Dilemma Diabolique Trial: Difference between revisions

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{{wip|date=2012-14-12}}
{{TOCleft}}
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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
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|name = Dilemma Diabolique Trial
|name = Dilemma Diabolique Trial
|size = 8-16
|size = 8-16
|enemies = {{Enemy Banished Pantheon}} {{red|??}}
|enemies = {{Enemy Banished Pantheon}}{{Enemy Demons of Diabolique}}{{Enemy Freedom Phalanx}}{{Enemy Vindicators}}
|badge = [[File:Badge it dea complete.png|32px]] {{BadgeLink|Death Denied}}
|badge = [[File:Badge it dea complete.png|32px]] {{BadgeLink|Death Denied}}
|incarnate xp = [[Incarnate Experience|Psychic]] and [[Incarnate Experience|Physical]]
|incarnate xp = [[Incarnate Experience|Psychic]] and [[Incarnate Experience|Physical]]
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The '''Dilemma Diabolique Trial''' (DDT or DD) is one of the [[Incarnate Trial]]s connected to the release of [[Issue 22]] which takes place in [[Dark Astoria]]. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 players can raid the [[Moth Cemetary]].
The '''Dilemma Diabolique Trial''' (DDT or DD) is one of the [[Incarnate Trial]]s connected to the release of [[Issue 22]] which takes place in [[Dark Astoria]]. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 players can raid the [[Moth Cemetary]].


During the mission, a voice will "radio in" information about your progress. While there is no specific contact (the trial is entered entirely through the [[LFG]] menu), it is possible that your unseen helper is meant to be [[Prometheus]] as he was added in Issue 20 to recruit Incarnate-capable players to wage a war against Emperor Cole and end his quest to become more in-tune with the [[Well of the Furies]].
During the mission, a voice will "radio in" information about your progress. While there is no specific contact (the trial is entered entirely through the [[LFG]] menu), it is however likely that your unseen helper is meant to be the [[Dream Doctor]].


All [[Issue 20]] [[Incarnate Component]]s will drop during this trial, and both Psychic and Physical [[Incarnate Experience]] is gained towards unlocking the Alpha, Judgement, Lore, Interface and Destiny Incarnate Slots.
All [[Issue 20]] [[Incarnate Component]]s will drop during this trial, and both Psychic and Physical [[Incarnate Experience]] is gained towards unlocking the Alpha, Judgement, Lore, Interface and Destiny Incarnate Slots.
{{clrl}}
== Story Summary ==
{{Spoiler}}
Following the emergence of [[Mot]] from Moth Cemetery in [[Dark Astoria]], a team of [[Incarnate]]s is dispatched by the [[Dream Doctor]] to stop [[Diabolique]] from using Mot's vast otherworldly powers for her twisted purposes.  The Incarnates must free a series of heroes from her control, face the [[Sentinel of Mot]], and defeat Diabolique herself inside the body of Mot (along with two heroes she is controlling).
After the Incarnates take her down, the Dream Doctor, still possessing the [[Dagger of Jocas]], kills Diabolique.


== In Detail ==
== In Detail ==
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The trial starts on a bone path leading into a plateau of the cemetery.  Along the path are four Repulsive Spines protected by [[Banished Pantheon]].  The incarnates must defeat all four spines to progress to the next level.
The trial starts on a bone path leading into a plateau of the cemetery.  Along the path are four Repulsive Spines protected by [[Banished Pantheon]].  The incarnates must defeat all four spines to progress to the next level.


If all four spines are defeated within one minute of each other, the {{BadgeLink|Life and Death}} badge will be awarded at the completion of the trial.
If all four spines are defeated within one minute of each other, the {{BadgeLink|Spinebreaker}} badge will be awarded at the completion of the trial.
 
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor reaches out from... somewhere... to reassure you.}}
{{divbox|black| |Don't listen to her. She's just trying to get in your mind, make you give yourself to her willingly.<br />
We have a plan, and I am fairly certain it will work, so all you need to do is stick to it.<br />
First order of business is to get through that field protecting the plateau.<br />
I feel the energy from the fields emanating from several spines which have broken through the surface.<br />
Find and destroy all of them, and the field should come down... I think.}}
''As spines are being weakened:''
{{divbox|black| |Dream Doctor: Yes, yes, that worked just as I expected!<br />
There was a quite tangible weakening in the energy sustaining that protective field.<br />
Keep up the pressure! Find and destroy the rest of those spines!}}


=== Phase 2 ===
=== Phase 2 ===


After defeating all four spines, the incarnates proceed to the plateau, where seven heroes are being held in thrall.  Not all heroes will be available each time.  Each hero is marked on the map and protected by another spine and a group of [[Banished Pantheon]].  For each hero, incarnates must defeat the [[Banished Pantheon]], click on the spine to release the hero, then defeat the hero to save him/her.  Only four heroes may be saved in this stage, and each neglected hero awards a specific power to [[Sentinel]] in the later battle {{red|which powers??}}.
After defeating all four spines, the incarnates proceed to the plateau, where seven heroes are being held in thrall.  Not all heroes will be available each time.  Each hero is marked on the map and protected by another spine and a group of [[Banished Pantheon]].  For each hero, incarnates must defeat the [[Banished Pantheon]], click on the spine to release the hero, then defeat the hero to save him/her.  Only four heroes may be saved in this stage, and each neglected hero awards a specific power to [[Sentinel]] in the later battle.


To receive the {{BadgeLink|Sentinel Smasher}} badge, incarnates must fail to rescue Numina, Swan, Luminary, Citadel, and Infernal.  {{red|Possibly the order matters?  If so: Positron/Valkyrie, Manticore/Aurora Borealis, Synapse/Ms. Liberty, Back Alley Brawler/Mynx is known to work.}}
Starting from the south, and going clockwise in a circle, the captured heroes, and the powers they can grant the Sentinel, are:
*Citadel or Infernal: +RES, +DEF, Hold
*Positron or Valkyrie{{blue|*}}: +DEF, +Regen, -DMG
*Numina or Swan: +ToHit, +RNG, Heal/DMG Field
*Sister Psyche or Luminary: +Regen, +RES, DMG Pulse
*Manticore or Aurora Borealis{{blue|*}}: +RNG, +ToHit, Weaken
*Synapse or Ms. Liberty{{blue|*}}: +RECH, +DMG, EndDrain
*Back Alley Brawler or Mynx{{blue|*}}: +DMG, +RECH, Fear


Note that defeating the guards around a hero's spine "locks in" the choice of that hero as one of the four to be saved.
{{EdNote|note=To receive the {{BadgeLink|Sentinel Smasher}} badge, incarnates must rescue, in any order: Positron/Valkyrie, Manticore/Aurora Borealis, Synapse/Ms. Liberty, and Back Alley Brawler/Mynx.


After freeing four heroes, [[Sentinel]] will spawn on the plateau and must be defeated. Once Sentinel has been defeated, there is an untimed segment during which additional instructions may be given.  However, as soon as a single incarnate enters the maw, the next phase begins.
Note that defeating the guards around a hero's spine "locks in" the choice of that hero as one of the four to be saved.}}
 
After freeing four heroes, [[The Sentinel of Mot]] will spawn on the plateau, containing one of the three remaining captured heroes, and must be defeated. When the Sentinel reaches 50/100 health, the contained hero will be freed, removing that hero's bonus powers from the Sentinel.
 
Once the Sentinel has been defeated, there is an untimed segment during which additional instructions may be given.  However, as soon as a single incarnate enters the maw, the next phase begins.
 
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor speaks to you after your success.}}
{{divbox|black| |That was the last of the spines. The field protecting the plateau is gone!<br />
Quickly now! Make your way up there and free as many as you can!}}
{{divbox|special2| |From the darkness, Diabolique taunts you further.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |You insist on pursuing this folly, then?<br />
Each step you make closer to Mot brings you closer to my domain... brings you closer to me.<br />
Go ahead, free those wretched fools if you think you can. You'll never be able to get them all before they become one with Mot.<br />
Their power will be mine, and with Dominatrix here with me, the ritual's success is assured.<br />
But, please, keep coming closer to me... it shall make my hunting you down that much easier!}}
{{divbox|special1| |Once more, Dream Doctor speaks out against Diabolique.}}
{{divbox|black| |Bah! She is wrong! My projections show... oh... this can't be right.<br />
So, it turns out she's actually right. I'm showing that each of the captured heroes is struggling to retain control over themselves.<br />
Even if you did manage to free them, I fear you will need to fight them to bring them to their senses.<br />
And even then, it looks like you'll only be able to save four before they all become a part of Mot.<br />
Let's just hope it's not permanent...}}
''Once the Heroes are freed:''
{{divbox|special2| |The ground trembles as the Sentinel appears. Diabolique speaks:}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |It is as I told you... you could not save them all in time.<br />
Don't worry, though, I've seen to it that their power is put to good use.<br />
I am sure that the new 'pet' you provided me when Marcus died will appreciate its new gifts from those I still hold.<br />
Behold, then, my Sentinel. In these final moments before it claims you, know that all of this would have been impossible had you not interfered....}}
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor contacts you once more}}
{{divbox|black| |Ignore her taunts. This is going pretty much according to plan.<br />
The Sentinel is the last thing standing between you and Mot.<br />
Once that creature is out of the way, you can descend inside and bring the fight to Diabolique.<br />
This is almost over!}}
''Near the end of the battle:''
{{NPC Text|title=Surprise|text=
'''Citadel:''' <span style="color:#6699BB;background:#120F48;padding:2px;">This rescue is most appreciated.</span>}}
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor breaks in. He seems surprised.}}
{{divbox|black| |Wow. I certainly didn't see THAT coming. He was INSIDE that thing?<br />
Oh, oh, I need to get him out of there!}}
''Upon defeat of the Sentinel:''
{{divbox|special2| |Diabolique speaks again. An unexpected confidence is in her voice.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |Defeated the Sentinel have you? Ah, it's no matter. I'll make another out of your flesh and bone.<br />
As for your, plan... please, do enter Mot. I am waiting for you here.}}
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor also exudes confidence as he speaks.}}
{{divbox|black| |You heard her! Get in there. I've tracked her to a chamber within Mot.<br />
You should certainly reach it from the mouth stretched out before you.<br />
Now, Diabolique is prepared, so make sure you're ready!}}


=== Phase 3 ===
=== Phase 3 ===


Upon entering the maw, players are given five minutes during which they must survive the onslaught.  If at any point in the five minutes there are no living incarnates within the region, the trial is failed.  A new wave of [[Banished Pantheon]] will spawn every 30 seconds during this portion.
Upon entering the maw, players are given five minutes during which they must survive the onslaught.  If at any point in the five minutes there are no living incarnates within the region, the trial is failed.  A new wave of [[Banished Pantheon]] and [[Demons of Diabolique]] will spawn every 30 seconds during this portion.


=== Phase 4 ===
=== Phase 4 ===


At the end of the five minutes, the incarnates are teleported into another dimension where [[Diabolique]] waits, along with two controlled heroes. She will give an in-game monologue, then become targetable for defeat.
At the end of the five minutes, the incarnates are teleported into another dimension where [[Diabolique]] waits, along with the two remaining captured Heroes under her control. Any players previously defeated in Phase 3 will be automatically resurrected with full health and endurance. She will give an in-game monologue, then become targetable for defeat.
Every 30 seconds during this battle, four [[Lifegiving Essence]]s will spawn in the room.  At the end of the 30 seconds, [[Diabolique]] will consume any undefeated essences, healing herself by 10%.  Defeating the essences, on the other hand, awards a league-wide heal over time {{red|and rezzes allies?}}.  After [[Diabolique]] consumes any remaining essences, four more will spawn.  The {{BadgeLink|Life and Death}} badge is awarded for preventing [[Diabolique]] from consuming a single [[Lifegiving Essence]] during the battle.


Every 30 seconds during this battle, four [[Lifegiving Essence]]s will spawn in the room.  At the end of the 30 seconds, [[Diabolique]] will consume any undefeated essences, healing herself by 10%.  Defeating the essences, on the other hand, awards a league-wide heal over time {{red|and rezzes allies?}}.  After [[Diabolique]] consumes any remaining essences, four more will spawn.  The {{BadgeLink|Life and Death}} badge is awarded for preventing [[Diabolique]] from consuming a single [[Lifegiving Essence]] during the battle.
The {{BadgeLink|Sacrificial Lamb}} badge is earned by defeating [[Diabolique]] without defeating either of the controlled heroes. Heroes do not possess the Scaling power making them fairly easy for a League to defeat accidentally with indiscriminate attacks despite their [[Level Shift]]s.


The {{BadgeLink|Sacrificial Lamb}} badge is earned by defeated [[Diabolique]] without destroying either of the controlled heroes.
Any players who are defeated during this phase will strengthen Diabolique's damage and resistances, making her increasingly harder to defeat.  If more than 20 defeats are accumulated in Phase 4, Diabolique will automatically defeat the entire league and the trial ends.


On the defeat of [[Diabolique]], players view a cutscene and then receive trial rewards, including all badges earned during the trial.
On the defeat of [[Diabolique]], players view a cutscene and then receive trial rewards, including all badges earned during the trial.
{{divbox|special2| |In the darkness, you can see Diabolique standing over Dominatrix.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |Impressive. I see that you have found your way here, and that your little helper managed to bring you through safely.<br />
It is a shame then, that you have come all this way to stand in my realm, just to die.<br />
I tried to be gracious... tried to give you a less agonizing death, but you persist. Now, you will suffer a torment unending.<br />
I am Death Incarnate!<br />
I am the ruler in this realm!<br />
And if you will not die for me willingly, then I shall see death forced upon you!}}
{{divbox|special1| |Dream Doctor's voice breaks through to this realm.}}
{{divbox|black| |You're there! Oh... and so is she. Excellent! This is our chance.<br />
You just need to keep Dominatrix alive... and stop the ritual. You've made it this far though, so you can manage that.<br />
I'm nearly finished preparing the Dagger. As soon as you've dealt the final blow to Diabolique, I'll come in and use it.<br />
It should sever Mot's connection, and hers, to the Well... and THAT will put an end to this for good this time.}}
''Upon defeat of Diabolique:''
{{Cutscene|Text=
'''Dream Doctor:''' {{WhiteonBlack|Your league has done enough for today. I can handle the last part.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |So... you think you're going to be the one... who kills me?}}
'''Dream Doctor:''' {{WhiteonBlack|I do. The Dagger of Jocas will sever all ties to that which sustains you. You will simply cease to be.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |HAH! Do you think you're better than all the others who have tried and failed to kill me?!}}
'''Dream Doctor:''' {{WhiteonBlack|I do.}}
{{divbox|diabolique| |Then you had beAAAAUUUGH!!!}}}}


'''Notable NPCs'''
'''Notable NPCs'''


Please note that all [[Archvillain]]s and [[Hero]]es will be level 54(+3).  Normal enemies will be level 54(+2). [[Level Shift]] and [[Incarnate Shift]]s are recommended to defeat them.
Please note that all [[Archvillain]]s and [[Hero]]es will be level 54(+3).  Almost all other enemies will be level 54(+2), with some ambushes at level 54(+1). [[Level Shift]] and [[Incarnate Shift]]s are recommended to defeat them.
 
Six of the following [[Hero]]es (four in one phase, two in final phase):
* [[Numina]] or [[Swan]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Citadel]] or [[Infernal]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Sister Psyche]] or [[Luminary]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Positron]] or [[Valkyrie (Hero)|Valkyrie]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Manticore]] or [[Aurora Borealis]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Back Alley Brawler]] or [[Mynx]] ([[Hero]]es)
* [[Synapse]] or [[Ms. Liberty]] ([[Hero]]es)
 
* [[The Sentinel of Mot]] ([[Archvillain]])
* [[Diabolique]] ([[Archvillain]])
* [[Diabolique]] ([[Archvillain]])
* [[Lifegiving Essence]] (Level 54 [[Minion]]s)
* '''[[Dilemma Diabolique Trial/List of Enemies|Full list of enemies]]'''


== Rewards ==
== Rewards ==
=== Badges ===
{|
{|
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge it dea complete.png|54px]]
| [[File:Badge it dea complete.png|54px]]
| {{BadgeLink|Death Denied}}
| {{BadgeLink|Death Denied}}
| Complete the Dilemma Diabolique Trial.
| &nbsp; Complete the Dilemma Diabolique Trial.
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| {{BadgeLink|Rescued and Recovered}}
| {{BadgeLink|Spinebreaker}}
| Destroy all four Repulsive Spines (maintaining the protective barrier around Mot) within one minute of each other during the Dilemma Diabolique trial
| &nbsp; Destroy all four Repulsive Spines within one minute of each other during phase 1
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| {{BadgeLink|Sentinel Smasher}}
| {{BadgeLink|Sentinel Smasher}}
| Defeat the Sentinel with three specific powers acquired from controlled heroes during the Dilemma Diabolique trial
| &nbsp; After rescuing Positron (or Valkyrie), Manticore (or Aurora Borealis), Synapse (or Ms. Liberty), and Back Alley Brawler (or Mynx) during phase 2, defeat the Sentinel of Mot
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| {{BadgeLink|Sacrificial Lamb}}
| {{BadgeLink|Sacrificial Lamb}}
| Defeat Diabolique without defeating the two heroes under her control during the final battle of the Dilemma Diabolique trial
| &nbsp; Defeat Diabolique without defeating the two heroes under her control during the final battle  
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| [[File:Badge it dea achievement.png|54px]]
| {{BadgeLink|Life and Death}}
| {{BadgeLink|Life and Death}}
| Defeat Diabolique without allowing her to heal from a single Lifegiving Essence during the final battle of the Dilemma Diabolique trial
| &nbsp;  Defeat Diabolique without allowing her to heal from a single Lifegiving Essence during the final battle
|-
|-
| {{center|[[File:Badge it dea master.png|20px]]}}
| {{center|[[File:Badge it dea master.png|20px]]}}
| {{BadgeLink|Master of Dilemma Diabolique}}
| {{BadgeLink|Master of Dilemma Diabolique}}
| Earn the Rescued and Recovered, Sentinel Smasher, Sacrificial Lamb, and Life and Death badges.
| &nbsp; Earn the Spinebreaker, Sentinel Smasher, Sacrificial Lamb, and Life and Death badges.
|}
|}


=== Incarnate System ===
=== Experience ===
* [[Incarnate Thread Component|Incarnate Threads]] drop instead of [[Incarnate Shard Component|Incarnate Shards]].
* [[Incarnate Experience|Physical Incarnate & Psychic Incarnate Experience]] is earned, which unlocks the [[Alpha Slot|Alpha]], [[Interface Slot|Interface]], [[Judgement Slot|Judgement]], [[Destiny Slot|Destiny]] and [[Lore Slot]]s, if any of these slots are locked.
* [[Incarnate Experience|Psychic Incarnate Experience]] and [[Incarnate Experience|Physical Incarnate Experience]], which unlocks the [[Alpha Slot|Alpha]], [[Judgement Slot|Judgement]], [[Lore Slot|Lore]], [[Interface Slot|Interface]] and [[Destiny Slot]]s if any of those slots are locked.
* Once per 20 hour period, two [[Empyrean Merit]]s will be awarded upon successful completion of the Trial.
** Any successive completion of the Trial within that 20 hour window will instead award only one Empyrean Merit. This functionality is essentially the Incarnate Trial version of [[Merit Reward#Diminishing Returns|Merit Reward Diminishing Returns]].


* The following actions during the Trial award an Astral Merit:
=== Salvage ===
{{missing}}
* [[Incarnate Thread Component|Incarnate Threads]] drop instead of [[Incarnate Shard Component|Incarnate Shards]].
* Upon successful completion of this trial, each character is presented with a reward table allowing them to choose one reward from several options. There is a participation threshold that must be met in order to receive an [[Incarnate Component]] table instead of a 10 Threads or one Super-level [[inspiration]] "consolation prize".
** If a character surpasses this threshold, the rarity of the component reward is a random roll.  The options available will either be a choice of: one '''Common''' component or two Super-level inspirations, one '''{{Yellow|Uncommon}}''' component or three Super-level inspirations, one '''{{Orange|Rare}}''' component or four Super-level inspirations, or one '''{{Purple|Very Rare}}''' component or one '''{{Purple|[[Very Rare IO Sets|Very Rare]]}}''' recipe.
* A random '''{{Yellow|Uncommon}}''' Incarnate Component is awarded the first time each achievement badge is qualified for. 
* A random '''{{Orange|Rare}}''' Incarnate Component is awarded the first time the Master of Dilemma Diabolique badge is qualified for.


* Random Uncommon Components can be awarded for the first time a badge is obtained. A random Rare Component can be awarded for the first time the Master of Dilemma Diabolique badge is obtained. Bonus Astral Merits can be earned multiple times as long as the requirements for the badge is fulfilled, even if you already have the badge.
=== Merits ===
* Two [[Empyrean Merit]]s will be awarded upon successful completion of the Trial once per 20 hour period.
** Any successive completion of the Trial within that 20 hour window will instead award one Empyrean Merit. This functionality is essentially the Incarnate Trial version of [[Merit Reward#Diminishing Returns|Merit Reward Diminishing Returns]].
* An [[Astral Merit]] will be awarded immediately for freeing the fourth hero during Phase 2.
* An [[Astral Merit]] will be awarded immediately for defeating the Sentinel of Mut during Phase 2.
* An [[Astral Merit]] will be awarded immediately for completing the objectives of Phase 3.
* An [[Astral Merit]] will be awarded immediately for defeating Diabolique during Phase 4.
* An additional Astral Merit can be rewarded at the end of the trial for running as an [[Open League]].
* An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Spinebreaker badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge.  It is awarded at the end of the trial.
* An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Sentinel Smasher badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge.  It is awarded at the end of the trial.
* An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Sacrificial Lamb badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge.  It is awarded at the end of the trial.
* An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Life and Death badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge.  It is awarded at the end of the trial.


== Strategy ==
== Strategy ==
*[[{{PAGENAME}}/Strategy|{{PAGENAME}} Strategy]]
*[[Dilemma Diabolique Trial/Strategy|Dilemma Diabolique Trial Strategy]]
*[[Visual Guide: {{PAGENAME}}]]
*[[Visual Guide: Dilemma Diabolique Trial]]
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20121003093304/http://na.cityofheroes.com/en/news/game_updates/issue_22/dilemma_diabolique_strategy_guide.php Dilemma Diabolique Strategy Guide By Chris "Baryonyx" Behrens]


{{Navbox Incarnate System}}
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]
[[Category:Incarnate System]]
[[Category:Incarnate System]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 19 October 2021

Overview

Dilemma Diabolique Trial
Team Size 8-16 players
Badge Death Denied
Enemy Groups Banished Pantheon
Demons of Diabolique
Freedom Phalanx
Vindicators
Incarnate XP Psychic and Physical
This used to require a (now obsolete) VIP subscription.
v • d • e

The Dilemma Diabolique Trial (DDT or DD) is one of the Incarnate Trials connected to the release of Issue 22 which takes place in Dark Astoria. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 players can raid the Moth Cemetary.

During the mission, a voice will "radio in" information about your progress. While there is no specific contact (the trial is entered entirely through the LFG menu), it is however likely that your unseen helper is meant to be the Dream Doctor.

All Issue 20 Incarnate Components will drop during this trial, and both Psychic and Physical Incarnate Experience is gained towards unlocking the Alpha, Judgement, Lore, Interface and Destiny Incarnate Slots.

Story Summary

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Following the emergence of Mot from Moth Cemetery in Dark Astoria, a team of Incarnates is dispatched by the Dream Doctor to stop Diabolique from using Mot's vast otherworldly powers for her twisted purposes. The Incarnates must free a series of heroes from her control, face the Sentinel of Mot, and defeat Diabolique herself inside the body of Mot (along with two heroes she is controlling).

After the Incarnates take her down, the Dream Doctor, still possessing the Dagger of Jocas, kills Diabolique.

In Detail

The Dilemma Diabolique Trial is an incarnate trial that takes place in the Moth Cemetery. There is no contact for this trial, though it could be argued that Prometheus is your contact. However, rather than going to anyone for a mission, the players use the Team-Up Teleporter to find other interested players.

Phase 1

The trial starts on a bone path leading into a plateau of the cemetery. Along the path are four Repulsive Spines protected by Banished Pantheon. The incarnates must defeat all four spines to progress to the next level.

If all four spines are defeated within one minute of each other, the Spinebreaker badge will be awarded at the completion of the trial.

Dream Doctor reaches out from... somewhere... to reassure you.
Don't listen to her. She's just trying to get in your mind, make you give yourself to her willingly.

We have a plan, and I am fairly certain it will work, so all you need to do is stick to it.
First order of business is to get through that field protecting the plateau.
I feel the energy from the fields emanating from several spines which have broken through the surface.

Find and destroy all of them, and the field should come down... I think.

As spines are being weakened:

Dream Doctor: Yes, yes, that worked just as I expected!

There was a quite tangible weakening in the energy sustaining that protective field.

Keep up the pressure! Find and destroy the rest of those spines!

Phase 2

After defeating all four spines, the incarnates proceed to the plateau, where seven heroes are being held in thrall. Not all heroes will be available each time. Each hero is marked on the map and protected by another spine and a group of Banished Pantheon. For each hero, incarnates must defeat the Banished Pantheon, click on the spine to release the hero, then defeat the hero to save him/her. Only four heroes may be saved in this stage, and each neglected hero awards a specific power to Sentinel in the later battle.

Starting from the south, and going clockwise in a circle, the captured heroes, and the powers they can grant the Sentinel, are:

  • Citadel or Infernal: +RES, +DEF, Hold
  • Positron or Valkyrie*: +DEF, +Regen, -DMG
  • Numina or Swan: +ToHit, +RNG, Heal/DMG Field
  • Sister Psyche or Luminary: +Regen, +RES, DMG Pulse
  • Manticore or Aurora Borealis*: +RNG, +ToHit, Weaken
  • Synapse or Ms. Liberty*: +RECH, +DMG, EndDrain
  • Back Alley Brawler or Mynx*: +DMG, +RECH, Fear
Editor's Note:

To receive the Sentinel Smasher badge, incarnates must rescue, in any order: Positron/Valkyrie, Manticore/Aurora Borealis, Synapse/Ms. Liberty, and Back Alley Brawler/Mynx.

Note that defeating the guards around a hero's spine "locks in" the choice of that hero as one of the four to be saved.

After freeing four heroes, The Sentinel of Mot will spawn on the plateau, containing one of the three remaining captured heroes, and must be defeated. When the Sentinel reaches 50/100 health, the contained hero will be freed, removing that hero's bonus powers from the Sentinel.

Once the Sentinel has been defeated, there is an untimed segment during which additional instructions may be given. However, as soon as a single incarnate enters the maw, the next phase begins.

Dream Doctor speaks to you after your success.
That was the last of the spines. The field protecting the plateau is gone!
Quickly now! Make your way up there and free as many as you can!
From the darkness, Diabolique taunts you further.
You insist on pursuing this folly, then?

Each step you make closer to Mot brings you closer to my domain... brings you closer to me.
Go ahead, free those wretched fools if you think you can. You'll never be able to get them all before they become one with Mot.
Their power will be mine, and with Dominatrix here with me, the ritual's success is assured.

But, please, keep coming closer to me... it shall make my hunting you down that much easier!
Once more, Dream Doctor speaks out against Diabolique.
Bah! She is wrong! My projections show... oh... this can't be right.

So, it turns out she's actually right. I'm showing that each of the captured heroes is struggling to retain control over themselves.
Even if you did manage to free them, I fear you will need to fight them to bring them to their senses.
And even then, it looks like you'll only be able to save four before they all become a part of Mot.

Let's just hope it's not permanent...

Once the Heroes are freed:

The ground trembles as the Sentinel appears. Diabolique speaks:
It is as I told you... you could not save them all in time.

Don't worry, though, I've seen to it that their power is put to good use.
I am sure that the new 'pet' you provided me when Marcus died will appreciate its new gifts from those I still hold.

Behold, then, my Sentinel. In these final moments before it claims you, know that all of this would have been impossible had you not interfered....
Dream Doctor contacts you once more
Ignore her taunts. This is going pretty much according to plan.

The Sentinel is the last thing standing between you and Mot.
Once that creature is out of the way, you can descend inside and bring the fight to Diabolique.

This is almost over!

Near the end of the battle:

Surprise 

Citadel: This rescue is most appreciated.

Dream Doctor breaks in. He seems surprised.
Wow. I certainly didn't see THAT coming. He was INSIDE that thing?
Oh, oh, I need to get him out of there!

Upon defeat of the Sentinel:

Diabolique speaks again. An unexpected confidence is in her voice.
Defeated the Sentinel have you? Ah, it's no matter. I'll make another out of your flesh and bone.
As for your, plan... please, do enter Mot. I am waiting for you here.
Dream Doctor also exudes confidence as he speaks.
You heard her! Get in there. I've tracked her to a chamber within Mot.

You should certainly reach it from the mouth stretched out before you.

Now, Diabolique is prepared, so make sure you're ready!

Phase 3

Upon entering the maw, players are given five minutes during which they must survive the onslaught. If at any point in the five minutes there are no living incarnates within the region, the trial is failed. A new wave of Banished Pantheon and Demons of Diabolique will spawn every 30 seconds during this portion.

Phase 4

At the end of the five minutes, the incarnates are teleported into another dimension where Diabolique waits, along with the two remaining captured Heroes under her control. Any players previously defeated in Phase 3 will be automatically resurrected with full health and endurance. She will give an in-game monologue, then become targetable for defeat.

Every 30 seconds during this battle, four Lifegiving Essences will spawn in the room. At the end of the 30 seconds, Diabolique will consume any undefeated essences, healing herself by 10%. Defeating the essences, on the other hand, awards a league-wide heal over time and rezzes allies?. After Diabolique consumes any remaining essences, four more will spawn. The Life and Death badge is awarded for preventing Diabolique from consuming a single Lifegiving Essence during the battle.

The Sacrificial Lamb badge is earned by defeating Diabolique without defeating either of the controlled heroes. Heroes do not possess the Scaling power making them fairly easy for a League to defeat accidentally with indiscriminate attacks despite their Level Shifts.

Any players who are defeated during this phase will strengthen Diabolique's damage and resistances, making her increasingly harder to defeat. If more than 20 defeats are accumulated in Phase 4, Diabolique will automatically defeat the entire league and the trial ends.

On the defeat of Diabolique, players view a cutscene and then receive trial rewards, including all badges earned during the trial.

In the darkness, you can see Diabolique standing over Dominatrix.
Impressive. I see that you have found your way here, and that your little helper managed to bring you through safely.

It is a shame then, that you have come all this way to stand in my realm, just to die.
I tried to be gracious... tried to give you a less agonizing death, but you persist. Now, you will suffer a torment unending.
I am Death Incarnate!
I am the ruler in this realm!

And if you will not die for me willingly, then I shall see death forced upon you!
Dream Doctor's voice breaks through to this realm.
You're there! Oh... and so is she. Excellent! This is our chance.

You just need to keep Dominatrix alive... and stop the ritual. You've made it this far though, so you can manage that.
I'm nearly finished preparing the Dagger. As soon as you've dealt the final blow to Diabolique, I'll come in and use it.

It should sever Mot's connection, and hers, to the Well... and THAT will put an end to this for good this time.

Upon defeat of Diabolique:

Dream Doctor: Your league has done enough for today. I can handle the last part.
So... you think you're going to be the one... who kills me?

Dream Doctor: I do. The Dagger of Jocas will sever all ties to that which sustains you. You will simply cease to be.

HAH! Do you think you're better than all the others who have tried and failed to kill me?!

Dream Doctor: I do.

Then you had beAAAAUUUGH!!!

Notable NPCs

Please note that all Archvillains and Heroes will be level 54(+3). Almost all other enemies will be level 54(+2), with some ambushes at level 54(+1). Level Shift and Incarnate Shifts are recommended to defeat them.

Six of the following Heroes (four in one phase, two in final phase):

Rewards

Badges

Death Denied   Complete the Dilemma Diabolique Trial.
Spinebreaker   Destroy all four Repulsive Spines within one minute of each other during phase 1
Sentinel Smasher   After rescuing Positron (or Valkyrie), Manticore (or Aurora Borealis), Synapse (or Ms. Liberty), and Back Alley Brawler (or Mynx) during phase 2, defeat the Sentinel of Mot
Sacrificial Lamb   Defeat Diabolique without defeating the two heroes under her control during the final battle
Life and Death   Defeat Diabolique without allowing her to heal from a single Lifegiving Essence during the final battle
Master of Dilemma Diabolique   Earn the Spinebreaker, Sentinel Smasher, Sacrificial Lamb, and Life and Death badges.

Experience

Salvage

  • Incarnate Threads drop instead of Incarnate Shards.
  • Upon successful completion of this trial, each character is presented with a reward table allowing them to choose one reward from several options. There is a participation threshold that must be met in order to receive an Incarnate Component table instead of a 10 Threads or one Super-level inspiration "consolation prize".
    • If a character surpasses this threshold, the rarity of the component reward is a random roll. The options available will either be a choice of: one Common component or two Super-level inspirations, one Uncommon component or three Super-level inspirations, one Rare component or four Super-level inspirations, or one Very Rare component or one Very Rare recipe.
  • A random Uncommon Incarnate Component is awarded the first time each achievement badge is qualified for.
  • A random Rare Incarnate Component is awarded the first time the Master of Dilemma Diabolique badge is qualified for.

Merits

  • Two Empyrean Merits will be awarded upon successful completion of the Trial once per 20 hour period.
    • Any successive completion of the Trial within that 20 hour window will instead award one Empyrean Merit. This functionality is essentially the Incarnate Trial version of Merit Reward Diminishing Returns.
  • An Astral Merit will be awarded immediately for freeing the fourth hero during Phase 2.
  • An Astral Merit will be awarded immediately for defeating the Sentinel of Mut during Phase 2.
  • An Astral Merit will be awarded immediately for completing the objectives of Phase 3.
  • An Astral Merit will be awarded immediately for defeating Diabolique during Phase 4.
  • An additional Astral Merit can be rewarded at the end of the trial for running as an Open League.
  • An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Spinebreaker badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge. It is awarded at the end of the trial.
  • An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Sentinel Smasher badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge. It is awarded at the end of the trial.
  • An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Sacrificial Lamb badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge. It is awarded at the end of the trial.
  • An additional Astral Merit can be earned if the requirements for the Life and Death badge are fulfilled, even if you already have the badge. It is awarded at the end of the trial.

Strategy

v • d • e
Incarnate System
Slots
Alpha · Judgement · Interface · Lore · Destiny · Hybrid · Genesis · Mind · Vitae · Omega
Abilities
Alpha · Judgement · Interface · Lore · Destiny · Hybrid · Genesis · Mind · Vitae · Omega
Mechanics
Salvage
Zones
Contacts
Trials
Lore
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