Trial of Instinct
“The Trial of Instinct 'twas its given name. For only those of primal potency - the chosen few - could weather dangers dire.”
—Lucretius
The Trial of Instinct is one of the seven Trials found in the final chapter, The Dominion of Hate. It is found on the northeastern cliff of the Last Hero's Grave's southern face, opposite the Trial of Skill. This trial is tied to the unique abilities of Pogo, and only he possesses the raw strength needed to bash open the trial's entrance.
This fragrant cavern is the home of an indignant deity, as old as the kingdom it once lived alongside. It is also the resting place of the Great Stone Axe, Pogo's ultimate weapon.
Appearance
The Trial of Instinct is a frigid-looking cave system, built uniformly of bright cyan stone. Crystals resembling ice both hang from the ceiling and rise from the ground. The entire trial gives the appearance of being completely frozen over. It is evidently not so cold as to freeze running water, as a small stream carves through the stone and flows into a small pool in the cave's center.
Overview
Initially, the Trial of Instinct appears as a simple winding cavern with no real direction, or even any special mechanics when compared to the other Trials. In actuality, a hidden gimmick does exist: Pogo may use his unique scent-tracking skills at the cave's mouths to determine what lies on the other side. The way forward is marked by the scent of meat, serving as a clear guide to the trial's end.
Halfway through the trial, a pair of out-of-place, humanoid stone statues can be found, one large, one small, both crying exaggerated streams of tears. If the lead hero can read, they will notice a partially faded name carved into the statues' clothing upon examination: "Watana...". If Akira is in the party, he can read the minds of the petrified pair. In their thoughts they plead with the party not to run from battle, lest they draw the ire of a ferocious beast and succumb to the same fate as them, alluding to the existence of the Death Prophet.
Continuing to follow the delectable odor will lead to a large sanctum, holding the trial's greatest reward, the Great Stone Axe. After obtaining it, an exit portal will appear beside the party. Taking it will warp them to the base of the Last Hero's Grave.
Boss: Lucretius
One particular offshoot path in the Trial bears the scent of not meat, but fish. This path leads to the cavern's central pool. Approaching it, a large shadow in the waters will demand the party offer a Golden Topknot as tribute. Doing so will arouse the shadow, the colossal carp Lucretius, where the heroes may choose to do battle with him. Upon defeat, Lucretius will concede to the party the Cosmic Ring, one of the five pieces of Cosmic Equipment, and allow them to inquire as to who he is and the nature of their surroundings.
Treasure
- Alice Biscuit x1
- Unicorn Horn x2
- Bird of Paradise Tailfeather x1
- Great Stone Axe x1
- Cosmic Ring x1
Gallery
The party comes face to face with the cranky carp
The pause screen inside the Trial
| Final Chapter: The Dominion of Hate |
|---|
| Characters |
| Pogo • Earthen Heart Master (Yun Jou • Lei Kugo • Hong Hakka) • The Sundown Kid • Oboromaru • Masaru Takahara • Akira Tadokoro • Cube • Oersted • Odio |
| Locations |
| Seat of the Betrayers • Silent Wood • Condemned Village • The Last Hero's Grave • The Archon's Roost • Trials (Instinct • Skill • Time • Keys • Power • Heart • Wisdom) |
| Enemies |
| Xavier • Polydectes • Oedipus • Daedalus • Teil Queen • Pawnbert • Ruby Tyrant • Cerberus • Lightbringer • Souleater • Dreadbulb • Phantom Rider • Deathfist Disciple • Chrono Legionary • Ravenous Bear • Nekomata • Mecha-Satake 98 • Earthshaker • Entomophilia • Claustrophilia • Babaliyan • Grand Visages • Dragon Killer • Ishtar • Glasya Labolas • Tsunayoshi • Pup Lord • Grammoth • Pistachio • Titanblood • Riftwalker Genzaemon • Roly Poly • Ship of Horrors • Acrophilia • Scotophilia • Hygrophilia • Helios Hound • Darkwall • Shadow • Lucretius • The Bountiful Heart • Jaggedy Jacks • Apophisphilo • Euraokos • Death Prophet • Headhunter • Eyes of Odio • Maw of Odio • Brow of Odio • Purity of Odio • Arm of Odio (Left) • Arm of Odio (Right) • Sin of Odio |
| Music |
| The Dominion of Hate • Silent Labyrinth • Illusion • Pure Odio • Armageddon • Live over Again • Live for Live • Gigalomania |
| Transcripts |
| 2022 (English) • 1994 (English, Japanese) |