration with his companion, Brother Corhyn. This ending is a testament to the power of Goldmask’s ideas and the possibility of significant change within the Elden Ring world. The Mending Rune of Perfect Order, obtained by following their questline, allows the player to repair the Elden Ring with Goldmask’s ideals at heart, thereby ushering in an era of the perfect divine order that he envisioned. This ending embodies his desire for a world governed by unbiased and flawless gods, a stark contrast to the current system plagued by the imperfections he observed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Goldmask
1. What exactly is the Golden Order?
The Golden Order is the dominant theological movement in the Lands Between. It’s a set of beliefs centering on the Greater Will, an outer god whose decisions are enforced by the Two Fingers. It serves as a religion, governing principle, and philosophy all in one.
2. Why does Goldmask remain silent?
Goldmask’s silence is a representation of his deep contemplation. He is deeply focused on his intellectual pursuit and finds spoken words to be largely unnecessary or distracting. His silence is a form of reverence and concentration.
3. What is the significance of the Mending Rune of Perfect Order?
The Mending Rune of Perfect Order is a key item obtained in Goldmask’s questline. It allows the player character to repair the Elden Ring in accordance with Goldmask’s principles of a flawless and impartial divine order, leading to the Age of Order ending.
4. What happens to Brother Corhyn in Goldmask’s quest?
Brother Corhyn serves as Goldmask’s interpreter initially. He follows Goldmask’s teachings but his faith is ultimately shaken by Goldmask’s eventual deviation from the original Golden Order. He can die after the Erdtree is burned, seemingly by his own hand in despair, if the player has revealed Goldmask’s locations to him.
5. Can you kill Goldmask?
While you can kill Goldmask, it’s not necessary to obtain his armor set. Unlike many NPCs in Elden Ring, killing him is not a requirement for his rewards.
6. Where can you find Goldmask’s corpse?
Goldmask’s corpse can be found in the Ashen Capital, specifically south-southwest from the Ashen Capital Site of Grace, past the round staircase, across a tree log bridge, and up some stairs. His body is lying along the right wall, in light.
7. Is Goldmask’s questline worth pursuing?
Yes, Goldmask’s questline is worth pursuing, especially if you are interested in obtaining the Mending Rune of Perfect Order and unlocking the Age of Order ending. It provides valuable lore and offers a different perspective on the Golden Order.
8. What is the relationship between Goldmask and the Two Fingers?
Goldmask eventually comes to believe that the Two Fingers are imperfect intermediaries of the Greater Will and are thus flawed in their judgment and execution of divine will. He sees them as part of the problem, rather than as the solution.
9. What are the core principles of Goldmask’s ideal order?
Goldmask’s ideal order is based on perfect impartiality and flawlessness in the ruling divine force. He believes that any form of bias or limitation within the divine order should be eradicated.
10. What is the Tonic of Forgetfulness and how does it affect Corhyn?
The Tonic of Forgetfulness is an item that can be given to Rya, it does not affect Corhyn. If you do not give her the Tonic, she will thank you for sparing her, and leave behind the Daedicar’s Woe Talisman. However, if given the tonic, she will forget the details of her birth.
11. What is the Haligtree and its relevance to Goldmask?
The Haligtree is a sanctuary for those rejected by society. It is a location relevant to other characters but not directly connected to Goldmask’s questline.
12. What does it mean to shatter the Elden Ring?
The Elden Ring was shattered by Queen Marika as a desperate attempt to safeguard the Great Runes. This event is central to the narrative of Elden Ring and it sets the stage for the game’s events.
13. Who is the Elden Beast?
The Elden Beast is the final boss of Elden Ring, encountered after defeating Radagon of the Golden Order. It is the physical manifestation of the Greater Will.
14. What is Miquella’s ideology and how does it compare to Goldmask’s?
Miquella’s ideology focuses on creating a new world where all things flourish. While both Miquella and Goldmask aim for a better world, their approaches and underlying principles are different. Goldmask seeks divine purification, while Miquella works towards a more inclusive realm.
15. How is Ranni viewed in the lore of the game?
Ranni is a morally grey character, and her ending is debated by players for whether she is good or evil. Her actions involve rebellion against the established order but her motivations are ultimately to lead to a better world according to her ideal.
In conclusion, Goldmask’s desire for a perfect divine order drives his entire character arc. His journey, marked by intellectual rigor and a rejection of blind faith, leads to a unique and compelling ending for Elden Ring. Understanding Goldmask’s motives is crucial for comprehending the complex themes of divinity, order, and imperfection within the game.