The Steel Blades

The Steel Blades (Fighter Trials) Creator: Unknown Directions: On map of Dusk Plane Hint: You need a key from the Hollow tree.

NOTE: This is an older area report and the information may no longer be 100% accurate.

AREA: Steel Blades Fighter's Guild

DIRECTIONS: Town Portals to Dusk, it's marked on the map.

TESTED WITH: Logan Lvl 40+ Fighter/COT/WM

WHAT WORKS WELL: Good ole fashion hack and slash.

NOTES:

The Steel Blade Guard will give you a quest to retrieve a key from the Hollow Tree which allows entrance into the trials. To the Hollow Tree: Town, Estates (Eastern part of town map; it's marked), North to Narian Highlands, North to Middleground, East to Light Plain, Eastern Region of that map.

Talking to Lota the Trial Keeper informs you that you must complete 2 trials before the final trial.

Sword Trial: Sword Fighters (CR 76), do slashing/fire damage, have around 600-650 hit points, have no physical resistances that were noted, with 40+ AB you should be fine to hit them, and at 67 AC I was hit about 50% of the time.

3- Tests: STR, DISC, and your Knowledge

There is a DC 20 Lock to pick, then the Duel Weilding Fighter (CR 248), who does slashing/fire damage as well.

Shield Trial: Guardians of Shield (CR 90), they cast Ice Storm and Firebrands, so bludge/Cold/Fire resistances would be recommended. Reflex rolls above 22 will beat them.

3- Tests: CON, Taunt, and your Knowledge

Another DC 20 lock.
 * Keep in mind that if your taunt is low, items that have Taunt and/or Charisma will increase this skill.

Absorber (CR 467), healed on me once, casts Mords, Ice Storm, and Firebrand, and has 5 physical damage resistance.

After talking to Teala, you enter A Champions Trial.

Champion (CR 179) resists 15 physical damage. If you are concerned about this SOLO trial, have your party buff you before entering this trial. Be sure to include Improved Invisibility as well. He has despawned on me in the past, so try to kill him as quick as possible, gulp a Divine Brew or have a Bard sing for ya, for an extra boost if needed.

He drops a token which you present to Rynolf in the Guild who in turns gives you almost a complete set of gear. You can now shop with the merchant as well.

Vladis Aventian Knight