Revelations (and Feedback) from Pandæmonium: Asphodelos

[WhiteArchmage]

I swear I remember Hythlodaeus mentioning something like "that time Azem ran off to stop a volcano" during Elpis but now I'm wondering if I mixed that up with the Cookingway dialogue.

You're not mixing it up, he did mention it when meeting Venat. So unless there's a different time-travel-shenanigans in which the Pandaemonium crystal took us before the volcano event and the mainline Elpis events, it's safe to assume

the events of Pandaemonium occur after Elidibus is confirmed to the Convocation. I'd maintain that he's not wearing his red mask because he's going incognito, and isn't recognized because his face isn't known; after all, Hermes only recognized Emet as a member of the Convocation, not his office, so we know their faces (or even masks) aren't public knowledge.

The white robes, however... I got nothing.

[Nanchi]

No you got that right. Hythlodaeus mentioned this exact story to Venat when we meet her. Which in turn also leaves me confused how Themis doesn't get introduced as Elidibus. I have a hard time believing Pandaemonium happens before our msq arrival in Elpis

[Uboar]

Re: speculation

I also started to wonder that during the questline. I'm not sure if I'm completely sold on it, but I think I'm also leaning toward Erichthonios being the Lahabrea we knew.

Although lahabrea is supposed to be the position for someone excelling in creation magicks while so far (it could change) Eric isn't much of a mage.

I swear I remember Hythlodaeus mentioning something like "that time Azem ran off to stop a volcano" during Elpis but now I'm wondering if I mixed that up with the Cookingway dialogue.

Hythlodaeus definitely mentions an Azem volcano incident the week or so prior, it might have been optional dialogue during a quest step but it definitely happened.

I’m with you on

not being 100% sold re: Erichthonios is the Lahabrea we know, it’s definitely POSSIBLE but his weakness in creation magic seems contrary to what the seat calls for… it’s not impossible the raid’s story events will explain it, but his demeanor and skills right now would be far more suited for a seat like Pashtarot, who maintains order. There’s just no evidence either way for the moment (rip) and there’s so much that’s not been explained/established lmao

[dragonflie]

10 char....

Interesting mask you got there Erich (the top of his head).

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...102721_080.png

Pertty sure Erich becomes the Lahabrea we know later on. My question is why he even has this mask now though, and why red, he's not a convocation member at this point. (Could be the dev initially planned this as the final boss model and changed idea?)

Plot guesses:

My guess is that we fight old Lahabrea as the final boss. The plot I'm thinking is that he's somewhat distressed over his wife (Athena)'s death, we aren't given the info on how she died, but given the Ancients capabilities, it was probably an accident (Erich mentions 'she's no longer with us', rather then 'she returned to the star'), and since they probably don't deal with accidental deaths very often so this further distresses him. So maybe he's trying to find a way to make her come back to life somehow? Kinda like the Orpheus greek story.

[JeanneOrnitier]

Another possibility I thought of while finishing the quests is

Lahabrea is Lahabrea, while Erichthonios reincarnates into Claudien. He got super invested in the memory crystal and I think they have the same face model? I'd need to check that.

Edit:

Though that mask dragonflie pointed out is pretty convincing.

[Uboar]

10 char....

Interesting mask you got there Erich (the top of his head).

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...102721_080.png

Pertty sure Erich becomes the Lahabrea we know later on. My question is why he even has this mask now though, and why red, he's not a convocation member at this point. (Could be the dev initially planned this as the final boss model and changed idea?)

Well, considering

He’s employed as a warden under the Words of Lahabrea, and his father is the current Lahabrea, I’m not too surprised Lahabrea’s mask is included as part of the boss design. I could be wrong but I’m operating under the assumption the masks (or mask designs) are inherited.

[Rongway]

I swear I remember Hythlodaeus mentioning something like "that time Azem ran off to stop a volcano" during Elpis but now I'm wondering if I mixed that up with the Cookingway dialogue.

Ah yes, I remember now, thanks.

the events of Pandaemonium occur after Elidibus is confirmed to the Convocation. I'd maintain that he's not wearing his red mask because he's going incognito, and isn't recognized because his face isn't known; after all, Hermes only recognized Emet as a member of the Convocation, not his office, so we know their faces (or even masks) aren't public knowledge.

The white robes, however... I got nothing.

I do think he's undercover, but I have to wonder about his arrival at Propylaion. Visitors are required to demask and identify. Was he able to waltz in without announcing his Seat? Does the bouncer know his identity? Are the identities of the Fourteen secret? Or do people just not concern themselves with their identities though that knowledge be public? Even if nobody else in the whole of Elpis knows his face, should we expect anyone to recognize his name if he gave it?

The white robes at least are easier to explain...probably. They mark someone as a public servant proven to be trustworthy, so that should make it easier to get around and do work, even if they are a bit conspicuous.

[JeanneOrnitier]

I went to go check and yeah I'm convinced.

Erichthonios isn't going to become ARR!Lahabrea, he gets sundered and reincarnated into Claudien. Both have red eyes and dark skin, and that skin tone is rare for characters in this game. I'm sure Claudien's fascination with the memory crystal will play into this in the future.

[yajnaji]

Yeah, name talk:

Themis is the Greek goddess of justice/law/order.

Hesperos is the Greek personification of the evening star (Venus). As I'm sure most of us know, the evening star is associated in the Bible with Lucifer. So it makes sense for him to be the villain of a raid themed around the nine circles of hell.

With Erichthonios being Lahabrea's son, Lahabrea's real name is likely Hephaestus. Erichthonios of Athens was the son of Hephaestus and Athena. Also Hephaestus is the god of the forge, which parallels Lahabrea being the Convocation's master of creation magic.

Actually, Lucifer (Lvxfer - bringer of light) is the MORNING (and not evening) star.

Maybe try to do some research before trying to look cool in a LORE sub forum?

[Nekaru_Infitima]

Hesperos is the Greek personification of the evening star (Venus).

Ironically, Venat is also Venus though.