Mask of Implacability
The Mask of Implacability is a cursed piece of headgear from the Dragon Quest series, first appearing in Dragon Quest III. Although it grants an incredible amount of protection, it places the wearer in a permanent state of confusion until it is removed.
| Mask of Implacability | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Japanese | はんにゃのめん |
| Romaji | Hannya no men |
| Old localizations | Noh mask |
| Found in | Dragon Quest III Dragon Quest VII |
| Effect | Cursed, causes permanent confusion to wearer. |
Appearances
Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation
The mask is cursed, causing the wearer to be permanently confused and not able to cast spells outside of battle. However, it provides an amazingly high Defence boost of +255. It is found in the Orochi's Lair.
Despite causing confusion, the mask is actually of immense value in solo playthroughs, due to the fact that a befuddled character will never strike themselves. This makes the mask particularly valuable for players who wish to either speedrun the game or simply defeat Zoma with a single character.
A shop will pay one single gold coin for it, but this is a horrible waste of a golden opportunity.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (Nintendo 3DS version)
The mask has the same bonuses (good and bad) as 'III, along with the subtraction of 15 Style points. Unlike the previous game, it can't be sold.
It's available upon the first completion of the DLC Tablet Mount Malign after defeating Root of all evil.
It can be equipped by everyone, but Kiefer.
Etymology
The mask of implacability's original Japanese name hannya no men (はんにゃのめん) is a reference to the Hannya (般若) mask used in Japanese Noh theatre, which represents a jealous female demon. The mask is characterized by its pair of horns, metallic eyes, and a grinning mouth. It is intended to portray the souls of women that have been overcome by obsession or jealousy.