The Pool of Tribute Guide – Susano Trial Mechanics

Encounter Overview

The Pool of Tribute is the level 63 trial featuring Susano, introduced in Stormblood. This encounter is a mechanically readable fight built around positioning, knockback control, add handling, and a unique mid-fight clash mechanic.

The fight is divided into three phases. The first introduces Susano’s core mechanics, the second features the iconic sword clash DPS check, and the third combines earlier mechanics with additional pressure through tankbusters and player-targeted mechanics.

Arena Overview

The battle takes place on a circular platform surrounded by water. While players cannot fall off the arena, several mechanics involve knockbacks and directional AoEs that require careful positioning to avoid unnecessary damage and debuffs.

Most mechanics are simplified by keeping Susano stationary and having the party stack behind him unless otherwise required.

Mechanic Archive

Assail

An untelegraphed tankbuster with no cast bar. Tanks should maintain mitigation and be prepared for sudden damage spikes.

Rasen Kaikyo

Circular AoEs appear under each player. Players should spread slightly to avoid overlapping damage and gaining stacks of Lightning Resistance Down.

Yata no Kagami

A player is marked and then knocked back across the arena. The direction of this knockback determines the safe zone for the follow-up platform-wide AoE. Players must quickly identify the safe area based on the knockback path.

Brightstorm

A stack marker placed on the same player targeted by Yata no Kagami. The party must regroup quickly after the knockback to share damage.

Dark Cloud

Adds that spawn around the arena and cast wide line AoEs called The Parting Clouds. These lines inflict Paralysis and should be avoided by stepping between them.

Clashing

A special Phase 2 mechanic where a tank interacts with Susano’s sword. The chosen player is locked in place and takes continuous damage while holding the blade.

Ame-no-Murakumo

The sword Susano summons during the clash. The party must destroy it quickly. If the cast completes or the clashing player dies, the party wipes.

Sheer Force

Orbs spawn around the arena during the clash. The off-tank (or designated players) should intercept these before they reach the party, as they deal AoE damage.

Stormsplitter

A heavy line AoE tankbuster used in Phase 3. Tanks should use mitigation and ensure it is not aimed at the party.

Ama-no-Iwato

A player is trapped inside one of several stones. The stones are shuffled, and the party must quickly identify and destroy the correct one to free the trapped player before the cast finishes.

The Sealed Gate

The cast performed by the correct stone during Ama-no-Iwato. If not interrupted in time, the trapped player will be defeated.

Ukehi

A raidwide damage ability that may hit once or twice in succession. Healers should be prepared for burst healing.

Encounter Flow

Phase 1

Susano opens with his core mechanics. Tanks manage Assail, while the party handles Rasen Kaikyo spreads and Yata no Kagami knockbacks followed by Brightstorm stacks.

During this phase, Dark Cloud adds appear and create line AoEs across the arena. Players should maintain awareness of safe gaps while staying positioned behind the boss.

Phase 2 – Sword Clash

At roughly 65% health, Susano summons his sword and begins the clash sequence. One tank must interact with the sword and hold it in place while taking continuous damage.

The party must destroy Ame-no-Murakumo before the cast completes. Meanwhile, Sheer Force orbs spawn and must be intercepted to prevent additional damage to the group.

The phase ends with a large unavoidable attack. Any player standing in the final line AoE will be instantly defeated.

Phase 3

Susano resumes his Phase 1 mechanics while adding additional pressure. Stormsplitter introduces a stronger tankbuster, and Ama-no-Iwato forces the party to quickly identify and destroy the correct stone to free a trapped player.

The fight continues with repeated cycles of spreads, knockbacks, stacks, and raidwide damage from Ukehi until Susano is defeated.