The Underground Trial/Strategy: Difference between revisions

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The rooms here are arranged in two rows of three with the initial entry point in the center of one row.  Move to the right or left and clear the 3 rooms with IDF spawns.  This unlocks a door to the next lower room.
The rooms here are arranged in two rows of three with the initial entry point in the center of one row.  Move to the right or left and clear the 3 rooms with IDF spawns.  This unlocks a door to the next lower room.
{{NPC Text|title=Entrance Dialogue|text=
'''Desdemona:''' {{RedonBlack|Statesman's sent me to make sure we get what we need from Vanessa. Try to keep up, OK?}}}}
{{divbox|royalblue| |Statesman says: 'The reason you are being sent here is to meet with the Praetorian Vanessa DeVore, a Resistance leader, to bring back a secret so dangerous that Tyrant has eliminated anyone who discovers it.' <br />
We must learn this secret before he catches her as well. To that end, I have asked Desdemona to accompany you.<br />
In the event that DeVore attempts any mental shenanigans, my newest protege's wards will protect you from mental control.}}
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa says: 'It seems I have decided to hand over the information just in time. Tyrant has sent the IDF to hunt me down and silence my voice.'<br />
I only hope you can get to me first. I am a level or so below you, but I need to keep moving to stay ahead of the IDF.}}


==Phase Two: Ritual Room==
==Phase Two: Ritual Room==


This is a standard "medium sized" Praetorian underground room, rectangular in shape.  Upon entering, Desdamona will move to a point approximately 1/3 of the way across the room along its center line.  Target her and move with her. The goal is to protect her from 2 spawns of IDF who will surround her and attack from all directions.  Make sure the league members buffer her.  These spawns are typically easy to defeat.  Their arrival is shown by a clock in Desdamona's health window.  Once the first pair of spawns is defeated, Desdamona will move 1/3 of the way across the room and continue the second half of the ritual.  The same strategy applies here.  A clock will announce the arrival of two IDF spawns and the league must defeat them to unlock the next lower level.  Exit the room via an unmarked elevator in one wall near the second ritual point.
This is a standard "medium sized" Praetorian underground room, rectangular in shape.  Upon entering, Desdamona will move to a point approximately 1/3 of the way across the room along its center line.  Target her and move with her. The goal is to protect her from 2 spawns of IDF who will surround her and attack from all directions.  Make sure the league members buffer her.  These spawns are typically easy to defeat.  Their arrival is shown by a clock in Desdamona's health window.  Once the first pair of spawns is defeated, Desdamona will move 1/3 of the way across the room and continue the second half of the ritual.  The same strategy applies here.  A clock will announce the arrival of two IDF spawns and the league must defeat them to unlock the next lower level.  Exit the room via an unmarked elevator in one wall near the second ritual point.
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'The psychic link with Vanessa isn't strong enough for me to pinpoint where she is in this maze of tunnels. I'm going to need to perform some rituals to strengthen the link before we go any further.'<br />
I'll be unable to defend myself while I'm performing the rituals, so you're going to have to keep me alive.}}
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'OK. I've got a better sense of where we need to go, but I'm not quite sure which of the exits we need to take.'<br />
One more ritual ought to do it. I'll need you to stand guard one more time. Now that the IDF know we're here, I'm sure they'll be coming back!}}
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'That did it. We have to go through the door to our south. That'll take us into the subway tunnels that'll lead us to Vanessa. Let's go!'}}


==Phase Three: Tunnels and IDF Guard Room==
==Phase Three: Tunnels and IDF Guard Room==


A small room followed by a curved longer room. Stay to the right, minimize agro.  The IDF forces get a bit harder here.  The guard room is similar in size to the ritual room.  Clearing this room will unlock the hospital teleporter feature.  Exit the room via an unmarked elevator.
A small room followed by a curved longer room. Stay to the right, minimize agro.  The IDF forces get a bit harder here.  The guard room is similar in size to the ritual room.  Clearing this room will unlock the hospital teleporter feature.  Exit the room via an unmarked elevator.
{{divbox|midnightblue| |Prometheus says: 'So, Statesman has finally seen fit to get involved in this conflict has he? You should ask yourself what his motivations are? Why has he remained on the sidelines?'<br />
I have no trust for Statesman. He fears his power, fears becoming like the Emperor. Rather than doing anything about it, he spends his time hiding.<br />
Unlike him, you are choosing to learn how to wield your power. You are choosing your path. <br />
You would be wise not to trust him or put your confidence in him... and to keep a close eye on his pet, Desdemona.}}


==Phase Four: Extinction WarWalker==
==Phase Four: Extinction WarWalker==


During this fight, the WarWalker will use a variety of AOE powers.  Red text messages, including Crowd Dispersal, Targets Acquired and Lethal Force Authorized will appear on the screen.  The strategy here is similar to the rings/sequestering situation in the BAF trial.  If you are targeted, it is important to move QUICKLY away from the fight.  Failure to do so will result in everyone being held and typically significant numbers of deaths.  This is a major reason for failure at this point.  The league simply cannot go into melee range and "slug it out", hoping to overcome the WarWalker's health bar.
During this fight, the WarWalker will use a variety of AOE powers.  Red text messages, including Crowd Dispersal, Targets Acquired and Lethal Force Authorized will appear on the screen.  The strategy here is similar to the rings/sequestering situation in the BAF trial.  If you are targeted, it is important to move QUICKLY away from the fight.  Failure to do so will result in everyone being held and typically significant numbers of deaths.  This is a major reason for failure at this point.  The league simply cannot go into melee range and "slug it out", hoping to overcome the WarWalker's health bar.
{{divbox|vanessa | |Vanessa says: 'The IDF have forced me deeper into the tunnels, but these don't look like ordinary tunnels. There's something growing on them.'<br />
I thought I overheard one of the IDF mention that the Devouring Earth are here. If this is the case, I'm going to have a much harder time getting out of here without your help.<br />
Hopefully, the IDF and the Devouring Earth will be more focused on fighting each other than dealing with us, but you should be cautious!}}


==Phase Five: Trap Room==
==Phase Five: Trap Room==
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However, first there is the trap room.  A keystone shaped door (must click on it to open) leads to a room with 4 crystals at each corner.  Once Desdemona moves into the room the Devouring Earth spring a trap, which holds her immobilized in the center of the room.  Luckily, this is pretty far from the mobs which spawn in the room's corners.  Move quickly to each corner (or split and kill 2 or more crystals at once) and kill the mobs and the crystals.  They're not hard.  That frees Desdamona to move forward.
However, first there is the trap room.  A keystone shaped door (must click on it to open) leads to a room with 4 crystals at each corner.  Once Desdemona moves into the room the Devouring Earth spring a trap, which holds her immobilized in the center of the room.  Luckily, this is pretty far from the mobs which spawn in the room's corners.  Move quickly to each corner (or split and kill 2 or more crystals at once) and kill the mobs and the crystals.  They're not hard.  That frees Desdamona to move forward.
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'What is going on?! It's as though all my powers are drained!'<br />
This must be how they caught Vanessa! Quickly! I need you to break me free of this prison before it drains all of my strength away!}}
''After freeing Desdemona:''
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'That was cutting it pretty close. Whatever is going on down here, it looks like both the IDF and the Devouring Earth don't want us to find out!'}}


==Phase Six: Self Repairing / Lichen Infused Warwalkers (2)==
==Phase Six: Self Repairing / Lichen Infused Warwalkers (2)==
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When done, click on the elevator to the south.
When done, click on the elevator to the south.
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa says: 'I... I have no words. The walls, they are alive. I seem to have stumbled into an infestation of the Devouring Earth, here in the tunnels. They... they are battling with Tyrant's men, so I have some cover to move on.'<br />
I will keep moving... I cannot allow either the Devouring Earth or the IDF to find me!}}
''After defeating the War Walkers:''
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa says: 'No! They've found me. Please, you must hurry!'}}


==Phase Seven: Spore Halls and Bombs==
==Phase Seven: Spore Halls and Bombs==
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After these eight bombs is a room with mobs and the final two bombs. Snipe and pull, then go up the ramp on the west side of the room and down the long hallway.  There is a door at the end. Go through.
After these eight bombs is a room with mobs and the final two bombs. Snipe and pull, then go up the ramp on the west side of the room and down the long hallway.  There is a door at the end. Go through.
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa says: 'Where are you? The Devouring Earth... I'm cornered.... What... what is that!? No!'}}
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa says: 'Hurry! This... monster! I... I don't think I can hold it off much longer!'}}
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Desdemona says: 'The spores in the air here are exceptionally toxic. We're going to need to move quickly through here, or the effects will eventually overwhelm us!'}}
{{divbox|vanessa| |Vanessa's Spirit says: 'It is done. The terrible beast has vanquished me. Your only hope now is to recover my mask. Within it is my consciousness. Recover it and the secret will be revealed. Do not let my death be in vain!'}}


==Phase Eight: Avatar of Hamidon Fight==
==Phase Eight: Avatar of Hamidon Fight==
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Kill the avatar.  He's not hard.
Kill the avatar.  He's not hard.
{{Cutscene|Text=
'''Desdemona:''' {{RedonBlack|Vanessa is close. I can feel the remnants of her essence in this room.}}
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |There! But the mask! Where is the mask?<br />
We have to find it, or all of this will have been for nothing. It must be close to her body!<br />
Wait... what was that? I... I don't think we're alone in here!}}
'''Desdemona:''' {{RedonBlack|The wall! It's moving! What... what is that monstrosity!?}}
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |Looks like we're going to have to get that mask the hard way! You want a fight, beast, you got one!}}}}
''After defeating the Avatar:''
{{Cutscene|Text=
{{divbox|blackcrimson| |All right. Enough of this. We need to find that mask and get out of here before something else happens!<br />
I can feel a great power emanating from this mask. It is as though it is alive!<br />
The mask... it... it is sharing Vanessa's knowledge with me... the secret for which she died!}}
{{divbox|blackorangered| |That... creature we just defeated was an emissary of the Hamidon. It watched Emperor Cole to ensure a promise was kept.}}
{{divbox|blackdarkorange| |The truth is, the Emperor never truly defeated the Hamidon. He negotiated a truce; a chance to prove humanity's worth.}}
{{divbox|blackdarkgoldenrod| |Contact with Primal Earth upset the Emperor's plan. His salvation of humanity would be undone, unless he controlled Primal Earth as well.}}
{{divbox|blackgoldenrod| |But the prolonged war rekindled the Hamidon's hatred of humankind, and it is finishing what it began.}}
'''Desdemona:''' {{GoldenrodonBlack|The truce is broken. The Hamidon is coming and nothing can dissuade it from devouring all humanity.}}}}


[[Category:Player Guides (Strategy)]]
[[Category:Player Guides (Strategy)]]

Latest revision as of 23:34, 28 July 2014

Player Guide Notice

This article is a Player Guide. The Homecoming Wiki takes no responsibility for the content within.

Questions and concerns should be posed to the authors of the article using the article's talk page.

The underground incarnate trial requires a significant amount of coordination among league members. The overall structure of the trial is a series of sequential mini-objectives. As each mini-objective is completed, a mission wide teleporter, located immediately to the right when exiting the in-trial hospital, is updated so that it will teleport folks returning from battle to the most recently secured area.

One person in the league, apparently chosen at random by the game, is assigned to lead Desdamona. This person should avoid combat whenever possible since Desdamona's death results in immediate failure.

The individual objectives are as follows:

Phase One: Initial Clearing of IDF

The rooms here are arranged in two rows of three with the initial entry point in the center of one row. Move to the right or left and clear the 3 rooms with IDF spawns. This unlocks a door to the next lower room.

Phase Two: Ritual Room

This is a standard "medium sized" Praetorian underground room, rectangular in shape. Upon entering, Desdamona will move to a point approximately 1/3 of the way across the room along its center line. Target her and move with her. The goal is to protect her from 2 spawns of IDF who will surround her and attack from all directions. Make sure the league members buffer her. These spawns are typically easy to defeat. Their arrival is shown by a clock in Desdamona's health window. Once the first pair of spawns is defeated, Desdamona will move 1/3 of the way across the room and continue the second half of the ritual. The same strategy applies here. A clock will announce the arrival of two IDF spawns and the league must defeat them to unlock the next lower level. Exit the room via an unmarked elevator in one wall near the second ritual point.

Phase Three: Tunnels and IDF Guard Room

A small room followed by a curved longer room. Stay to the right, minimize agro. The IDF forces get a bit harder here. The guard room is similar in size to the ritual room. Clearing this room will unlock the hospital teleporter feature. Exit the room via an unmarked elevator.

Phase Four: Extinction WarWalker

During this fight, the WarWalker will use a variety of AOE powers. Red text messages, including Crowd Dispersal, Targets Acquired and Lethal Force Authorized will appear on the screen. The strategy here is similar to the rings/sequestering situation in the BAF trial. If you are targeted, it is important to move QUICKLY away from the fight. Failure to do so will result in everyone being held and typically significant numbers of deaths. This is a major reason for failure at this point. The league simply cannot go into melee range and "slug it out", hoping to overcome the WarWalker's health bar.

Phase Five: Trap Room

More tunnels, during which time Devouring Earth start showing up, also Infested. The Greater Devoureds are Elite Bosses, so be careful.

Glowing mushrooms also appear. Clicking on these result in a timer bar. If successfully completed, the mushroom grants a "Lichen" temporary power. These are very important for the next AV fight.

However, first there is the trap room. A keystone shaped door (must click on it to open) leads to a room with 4 crystals at each corner. Once Desdemona moves into the room the Devouring Earth spring a trap, which holds her immobilized in the center of the room. Luckily, this is pretty far from the mobs which spawn in the room's corners. Move quickly to each corner (or split and kill 2 or more crystals at once) and kill the mobs and the crystals. They're not hard. That frees Desdamona to move forward.

Phase Six: Self Repairing / Lichen Infused Warwalkers (2)

Another series of tunnels come first, these are curved and lined with organic matter. Lots of DE mobs, more IDF. Finally, you will come to a room with a pair of ramps up both sides. This leads to the lower level guard room. Clear this room (there is a counter with Lower Level Guards Remaining), then prepare yourselves for a double AV fight. Click on the "cage" door with the spiral staircase to enter the AV room.


Self Repairing Warwalker: It helps, but is not necessary to move the WarWalker into the Northeast. The league should have collected 20-30 lichen powers at this point. With a tank taunting him continually, have team members spam the Lichen power on him whenever possible. As with the prior fight, being targeted means MOVE AWAY from the fight as quickly as possible or you will act like a bomb and kill your teammates. Failure to do so likely results in a partial league wipe and is a big reason for failure. Not using the temps means the AV's regen will likely be impossible to overcome and you won't kill him. Note that the holds/terrorized state which happens if teammates fail to move away is complete unbreakable and unresistable - and it seems to last just long enough to get everyone killed.

Lichen-infused WarWalker. Immediately upon defeating the Self Repairing Warwalker, it will respawn as the Lichen-Infused WarWalker in the spot where the previous AV was originally spawned. For this AV, the temp powers are no longer effective. It is important to immediately pull this AV to the south wall because this AV gets regenerated health from the glowing lichens which gave you the temp powers for the last fight. Glowing lichens are BAD things and must be killed at this time!

So what's the best way to kill this guy? Well, pulling him to the south wall helps - it reduces the number of lichens around him to 2. Then there's the issue of targeting them amid the other baddies. One strategy which seems to work well is to have the blasters and other range-damage types target thru a single individual who stands a bit too the north, facing south, with a macro like /targetname lichen. Fire the macro every 15 seconds or so to target the lichens and all those targeting through you will suddenly pound and kill it. Target the AV between macro invocations. This is especially useful with PUG leagues when folks don't understand how to set their own macros.

Note that defeating both of these AVs within 8 minutes of entering the room grants Regenerate This which is necessary for Master of the Underground Incarnate Trial.

When done, click on the elevator to the south.

Phase Seven: Spore Halls and Bombs

Turn on PBAOE heals. Mobs are not difficult. For the bomb badge, the accepted strategy appears to be to put one league member out ahead of the league who will site for bombs, preferrably a blaster with a snipe attack with a range greater than 150'. The bombs have a detonation range of this distance (150') which is typically longer than most range attacks but shorter than many snipes. Snipe each bombs individually from a distance, this will also have the advantage of pulling mobs to you for easy kills. If you snipe every single bomb AND everyone stays back and does not rush the pulled baddies, then the bomb badge is guaranteed - it's really trivial to do it this way. Discipline and not rushing or getting cocky and going inside the 150' radius is key. If you see a message that a bomb killed someone, it's all over though.

The final eight bombs are in a hallway, and packed together in such a way that approaching one to kill it will result in the next bomb being triggered. Again, snipe snipe snipe!

After these eight bombs is a room with mobs and the final two bombs. Snipe and pull, then go up the ramp on the west side of the room and down the long hallway. There is a door at the end. Go through.

Phase Eight: Avatar of Hamidon Fight

It is important to stay very close to Desdamona during this fight because proximity to her grants significant protection from the AV. Clarion incarnate powers help greatly as the AV (or seedlings?) spam confusion. A good strategy seems to be to put yourself on follow to Desdamona but target the Avatar. Have the tanks point the Avatar away from the group. Position Desdamona behind the Avatar and get in close - the person who Desdamona is leading should be leading the entire league (except the tanks) at this point because everyone else should have Desdamona on follow.

Kill the avatar. He's not hard.