FFXIV The Pool of Tribute (Normal): Unlock + Trial Guide

Susano NM Normal Mode Trial Screenshot (FFXIV)

To unlock the Level 63 trial The Pool of Tribute, also known as Susano NM, you need to accept the Level 63 MSQ “The Lord of the Revel” from Alisaie in The Ruby Sea (X:5.5, Y:24.4). This quest is part of the main story for patch 4.0 of the Stormblood expansion.

Below we’ll cover this unlocking quest in detail, along with Susano’s battle mechanics in the trial.

Unlocking Quest: The Lord of the Revel

“The Lord of the Revel” is a patch 4.0 MSQ for the Stormblood expansion. So before you can start it you’ll need to finish every MSQ leading up to it, including the MSQs from both A Realm Reborn and Heavensward.

Once that’s all set, talk to Alisaie in The Ruby Sea (X:5.5, Y:24.4) to begin the quest.

Alisaie’s map location in The Ruby Sea / Final Fantasy XIV
Alisaie’s map location in The Ruby Sea

At this point in the story, the Red Kojin have successfully summoned the primal Susano.

Alisaie and Y’shtola have volunteered to draw the Red Kojin away from the vault door so you can sneak inside undetected to confront the primal.

Head to The Ruby Sea (X:4.7, Y:22.2) and interact with the vault door to unlock The Pool of Tribute.

This trial requires at least a Level 63 Disciple of War or Magic job to enter and has no item level requirement.

Trial Boss: Susano

Lord of the Revel Susano / Final Fantasy XIV
Lord of the Revel Susano

Due to a mechanic in Phase 2, this trial can’t be soloed even with high-level characters. You’ll need at least two people to handle the “Blade’s Shadow” and avoid an instant wipe. Bring at least one extra person if you want to do it unsynced.

If you’re doing the trial through the Duty Finder while synced, check out the mechanics below to clear the trial quickly.

Phase 1: Yata-no-Kagami, Brightstorm, and Lightning Clouds

Rotation:

Assail > Rasen Kaikyo > Yata-no-Kagami > Assail > Lightning Clouds > Yata-no-Kagami > Rasen Kaikyo > Brightstorm > Assail > Rasen Kaikyo > Yata-no-Kagami + Brightstorm > Lightning Clouds x3 > Yata-no-Kagami + Brightstorm.

  • Assail: A non-telegraphed cleave on the primary target that deals moderate damage. Always face the boss away from the party.
  • Rasen Kaikyo: Several players will be targeted with ground AoEs that apply a stacking “Lightning Resistance Down” debuff for 20 seconds. Stand together behind the boss to bait the AoEs, then move out.
Run through the narrow safe zone after getting knocked back. / Final Fantasy XIV
Run through the narrow safe zone after getting knocked back.
  • Yata-no-Kagami: One player will get an orange marker for a knockback. Then, the arena will be covered with knock-up AoEs that apply “Lightning Resistance Down” for 20 seconds except for a narrow line headed toward the boss. Run back through the narrow line. Knockback-immunity skills do not work against this attack.
  • Brightstorm: A stack marker usually placed on the player affected by “Yata-no-Kagami.” Run toward your party through the narrow line to share incoming damage.
Bait the column attacks away from the boss / Final Fantasy XIV
Bait the column attacks away from the boss
  • Lightning Clouds: Darkened clouds will appear outside the arena and target random players with wide column attacks that apply “Paralysis” for 20 seconds. These column attacks can happen up to three times in a row. Try to bait the AoEs on the opposite side of the arena if you’re targeted.

Phase 2: Blade’s Shadow and Ame-no-Murakumo

Rotation:

Blade’s Shadow x2 > Ame-no-Murakumo.

Interact with the shadow to bind the blade while your party attacks it. / Final Fantasy XIV
Interact with the shadow to bind the blade while your party attacks it.
  • Blade’s Shadow: Have the main tank interact with the “Blade’s Shadow” to trigger the Active Time Maneuver button spam and make the blade targetable. Burn down the blade to mitigate the ultimate attack. During this time, the main tank must also be topped off due to the “Flesh Wound” DoT.
  • Shock Bubbles: While the blade is being burned down, have the off-tank pop the shock bubbles that will appear around the arena to avoid unnecessary damage to the rest of the party.
  • Ame-no-Murakumo: A room-wide ultimate attack that will instantly wipe the party if a “Blade’s Shadow” isn’t killed in time. Avoid the crevice in the middle of the arena after the attack goes off.

Phase 3: The Hidden Gate, Ukehi, and Repeating Mechanics

Rotation:

Stormsplitter > The Hidden Gate > The Sealed Gate > Rasen Kaikyo > Ukehi > Stormsplitter > Yata-no-Kagami + Brightstorm > Rasen Kaikyo > Ukehi x2 > Lightning Clouds x3 > Stormsplitter > Rasen Kaikyo + Brightstorm > The Hidden Gate > The Sealed Gate > Ukehi x2 > Stormsplitter > Rasen Kaikyo > Yata-no-Kagami + Brightstorm > Lightning Clouds x3 > Rasen Kaikyo > Ukehi x2 > Repeat from 2nd Stormsplitter until death.

  • Stormsplitter: A column tankbuster attack on the primary target that replaces “Assail” for Phase 3. Drag the boss toward the north and face him away from the party at all times.
Find the correct gate and free the affected player / Final Fantasy XIV
Find the correct gate and free the affected player
  • The Hidden Gate: A random party member will be trapped in one of three gates. After a few seconds, these gates will become targetable. Destroy the gate to free the affected player before “The Sealed Gate” goes off, or they will die. The gate at the bottom of the enmity list will always be the correct target.
  • The Sealed Gate: A slow-casting instakill attack on the player trapped inside “The Hidden Gate.”
  • Ukehi: A room-wide AoE attack that can be cast up to two times in a row. Mitigate and heal through the damage.

Rewards

Triple Triad Card #177: Susano / Final Fantasy XIV
Triple Triad Card #177: Susano
  • Susano Triple Triad Card (not guaranteed)

Marc Vista

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Marc is a casual FFXIV Summoner veteran, retired TF2 Soldier main, and professional communicator. He's also a huge fan of anime, Hololive, and the Golden State Warriors.

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