Symphonist

The Symphonist is a hostile humanoid creature encountered in several late-game areas, especially during the Flathill sequence and Fog Phenomenon events. In GATE records it is designated IS-0407, and is described as a rare, poorly documented entity with no known containment procedure. It is largely or entirely blind, relying on sound to detect threats, and it is aggressive toward anything that is not a Symphonist or a Composer.

In combat, the Symphonist is extremely durable and takes a large amount of damage to kill. Electrical weapons do not affect it. Its usual behavior is to rush the player, then follow up with a claw swipe or a rolling charge. It can also pick the player up and throw them a short distance, which does not deal direct damage but can be dangerous near pits or other fall hazards.

When damaged, the Symphonist creates several illusions of itself. During this phase, the real creature and all copies stop moving, giving the player a brief window to reposition, reload, or heal. The copies disappear when struck, while a hit on the real Symphonist lands a critical hit. If the real one is not found quickly enough, it will resume its charge. Several methods help identify the original:

• Check for collision by running up to it.
• Use a Makeshift Crossbow and look for bolts sticking out.
• If the Symphonist is affected by a visual status effect such as burning, the illusions will not show that effect.
• Watch the animation timing; the copies are synchronized, while the real one often appears out of sync.
• The Motion Sensor ability from the Cascade Armor Set can reveal the real Symphonist.
• The Exor Spirit from the full Exor Armor Set only targets the real one when illusions are active.

Symphonists can be encountered in fixed or semi-fixed locations in multiple areas. They appear in Flathill after opening the door to Manufacturing West, including the Syrup Co. alleyway, the Courthouse, and in front of the final elevator in the Flathill Syrup Co. Building. They can also spawn in the Office Sector, Manufacturing West, Cascade Laboratories, Hydroplant, and Reactors, with several specific patrol points and room spawns listed across those zones. A petrified Symphonist can also be found on the ceiling in the secret room in the Temple of Stone.

Their drops are valuable despite the danger. A Symphonist always drops a Symphonist Head and Porcelain Shards, with additional chances for a Porcelain Key, an Organ, and a Porcelain Tablet. The Porcelain Key is especially notable because a Symphonist can be traded with Marion for one.