Editing Hero (Dragon Quest VIII)

{{Character
|Name=Hero
|Game={{Dragon Quest VIII}}
|Image=[[File:DQVIII_Hero_artwork.png|240px|center]]
|Jap={{tt|エイト|Eight}}
|Romaji=Eito
|Title= Captain of the Guard
|Class=Hero
|Race= {{spoiler|start}}Half-human, half-Dragovian{{spoiler|end}}
|Age=18
|Family= {{spoiler|start}}[[Eltrio]] (father) †<br>[[Xia]] (mother) †<br>Chen Mui (grandfather)<br>[[Clavius|King Clavius]] (uncle)<br>[[Charmles|Prince Charmles]] (cousin)<br>Princess [[Medea]] (potential wife)<br> [[Trode]] (potential father-in-law)<br>{{Jessica}} (potential wife)<br> {{Rosalind}} (potential mother-in-law){{spoiler|end}}
|Voice Actor= [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2569233/ Yuki Kaji] ({{SSB5}})
|}}
The '''Hero''' of {{DQ8}} is an 18-year old low-ranking royal guardsman at 
Castle [[Trodain]], before becoming a refugee of the kingdom in the prologue. He was one of the small band who survived [[Dhoulmagus]]' deadly attack, along with King [[Trode]], Princess [[Medea]] and his pet mouse, {{Munchie}}. As is the series' tradition, The Hero is a silent protagonist whom the player is meant to project themselves upon, using him as an avatar to explore and interact with the game's world.

In promotional screenshots and the instruction manual for the {{PlayStation 2}} Version and {{SSB5}}, the Hero is given the default name '''Eight'''. 

The Hero is a versatile character, as equally proficient in armed combat as he is in using healing spells and support magic. His preferred weapons are {{Sword}}s, {{Spear}}s and {{Boomerang}}s. Once Rank E of the [[Monster Arena]] is cleared, he will gain the ability to call upon a monster team at the cost of 10 {{MP}}. Each monster team can only be summoned once per battle. With the help of his trusty companion Munchie and a variety of {{Cheese}}s, he is also able to unleash breath attacks with various effects.

==Appearance and Personality==
Due to his aforementioned status as a silent protagonist, very little can be said of the man's character that isn't decided by the player. That being said, the youth has demonstrated a remarkably humane nature in certain cutscenes. This is most apparent in the flashback to his meeting with Yangus, who accidentally broke the rope bridge that he was blocking while attempting to extort money from King Trode. Instead of letting the bellicose bandit fall to his death, the former guard pulled him to safety despite Trode's considerable umbrage.

In contrast to heroes of previous games, this Hero dresses very casually and historically coherent, wearing a saffron overcoat with a blue tunic, simple red bandana, and plain grey trousers with brown boots. He is also the second Hero in the series whose outfit can be changed in the game if he wears certain pieces of equipment.

==Appearances==
==={{DQ8}}===
{{Spoiler|start}}He is the son of [[Eltrio]], the former crown prince of [[Argonia]], and [[Xia]] a Dragovian, making him Half-[[Human]] and Half-[[Dragovian]]. This union came about when the latter became curious of the human world, and decided to explore it. After encountering Eltrio, Xia fell in love with the young man and spent much time with him. Unfortunately, her father Chen Mui did not approve of the union between a human and a Dragovian, feeling that the two races could never develop true love between them, and forced his daughter back to the Dragovian Sanctuary to ensure she could never see him again. Some time after this, the body of Eltrio was found near the sanctuary's outskirts, having braved the immense dangers alone to reach his beloved, only to die just before reaching the sanctuary. The death of her beloved devastated Xia, and day by day her very life force began to fade. Before joining Eltrio in the afterlife, however, Xia delivered their child in the sanctuary. The boy would live among the Dragovians for several years as the council of elders debated what to do with the anomaly, until one day it was decided that his memories would be sealed to ensure he would never remember his birthplace, and that he would be banished from the sanctuary. His grandfather, realizing the youth was his last connection to his daughter, begged for permission to accompany his grandson. It was decided that he could do so, but only if he took the form of an innocuous mouse, and never spoke a word to him.

One day while exploring the forest outskirts of the castle, Princess [[Medea]] of [[Trodain]] finds the young boy collapsed with a fever with the help of Munchie. The young princess pleads with King Trode to help the boy since otherwise, he would die out in the woods. Eventually, the castle guards bring The Hero back in order to nurse him back to health. [[Medea]] stays at his bedside until he awakes, and the two would become close friends afterwards.

As the son of Eltrio, The Hero is also the nephew of King [[Clavius]] of [[Argonia]] and the cousin of Prince [[Charmles]]. This blood connection is what enables him to supersede Prince [[Charmles]] in the right to marry the heir to [[Trodain]]. By the end of the game, he has become captain of the guard and, depending on the player's actions in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] Version, is either the son-in-law of King [[Trode]] after marrying Princess [[Medea]] or the son-in-law of [[Rosalind Albert]] after marrying {{Jessica}}.{{spoiler|end}}

An amnesiac since his early youth, The Hero grew up in Castle [[Trodain]], eventually serving as a guard for some time before the events of the prologue took place. For much of {{Dragon Quest VIII}}, The Hero journeys with his faithful mouse friend, {{Munchie}}, King [[Trode]], Princess [[Medea]], and [[Yangus]]. The Hero is eventually joined by [[Jessica Albert]] and [[Angelo]], enlisting their aid in pursuing and confronting the wicked [[Dhoulmagus]].

====Munchie====
[[File:DQVIII Munchie.png|thumb|250px|Munchie]]
The Hero carries around his pet, Munchie, wherever he goes. A highly intelligent Pig-Rat, Munchie is capable of entering small spaces and exploring areas the {{Party 8}}would otherwise have no access to, allowing the player to temporarily control him. If you give Munchie {{Cheese}}, he gains special abilities. However, this can only be done twice per battle. Munchie rides in the pocket of The Hero's coat most of the time. Munchie will show his [[Chen Mui|true significance]] only after the game.
{{clear}}
====Stats====
{| style="width:65%; height:100px; text-align:center" border="1" 
|-<---!Headings are up first.!---> style="font-weight:bold; background:#A3AB47"
| Attribute || Starting Stats || Maximum Stats
|- style="font-weight:normal"
| Level || 1 || 99
|-
| {{HP}} || 22 || 806
|-
| {{MP}} || 0 || 478
|-
| {{Strength}} || 8 || 400
|-
| {{Agility}} || 6 || 200
|-
| {{Resilience}} || 6 || 215
|-
| {{Wisdom}} || 5 || 366
|-
| Initial gear ||colspan=2|[[Soldier's sword]], [[Plain clothes]], [[Bandana]]
|}
*The Hero also possesses a 25% resistance to [[zap]]-based spells and abilities and a near total immunity to [[Curses]].

====Spells====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Level</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Heal]]
|2
|3
|one
|yes
|Restores 30-40 {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Squelch]]
|2
|4
|one
|no
|Cures one character of {{Poison}} and {{Envenomation}}.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Evac]]
|2
|6
|{{Party 8}}
|no
|Teleports player back to dungeon entrance.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Sizz]]
|4
|11
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 29~35 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Midheal]]
|3
|18
|one
|yes
|Restores 75-90 {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Sizzle]]
|6
|20
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 53~62 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Fullheal]]
|6
|27
|one
|no
|Restores all {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zing]]
|8
|29
|one
|no
|Revives a dead character with 50% of {{HP}} (50% success rate).
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kasizzle]]
|10
|32
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 150~170 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
|}

====Misc. skills====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Method</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Call Team]]
| 10
|At [[Monster Arena]].
| --
| --
|Summons the Hero's {{MFamilies}} team for at least three turns.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Dragon Soul]]
|64
|Level 65/70*
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 420~520 non-elemental damage to one enemy.
|}
*Dragon Soul was first created for the international version of {{VIII}} and does not appear in the original Japanese {{PS2}} or [[Cell phone]] release.
**Dragon Soul is learned at level 70 in the {{3DS}} version and deals 375~450 damage.

===={{Sword}}s====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Skill</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Range</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Oomph]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Title</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +5
| 4
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase the sword {{Attack}} +5.
|None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Dragon Slash]]
|9
| --
|One enemy
|Yes
| Yes
|Inflicts 150% damage on {{Dragon}}s.
|Proficient swordsman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Flame Slash]]
|15
| --
|One enemy
|Yes
|Yes
|Inflicts 130% damage (reduced if enemy is resistant to fire).
|Renowned swordsman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +10
| 22
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase {{Attack}} by ten when a sword is equipped.
|Expert swordsman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Metal Slash]]
|30
| --
|One enemy
|Yes
| Yes
|Inflicts 1~2 damage to [[Metal slime family]].
|Supreme swordsman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Critical Hit]] rate up
| 40
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase the [[Critical Hit]] rate from 1/64th to 1/32nd.
|Ace of the sword
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Falcon Slash]]
|52
| --
|One enemy
|Yes
|First hit
|Slashes one enemy twice, each cut dealing 75% damage for 150% total.
|Master of the sword
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +25
| 66
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by twenty five when a sword is equipped.
|Star of the sword
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Miracle Slash]]
|82
|4
|One enemy
|Yes
|Yes
|Inflicts 125% damage and restores {{HP}} by 50% of damage inflicted.
|Sword of legend
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigaslash]]
|100
|20
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 207~239 [[lightning]] damage to a group.
|God of the sword
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigagash]]
|100*
|20
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 271~331 [[lightning]] damage to a group.
|None
|}
*Requires 100 points in both {{Sword}}s and Courage.

===={{Spear}}s====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Skill</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Range</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Oomph]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Title</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +5
|3
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase {{Attack}} by five when a spear is equipped.
|None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Mercurial Thrust]]
|7
| --
|One enemy
|Yes
|Yes
|Strikes first at 80% power.
|Proficient spearman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Thunder Thrust]]
|12
|3
|One enemy
| --
| --
|25% for a [[Critical Hit]], 25% for a normal stab, 50% to miss altogether.
|Expert spearman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +10
|18
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase {{Attack}} by ten when equipped with a spear.
|Master spearman
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Multithrust]]
|25
|4
|Random
|Yes
|First hit
|Skewers 3~4 targets at Half {{Strength}} per jab.
|Famed lancer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Critical Hit]] rate up
|40
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase the [[Critical Hit]] rate from 1/64th to 1/32th.
|Legendary lancer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Party Pooper|Clean Sweep]]
| 45
| 0*
|Enemy group
|Yes
|First hit
|[[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] damage with decreasing range: 80% -> 64% -> 56% -> 40% -> 25% -> 16%.<br>Chance for [[Demon spear]]'s effect to trigger on each enemy.
|Star lancer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Lightning Thrust
|59
| --
|One enemy
| --
| --
|More powerful version of Thunder Thrust, 50% to land a [[Critical Hit]].
| Grand lancer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +25
| 77
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by twenty five when equipped with a spear.
|Heavenly lancer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Lightning Storm]]
|100
|25
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts 190-220 damage to all enemies.
|Almighty lancer
|}
*Clean Sweep costs 2 {{MP}} in the {{3DS}} version.

===={{Boomerang}}s====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Skill</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Range</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Oomph]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Title</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Crosscutter Throw]]
|6
|2
|All enemies
|Yes
|First hit
|The first enemy is hit twice. [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] element.
|None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +5
| 12
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by five when a boomerang is equipped.
| Baby boomer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Power Throw]]
|18
|4
|All enemies
|Yes
|First hit
|80% {{Strength}}, but damage does not decrease per bonked monster. [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] element.
|Big boomer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +10
| 25
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by ten when a boomerang is equipped.
| Iron boomer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Firebird Throw]]
|32
|6
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|36-44 fire damage to all enemies.
|Great boomer
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +15
| 40
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by fifteen when a boomerang is equipped.
| Boomer knight
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Super Throw]]
|52
|4
|All enemies
|Yes
| First hit
|120% damage, does not decrease per monster. [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] element.
|Boomer lord
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +20
| 66
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase the boomerang {{Attack}} +20.
| Boomer star
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Starburst Throw]]
|82
|8
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|76-84 [[Bang]] damage to all enemies.
|Boomeranger
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigathrow]]
|100
|15
|One enemy
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 233~284 [[zap]] damage to a single enemy.
|King boomeranger
|}

====Fisticuffs====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Skill</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Range</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Oomph]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Title</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +5
| 4
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by five when unarmed.
| None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Defending Champion]]
|11
| --
|Self
|Yes
| --
|More powerful defending action (damage reduced by 90%).
|Brawler
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Stone's Throw]]
|17
| --
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|8-20 [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] damage to a group of enemies.
|Brawny brawler
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Knuckle Sandwich]]
|24
|2
|One enemy
|Yes
|Yes
|Inflicts 150%  [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] damage.
|Black belt brawler
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +20
|33
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by twenty when unarmed.
|Famous fistfighter
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Thin Air]]
|42
|2
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 108~132 points of wind damage on all enemies.
|Fighting mentor
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Critical Hit]] rate up
|52
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increase the [[Critical Hit]] rate from 1/64th to 1/32nd.
|Fighting instructor
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Multifists]]
|70
| --
|Random
|Yes
|First hit
|Four random swings at 33% power each.
|Fighting master
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Boulder Toss]]
|82
|4
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts 72-104 [[:Category:Strike skills|Strike/Rock]] damage on all enemies.
|Fabled fighter
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{Attack}} +50
| 100
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Increases {{Attack}} by fifty when unarmed.
| Fist of legend
|}

====Courage====
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Skill</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Range</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Tension]]</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">[[Oomph]]</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Title</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zoom]]
|8
|1
|Self
| --
| --
|Teleports player to entrance of known location (outdoors only).
|None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Tingle]]
|16
|2
|All allies
| --
| --
|Cures {{Party 8}} of {{Sleep}} and {{Paralyze}}d status changes.
|Brave
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Holy Protection]]
|28
|3
|Self
| --
| --
|Random [[encounter]]s with enemies whose level is lower than The Hero are avoided.
|Intrepid
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Fizzle]]
|40
|4
|Enemy group
| --
| --
|Prevents enemy group from using magic.
|Courageous
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zap]]
|48
|6
|All enemies
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 72~88 [[lightning]] damage on all enemies.
|Dauntless
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{MP}} discount
| 56
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Reduces the {{MP}} cost of all spells to 3/4.
| Fearless
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kamikazee]]
|70
|1
|All enemies
| --
| --
|The Hero sacrifices himself to deal high damage to all enemies.
|Bravehearted
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Omniheal]]
|82
|36
|All allies
| --
| --
|Restores full {{HP}} to all {{Party 8}} members.
|Lionhearted
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{MP}} discount
|90
| --
| --
| --
| --
|Reduces the {{MP}} cost to 1/2.
|Dragonhearted
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kazap]]
|100
|115
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 180~220 damage to a group of monsters.
|Truly valiant
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigaslash]]
|100
|20
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 207~239 damage to each member of a group.
| None
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigagash]]
|100*
|20
|Enemy group
|Yes
| --
|Inflicts up to 271~331 damage to each member of a group.
|None
|}
*Requires 100 points in both {{Sword}}s and Courage.

====Skill Tips====
'''{{Sword}}s''' pay off if the player is focusing on dealing extra damage, such as with ''[[Dragon Slash]]'' (9 points) and ''[[Falcon Slash]]'' (52 points) being particularly useful. If the player accumulates 100 points in {{Sword}}s and Courage, the almighty [[Gigagash]] is learned--although this does take quite some time to achieve.

'''{{Spear}}s''' are ideal for hunters of metal monsters in particular, with ''[[Thunder Thrust]]'' (12 points) and ''[[Lightning Thrust]]'' (59 points). The ''[[Multithrust]]'' (25 points) is also worth a try against single enemies.

'''{{Boomerang}}s''' are a real boon in the beginning of the game because they attack all enemies. Later, however, this skill becomes less useful (over 40 points: ''{{Attack}} +15), so it is advisable to switch to developing different skills.''

'''Fisticuffs''' is largely ineffectual to the other skills, although ''[[Defending Champion]]'' (11 points) is a very useful ability and some actions are worth a try like ''[[Thin Air]]'' (42 points) for cheap moves that target all foes. The Hero can only make a real impression when he learns ''{{Attack}} + 50'' (100 points).

'''Courage''' is extremely useful as a means of learning traits that reduce {{MP}} consumption (at 56 and 90 points) and utility spells that free [[Angelo]]'s turns up. [[Zap]] and [[Kazap]] deal incredible damage for the periods they are learned in, and [[Omniheal]] can turn a battle around like no other spell.

'''Suggested Strategies:''' Learn Courage up to 8 points (''[[Zoom]]'') initially, then learn Boomerangs up to 40 points (''{{Attack}} + 15'') followed by courage up to 100. Next, increase your {{Sword}}s skill to 66 (''{{Attack}} + 25'') or Spears up to 59 (''[[Critical Hit]]'').

Another option would be to forgo {{Boomerang}}s altogether and start by dividing points equally between {{Sword}}s and Courage (up to {{Sword}}s 66), then switching to {{Spear}}s and Courage. However, since one can come across some extremely effective spears in the opening stages of the game, it may be advized to concentrate on mastering {{Spear}}s from the outset.

====Equipment====
{{VersionTabs|Weapons|{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Weapon}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Cypress stick]]|statModifier=Attack +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Soldier's sword ]]|statModifier=Attack +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Stone sword]]|statModifier=Attack +12}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Copper sword]]|statModifier=Attack +13}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Boomerang W}}|statModifier=Attack +19}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Ye Olde Sword of Erdrick}}‡|statModifier=Attack +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Golden gar]]‡|statModifier=Attack +21}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron lance]]|statModifier=Attack +24}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Edged boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +27}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Long spear]]|statModifier=Attack +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Reinforced boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Steel broadsword]]|statModifier=Attack +35}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Falcon blade]]|statModifier=Attack +37}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Holy lance]]|statModifier=Attack +39}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum sword]]|statModifier=Attack +40}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Battle fork]]|statModifier=Attack +42}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Razor wing boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +42}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dream blade]]|statModifier=Attack +43}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Partisan]]|statModifier=Attack +44}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Rusty sword|Rusty old sword]]|statModifier=Attack +45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Swallowtail]]|statModifier=Attack +53}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Zombiesbane]]|statModifier=Attack +54}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über falcon blade]]|statModifier=Attack +55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bastard sword]]|statModifier=Attack +61}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Flametang boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +63}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Zombie slayer]]|statModifier=Attack +65}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sandstorm spear]]|statModifier=Attack +67}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Black buzzard]]‡|statModifier=Attack +71}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragonsbane]]|statModifier=Attack +72}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Double-edged sword]]|statModifier=Attack +76}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über double-edge]]|statModifier=Attack +76}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Miracle sword]]|statModifier=Attack +80}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon slayer]]|statModifier=Attack +83}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Demon spear]]|statModifier=Attack +86}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Blizzard blade]]|statModifier=Attack +90}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal wing boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +90}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über miracle sword]]|statModifier=Attack +95}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Hero spear]]|statModifier=Attack +100}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian sword}}|statModifier=Attack +107}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Liquid metal sword]]|statModifier=Attack +118}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Erdrick's sword]]‡|statModifier=Attack +120}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king spear]]|statModifier=Attack +120}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian king sword}}|statModifier=Attack +137}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Helmets|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Helmet}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bandana]]|statModifier=Defence +1}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather hat]]|statModifier=Defence +3}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Healie hat]]‡|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Turban]]|statModifier=Defence +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Feathered cap]]|statModifier=Defence +9}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron helmet]]|statModifier=Defence +16}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze helmet]]|statModifier=Defence +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Hermes' hat]]|statModifier=Defence +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mercury's bandana]]|statModifier=Defence +23}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron mask]]|statModifier=Defence +25}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Pirate's hat]]|statModifier=Defence +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum headgear]]|statModifier=Defence +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron headgear]]|statModifier=Defence +32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mad cap]]‡|statModifier=Defence +32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Hades' helm E}}|statModifier=Defence +33}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gothic mitre]]‡|statModifier=Defence +36}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mythril helm]]|statModifier=Defence +38}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Great helm]]|statModifier=Defence +45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian helmet}}|statModifier=Defence +50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sun crown]]|statModifier=Defence +52}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king helm]]|statModifier=Defence +55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Armor|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Armor}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Plain clothes]]|statModifier=Defence+4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Wayfarer's clothes]]|statModifier=Defence+7}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather armour]]|statModifier=Defence+11}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scale armour]]|statModifier=Defence+17}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Healie t-shirt]]‡|statModifier=Defence+18}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze armour]]|statModifier=Defence+24}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron armour]]|statModifier=Defence+32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Full plate armour]]|statModifier=Defence+39}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Silver mail]]|statModifier=Defence+50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Magic armour]]|statModifier=Defence+55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon mail]]|statModifier=Defence+60}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Spiked armour]]|statModifier=Defence+68}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gothic vestment]]‡|statModifier=Defence+72}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum mail]]|statModifier=Defence+72}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Alistair's armour]]‡|statModifier=Defence+80}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sacred armour]]|statModifier=Defence+84}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mirror armour]]|statModifier=Defence+92}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Liquid metal armour]]|statModifier=Defence+101}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian armour}}|statModifier=Defence+110}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king armour]]|statModifier=Defence+120}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Shields|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Shields}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather shield]]|statModifier=Defence+4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scale shield]]|statModifier=Defence+7}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal slime platter]]‡|statModifier=Defence+8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze shield]]|statModifier=Defence+10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron shield]]|statModifier=Defence+15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Light shield]]|statModifier=Defence+17}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Steel shield]]|statModifier=Defence+22}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Magic shield]]|statModifier=Defence+27}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon shield]]|statModifier=Defence+30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ice shield]]|statModifier=Defence+33}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Power shield]]|statModifier=Defence+38}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mirror shield]]|statModifier=Defence+43}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ogre shield]]|statModifier=Defence+45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Silver shield]]|statModifier=Defence+48}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ruinous shield]]|statModifier=Defence+50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Thanatos' shield]]|statModifier=Defence+55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian shield}}|statModifier=Defence+60}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king shield]]|statModifier=Defence+65}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Accessories|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Accessories}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Elevating shoes]]|statModifier=Agility +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal slime earrings]]‡|statModifier=Agility +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Agility ring]]|statModifier=Agility +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Meteorite bracer]]|statModifier=Agility +50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Lord's bracer]]‡|statModifier=Attack +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Strength ring]]|statModifier=Attack +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Tough guy tattoo]]|statModifier=Attack +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Titan belt]]|statModifier=Attack +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Templar's Equipment#Templar Captain's ring|Templar Captain's ring]]|statModifier=Attack +10<br>Wisdom +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mighty armlet]]|statModifier=Attack +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Argon ring]]|statModifier=Attack +20<br>Agility +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Hearty ring]]‡|statModifier=Defence +1<br>Max HP +10<br>Max MP +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Golden slippers]]‡|statModifier=Defence +1}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold bracer]]|statModifier=Defence +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Slime earrings]]|statModifier=Defence +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Life bracer]]|statModifier=Defence +5<br>Max HP +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon's scale]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Fire dragon charm]]‡|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gospel ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Light dragon charm]]‡|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Prayer ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Templar's Equipment#Templar's ring|Templar's ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Lucky pendant]]‡|statModifier=Defence +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Full moon ring]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold ring]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Holy talisman]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of awakening]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of clarity]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of immunity]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of truth]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Catholicon ring]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Recovery ring]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ruby of protection]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold rosary]]|statModifier=Wisdom +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sorcerer's ring]]|statModifier=Wisdom +10<br>Max MP +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scholar's specs]]|statModifier=Wisdom +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Goddess ring]]|statModifier=Wisdom +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}}}
* ‡[[3DS]] version only.

==={{DQM3D}}===
The Hero's pet Munchie appears as an obtainable SS rank member of the [[Beast family]], alongside [[Trode]].

==={{SSB5}}===
The Hero of {{VIII}}, under the name Eight, appears as one of four {{Hero Smash}}es, alongside the Heroes of ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest XI)|XI]]'', ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest III)|III]]'', and ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|IV]]''. He wields the {{Dragovian king sword}} and {{Dragovian shield}}. Unlike in his home game, Eight does not retain his curse immunity in ''Ultimate'', presumably because of his status as an alternate character and/or for gameplay balance.

While playing as the Hero in Classic Mode, Eight appears as Round 5's opponent and is fought on the Battlefield form of Gaur Plains. He is allied with a tiny Pikachu (''[[Pokémon]]''), in reference to {{Munchie}}.

==Trivia==
*In the {{PS2}} version of the game, when The Hero's [[Tension]] is maxed, his appearance changes drastically. His bandana flies off and his hair spikes up, making him resemble Super Saiyan Son Goku of ''Dragon Ball Z'' fame. This little feature was added to the Western release of the game, as a shoutout to fans of Toriyama's work.
*Munchie is an obtainable monster in {{DQMJ2P}}.
*In the international versions of {{DQ11}}, the {{Luminary}} can wear an outfit that allows him to dress like the Protagonist of {{VIII}}.
*While designing the {{SSB5}} version of The Hero, series creator Masahiro Sakurai specifically requested permission from Square-Enix to include {{Dragon Quest VIII}}'s Hero as an alternate costume, due to the game being the most popular entry in the West and its role in reintroducing the series to American and European audiences.
**In ''Ultimate,'' Eight is given a voice (albeit largely for various wordless expressions of exertion or pain). His voice actor is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yūki_Kaji Yūki Kaji], a popular Japanese VA and singer. According to Masahiro Sakurai, Kaji was very excited to play Eight, and considered roles in both ''Dragon Quest'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'' to be two of his dream jobs.

==Videos==
{{Videos|''Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road Victory'' finishing move|{{#ev:youtube|g3m85MFHjS8|250}} }}

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Dq8 Hero.jpg|
DQVIII_Hero_front.png|
DQVIII_Hero_back.png|
DQVIII Hero Face.png|
DQVIII_Hero_concepts.png|
DQVIII Hero High Tension.png|
Dragon-quest-VIII-Dragovian Hero.jpg|Hero's transformation.
Munchie.png|Munchie.
Munchie_pose.png|
DQ VIII Android Munchie Finding Farebury.jpg|Munchie in the opening of {{VIII}}. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ VIII Android Munchie.jpg|
DQ VIII Android Gambling In Simpleton.jpg|First meeting with [[Angelo]]. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ VIII Android Opening Ruined Abbey.jpg|Opening the [[Ruined Abbey]]. ([[Cell phone]])
DQ VIII Android Champion Statue.jpg|Statue of the Hero after Clearing Rank S at the {{Monster Arena 8}}. ([[Cell phone]])
Dragovian equipment set 3ds.JPG|Hero wearing the [[Dragovian Equipment]].
DQVIII Metal King Equipment.jpg|Hero wearing the [[Metal king armour]], [[Metal king shield|Shield]] and [[Metal king helm|Helm]]. ({{3DS}})
DQVIII Hero Gothic.jpg|Hero wearing the [[Gothic mitre]] and [[Gothic vestment]]. ({{3DS}} version only)
DQVIIIHeroSSBU.png|{{SSB5}}.
SSBU TerryAlt.png|Alternate costume based on [[Terry]].
</gallery></center>

{{Hero}}
{{DQVIII}}
{{SSBU}}

[[Category:Royalty]]
[[Category:Party members]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VIII characters]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest Rivals characters]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate characters]]