Masks of the Father

Quest giver: Erichthonios
Location: The Gates of Pandaemonium (X:21.5, Y:19.1)
Quest line: Pandaemonium Quests
Level: 90

Gil: 2,000
Previous quest: An Unwelcome Visitor
Next quest: A Keyward's Gaol
Patch: 6.2

“

Erichthonios is certain he knows the identity of Pandæmonium's assailant.

— In-game description

Rewards

5 Quickarm Materia IX

In addition to the above, choose one of the following options:

Unlocks

Abyssos: The Fifth Circle

Steps

Enter Abyssos: The Fifth Circle.
Speak with Themis.

Journal

Erichthonios is certain he knows the identity of Pandæmonium's assailant.

Erichthonios is adamant that the person behind the troubles in Pandæmonium is none other than Lahabrea. Themis acknowledges the possibility but remains doubtful that Lahabrea would put so many at risk for his own ambition. You all agree that the only way to find out for sure is to venture into Abyssos and meet the villain for yourselves. As you make toward the threshold to Pandæmonium's next circle, you steel yourself for what lies ahead.
- ※Abyssos: The Fifth Circle can be accessed via the Duty Finder.

Spirited away to a strange space within Pandæmonium, you brave scorching rays and corrupting poison to seal the proto-Carbuncle in its cage. With the immediate threat quelled, perhaps a search of the area will reveal whose magic is at work.

Your search ends quickly, as your foe reveals himself, claiming to be Lahabrea and offering Erichthonios the chance to meet Athena once more. He makes a convincing performance, but Themis sees through his act, declaring him an impostor. The proceedings are interrupted by the appearance of another man─the true Lahabrea, who calls Themis by the name “Elidibus.” With no reason left to hide the truth, the imitator introduces himself as Hephaistos before vanishing abruptly. As your companions depart for the relative safety of the facility's gates, Themis takes you aside to confirm that he is indeed the Convocation's emissary, and apologize for misleading you.

Away from Abyssos's horrors for the moment, Themis explains his purpose in deceiving you─but also his reasons for trusting you. With several truths revealed and many more questions waiting in the wings, your curiosity points you toward Erichthonios...

Walkthrough

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Dialogue

Erichthonios: ...And so there can be but one conclusion─Lahabrea was the driving force behind this chaos from the start!

Themis: There is logic to that. There are few with the wherewithal to even consider experimentation on such a scale, let alone the capacity to create demigods from man and beast with the rest of us none the wiser.

Themis: Considering the magnitude of his work with the Convocation and the Words, his relatively minor role as chief keyward comes under little scrutiny, even as it provides him the authority to wield dangerous magicks. It may serve as veil and mantle both.

Themis: Still, I find the notion hard to accept. The misdeeds perpetrated here could not have been done by the Lahabrea I know...

Themis: You have met him, yes? Do you think he is capable of this?

What will you say?

> Lahabrea is capable of far more than you know.

Themis: ...Is he? So you believe Lahabrea to be a man of few scruples, if it brings his goals closer in reach.

Erichthonios: That alone should be enough, but let me assure you─Lahabrea holds nothing so dear as his own ambition.

> It's still too early to say for certain.

Themis: While he may not be one to let emotion stand in the way of his mission, I cannot believe there are no depths to which he would not stoop.

Themis: Although we met but briefly, the impression he left on me stands in stark contrast to your evaluation. Though his methods are ever unorthodox, they seemed guided by a firm understanding of what is just.

Erichthonios: ...There's one way to find out for certain. We delve deeper into Pandæmonium and pull back the curtain on this mystery ourselves.

Themis: A wise course. I would not deny the truth if I saw it with my own eyes. Even if it was discomfiting to behold...

Erichthonios: Then we must move forward with no excess of caution. Lahabrea─or whomever is behind this─has likely spread their tentacles into every corner of Pandæmonium. We can safely assume the other keywards won't greet us with open arms.

Themis: Agreed. Let us make our way through Abyssos one careful step at a time.

Themis: I shall stay by Erichthonios's side, in case our enemies think to target him again. Could I trouble you to take the vanguard?

Themis: Thank you. As a precaution, I shall safeguard you with a simple spell. This will ensure that even should we become separated, my phantom warriors will still come to your aid.

Themis: If it does come to battle, the keywards' magicks will put us at a disadvantage once again. Luckily, we have you to even the scales somewhat. I trust you shall be liberal with your weight.

“Masks of the Father” accepted.

Themis: Judging from the demeanor of that familiar, there is little doubt that our enemy has a tight grip on Pandæmonium and its denizens. We will be vulnerable.

Erichthonios: Just what is Lahabrea planning? And what role do I play in his schemes?