A Trial Before the Trial

A Trial Before the Trial

Quest giver

Hien

Location

The Azim Steppe (X:31.1, Y:12.0)

Quest line

Stormblood Main Scenario Quests

Level

65

Experience

 105,000

Gil

 890

Previous quest

The Heart of Nations

Next quest

In the Footsteps of Bardam the Brave

Patch

4.0

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Main Scenario Progress: 452 / 960 (47.1%)

   

Stormblood Progress: 73 / 162 (45.1%)

   

“

Hien is ready to become a warrior of the Steppe.

— In-game description

Rewards

Choose one of the following options:

• 1   Doman Iron Claws
• 1   Doman Iron Lance
• 1   Doman Iron Daggers
• 1   Doman Iron Kite Shield
• 3   Quicktongue Materia V

Steps

• Speak with Lyse.
• Speak with Lyse.
• Survey your surroundings.
• Speak with Hien.
• Survey your surroundings.
• Speak with Hien.

Journal

• Hien is ready to become a warrior of the Steppe.

Dialogue

Quest Acceptance

Hien: Now then, Cirina, if you would tell us of the trial we must undertake that we might participate in the Naadam. 
Cirina: Ah, yes! As I mentioned before, to be recognized as warriors of the Steppe, one must follow in the footsteps of the legendary warrior Bardam. He embarked on a great pilgrimage, eschewing cart and horse, and walked for many malms until he came to a holy place, thereafter named Bardam's Mettle. There, at the altar, as he did, you must pray. The altar lies deep within the breeding grounds of the yol. To complete your trial, you must tame one. Only then will your trial be complete.  
Hien: Fair enough. And where is the entrance to Bardam's Mettle? 
Cirina: You must journey far, far to the west - beyond Chakha Zoh, where lie the bones of a great and wise woman. Beyond the ruins of Ceol Aen, hidden within the mountains is a narrow pass. Follow it, and you will come to Bardam's Mettle. 
Lyse: sounds to me like it'll be a trial just getting to the trial...
Cirina: More than you may know. On the even of the Naadam, many strive to improve their fortunes - some by abducting and enslaving the warriors of other tribes. Be ever mindful of your surroundings, lest you be taken as well. 
Hien: Hah! What grim expressions you wear while nodding so powerfully! Warriors such as you are not like to fall en route to a mere rite of passage. We shall proceed with all due caution, yes, but let us not worry overmuch. We will overcome this trial, and the next, and the next,m until we stand triumphant. That is all there is to it, no? With me, my friends! To the west! To Bardam's Mettle! 
Cirina: W-Wait, Hien! Oh dear. I knew I would forget. (Cirina turns to Lyse and hands her something). Here - take these whistles. Once tamed, your yol will hearken to their call. 
Lyse:' Thanks. We'll try them out once we've finished the trial. Let's catch up to Hien and Gosetsu! 

Speak with Lyse

Lyse: We still have a long way to go, but I think I can see that monument Cirina talked about. I don't see Hien or Gosetsu, though. We should hurry!

Speak with Lyse

Lyse: Hey...I don't know about you, but I can't shake the feeling someone's watching us. Cirina did warn us about tribes that kidnap warriors and make them fight for them. something tells me we're about to meet them...

Speak with Hien

Hien: Ah, there you are. As you can see, they left us little choice. I gather you were forced to dispatch a few yourself? So it goes. A few less warriors to face in the Naadam, eh? Ceol Aen is not much further. That said, I should be surprised if our would-be masters do not try to subdue us one more time...

Speak with Hien

Hien: Right. This must be the pass that leads to Bardam's Mettle. They say no foreigners have overcome this trial, but, well, there is a first time for everything, no?