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

Accepting the Quest (Cutscene)

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. 
Cirina: 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. 
Cirina: 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. 
Cirina: 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. 
Cirina: 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. 
Hien: We shall proceed with all due caution, yes, but let us not worry overmuch. 
Hien: We will overcome this trial, and the next, and the next,m until we stand triumphant. That is all there is to it, no? 
Hien: With me, my friends! To the west! To Bardam's Mettle! 

Cirina: W-Wait, Hien! Oh dear. I knew I would forget. 
Cirina: 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! 

(Optional)
Cirina: It is indeed a perilous journey, but I know you will succeed—as I once did.

Speaking with Lyse

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

Speaking with Lyse

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

Optional

Gosetsu: Is that the best you can do!? Come, villains! Come at me!

Lyse: They're wearing yellow. I've seen their clothes somewhere before...

Speaking with Hien

Hien: Ah, there you are. As you can see, they left us little choice. 
Hien: I gather you were forced to dispatch a few yourself? So it goes. A few less warriors to face in the Naadam, eh? 
Hien: 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...

Optional

Lyse: <huff> <puff> This is it! the real trial!

Gosetsu: Tread softly. We are for hallowed ground, and the kami are restless...

Speaking with Hien

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