You’re trekking through the mud and filth of the Malum District, dodging decay-spewing carcasses, and suddenly—a phone starts ringing. It’s an eerie sound in a world where everything else wants to rip your head off. That’s Arlecchino, the King of Riddles, and he’s about to put you on the spot.
Getting the Malum District riddle right isn’t just about feeling smart; it’s basically your ticket to some of the best gear in the early-to-mid game. If you mess it up, you're looking at a much harder climb through the St. Frangelico Cathedral. Honestly, the pressure is real when that timer starts ticking.
Where Exactly is the Malum District Phone?
Most players actually walk right past it the first time. You’ll find the phone booth near the courtyard area where the Black Rabbit Brotherhood has basically made a mess of things. Specifically, look for the open square where enemies are sniping you with decay bombs from the rooftops.
Once you clear that chaotic mess, you'll find a ladder near a shortcut gate. Climb that ladder, and you’ll walk right into a small room where the phone is screaming for attention.
The Riddle: What Stands Tall When Young?
Arlecchino doesn't go easy on the metaphors. His second riddle for you is:
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"I stand tall and proud when I'm young and bold. But I'm short and humble once I've gotten old. What am I?"
The answer is Candle.
It’s a classic, but in the heat of a Soulslike playthrough where your nerves are already fried, it’s easy to overthink it. Is it a person? Is it Ergo? Nope. It’s a candle. Select that, and Arlecchino will chuckle his creepy laugh and hand over a Trinity Key.
What Do You Actually Get for This?
The Trinity Key you get from the Malum District riddle is intended for the Trinity Sanctum back in St. Frangelico Cathedral. If you haven’t found it yet, you need to head back to the Chapel Stargazer.
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Remember that nightmare section with the giant electrified boulders rolling down the slopes? You have to run up the first slope, then immediately hang a right to find a ladder. At the top of that ladder is a second boulder path. Dash across that, and you’ll find the green door marked with the Trinity symbol.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Black Cat’s Amulet: This is a lifesaver. It significantly reduces fall damage, which makes exploring the vertical levels of Krat way less stressful.
- Monster Sweeper’s Hunting Apparel: A pretty slick cosmetic outfit if you’re into the monster-hunter aesthetic.
What if You Messed Up the Answer?
If you panicked and chose the wrong answer, don't delete your save just yet. While you typically only get one shot at these phones, Lies of P has a bit of a "mercy" mechanic.
In the Estella Opera House, there is a Golden Statue of a woman. If you have a Bright Red Apple (which you can buy from Polendina at the Hotel after expanding his shop), you can offer it to the statue. This usually grants you a replacement Trinity Key if you've failed a riddle.
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However, keep in mind that the apple is also used for a side quest involving an NPC named Adelina. If you want her record (music disc), you have to choose which is more important: the loot behind the Trinity Door or the completionist music collection.
Pro Tips for the King of Riddles
Arlecchino isn’t just a random voice. His lore is deeply tied to Venigni, and if you keep answering his phones throughout the game, you’ll eventually meet him face-to-face in the Arche Abbey.
- Don't Rush the Dialogue: You have a timer once the options appear, but you can let him talk as long as he wants before that.
- Humanity Matters: Answering riddles correctly is one of the primary ways to gain "Humanity." If you're aiming for the "Rise of P" ending, you cannot afford to skip these calls.
- Listen for the Ringing: Every time you enter a new major zone, keep your ears open. The phones are always positioned in places you have to pass through, but the sound is your best indicator.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough
Now that you have the key, fast travel back to the St. Frangelico Cathedral Chapel. Navigate past the first set of wooden beams and the rot-filled basement until you reach the boulder section. Grab that Black Cat’s Amulet immediately; it makes the upcoming Estella Opera House and its tricky drops much easier to manage. Once you've looted the sanctum, continue through the Malum District to face the Black Rabbit Brotherhood—you're going to need all the defense parts you can find for that fight.