Mystagogue

Mystagogues are high-ranking Gatekeeper operatives steeped in arcane study and direct communion with otherworldly forces. They appear as masked, hooded figures in tattered robes and hover above the ground, touching the floor only when defeated. Mystagogues are often the product of diverse spiritual and occult backgrounds—doctors, priestesses, brujos, shamans and even some scientists who reinterpret the numinous through causal inquiry. Many have roots in regions where magical traditions intersect with underworld beliefs, producing recruits with violent, visionary tendencies. Gatekeeper Assessors also select candidates who show aptitude with mystic artifacts, including curators, smugglers, and treasure hunters.

In the game world, Mystagogues function as mobility-focused, support-oriented elite foes. They frequently appear with at least one floating Mystagogue Eye, which distracts and damages players. Outside of combat they wander or stand idle, often accompanied by Neophytes and muttering to themselves in altered voices. Mystagogues are hostile to any non-Gatekeeper, non-Defense Robot, or non-Corrupted Robot entity and will call for reinforcements when able.

Combat with a Mystagogue emphasizes disruption and target-priority. They periodically erect a wide Hardlight shield directly in front of them and can generate a psychic field that prevents melee approaches. Their levitation protects them from floor hazards but does not allow them to cross gaps. Their Mystagogue Eyes harass targets with precise laser beams while the Mystagogue uses ranged and crowd-control attacks.

Tactical considerations and reliable counters:

• The Hardlight shield remains oriented in front of the Mystagogue; players must either wait for it to dissipate or attack from angles the shield does not cover. The shield is not guaranteed to cover all directions at once.
• Destroying a Mystagogue’s body before eliminating its Mystagogue Eyes leaves the Eyes free to attack players independently with accurate lasers; prioritizing Eyes can prevent sustained harassment.
• Mystagogues cast a Telekinetic Strangle: at close range they lift a player, choke them for several seconds, then throw them, which prevents the target from acting while strangled. Heavy-weapon swings started just before a Mystagogue initiates the lift can still connect and damage the Gatekeeper.
• Mystagogues also throw a Fireball that creates a temporary lavender burning zone on the floor; avoid lingering in those zones.
• Their levitation immunity to floor hazards makes environmental damage less effective, though they cannot cross floor gaps.
• Mystagogue Eyes are fragile and susceptible to area explosives; a well-placed grenade can remove much of a Mystagogue’s support.
• Mystagogues have a marked weakness to electrical damage; electrically focused weapons or devices deal reliable extra damage.

Loot and salvage:

• Guaranteed drops: Arcane Scrap and Imbued Parchment (100%).
• Additional chance drops: Lodestone Fragment (25%), GATE Defense Rune (10%).
• Harvestable parts: Mystagogue’s Head and Human Arm (Military) are recoverable with 100% chance.

Visual references commonly show Mystagogues suspended mid-air while performing the Telekinetic Strangle, with one image depicting a Mystagogue strangling a Sapper as its eye drones fire on the scene.