Mount Ordeals



Mount Ordeals (試練の山) is a location in Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. It is named as such because this is where people must undergo an "ordeal," or trial if they are to become a Paladin. It is located east of Mysidia. It is full of undead monsters, possibly because of Scarmiglione.

In the DS version, if the player goes to the top of Mt. Ordeals after the events at the Giant of Babil, at the very spot where Cecil became a Paladin and observe the tombstone, it will state that the Four Fiends' malice is anchored to that place and will ask the player if they wish to face it. Should the player choose yes, a battle with one of the game's superbosses, Geryon will be initiated. It is also in this place where this boss can be repeatedly fought.

Final Fantasy IV
Cecil Harvey, a Dark Knight, learned from the Elder of Mysidia that he cannot face Golbez with his Dark Sword, as it does not work against true evil. As such, Cecil was forced to climb Mt. Ordeals and become a Paladin. He was accompanied by young wizarding twins: Palom, the Black Mage, and Porom, the White Mage, who were actually sent to spy on him. Palom had to extinguish a fire blocking the entrance using his magic. Afterward, they climbed the mountain and met Tellah, who was looking for the legendary spell Meteor in order to avenge his daughter Anna. He accompanied the trio as well.

However, Golbez knew Cecil was attempting the climb, and he sent Scarmiglione, the Archfiend of Earth, after Cecil. He let out hissing noises as the party got close to the summit (which Porom initially blamed on Palom), and eventually revealed himself and attacked. After he was defeated, he was resurrected and had to be defeated again. After he was defeated the second time, Cecil began his trial. He was beckoned by a strange light, which called him "my son". Cecil took a sword, and was transformed into a Paladin. However he had to overcome his dark past if he was to truly pass the test. After parrying the attacks of his former self, he completed the trial, and Tellah learned Meteor and remembered all his spells as well.

In the ending, Kain Highwind undergoes a trial of his own here, and seeks to become a true Dragoon. After many years of training, he attempts to undergo the trial, and loses to his dark side. His dark side, which is the physical image of his anger and jealousy towards Cecil, separates from him to hunt and kill Cecil.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
In flashbacks seen in Kain's Tale, Kain has isolated himself on Mount Ordeals since the events of Final Fantasy IV for training when he hears a voice call to him. He approaches the monument on the mountain's peak and is drawn into the chamber where Cecil became a Paladin. His reflection attacks him and prevails, fleeing the mountain. Afterwards Kain conceals his identity while he seeks out and kills his dark side. Once he defeats his doppelganger at Baron, the spirit of Kluya inside the monument imbues Kain with light to transform him into a Holy Dragoon.

In Porom's Tale, she travels the mountain to find Kain when the Lunar Whale rises to the Red Moon and the Mysidia Elder grows concerned for the village's safety. Porom's party finds Dark Kain and mistakes him for the true Kain, and they return to Mysidia with him.

In Edge's Tale, Tsukinowa pursues Porom up the mountain as she seeks Kain, then returns to Edge when he sees the Tower of Babil glowing.

In the Lunarian's Tale, Kluya prays with Fusoya and Golbez to call the Lunar Whale to come to them.

Final Fantasy IV

 * Potion x2
 * Ether x2
 * Curse Augment (DS only)

Kain's Tale

 * Mythril Armor
 * Antarctic Wind
 * Mythril Gloves
 * Cottage

Edge's Tale

 * Hi-Potion x3
 * Tent
 * Green Beret
 * Metal Boomerang
 * Ether
 * Shinobi Gear

Porom's Tale

 * Ether
 * Psycho Spiral
 * Sage's Miter
 * Blinding Arrows

Final Fantasy IV

 * Spirit x3, Soul
 * Skeleton x3, Bloodbones
 * Skeleton x2, Spirit x2
 * Bloodbones x2, Soul x2
 * Soul x2, Revenant x2
 * Ghoul x3, Revenant
 * Zombie x3, Ghoul x2, Revenant x2
 * Lilith
 * Lilith x2
 * Lilith, Bloodbones x2
 * Scarmiglione, Skulnant x4 (boss)
 * Scarmiglione (boss)
 * Dark Knight (boss)

Nintendo DS

 * Lilith x1
 * Ghoul x3, Revenant x3
 * Ghoul x3, Soul x3
 * Bloodbones x3, Soul x3
 * Scarmiglione, Skulnant x4 (Boss)
 * Scarmiglione x1 (Boss)
 * Geryon (boss)

Music
The eponymous leitmotif for this area, "Mt. Ordeals" prominently features percussion pounding out a steady marching beat and an upbeat, heroic string section. It can also be heard while climbing Mt. Hobs.