Black Citadel

Black Citadel, also known as Rhapthorne's Castle, is the final area of the main story and dungeon in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King.

It is the castle lair of Rhapthorne, the main antagonist of the game and home to some of the most powerful monsters as well.

Details

Most of the bosses have to be fought after Rhapthorne's 1st form is defeated. There are a few rooms is this dungeon, the following are a hell like area where Rhapthorne awaits you. A town-like room, a basement with a waterfall, a library and the rest of it being a fortress.

Notable attribute

This location contains poisonous marshes/swamps.

Library and other books

Recipes

Alchemist Note

'Legend has it that combining a life bracer with a certain sword will result in the creation of a most miraculous item.

'The only question is which sword to use?

'I've devoted thirty years of my life to the study of alchemy, and I still haven't figured it out.'

Mask of Darkness

'Those who wear the phantom mask cloak themselves in the darkness, making it more difficult for enemies to hit them.

'It is said that this mysterious mask is the product of the combination of a certain iron helm and a certain dark garb.'

Winter issue of We Love Our Weapons

'Having a hard time hacking down liquid metal slimes before they can flee? You're not alone.

'There's only one kind of weapon for situations like this. And that's the ultimate boomerang. The metal wing boomerang.

'Not only does it let you attack multiple enemies in one throw, but it's powerful enough to damage even the hardened body of a metal king slime!

'Sadly, the exact composition of these metal wing boomerangs is shrouded in secrecy.

'All we know is that they're a combination of a certain boomerang and another powerful weapon.'

Book of prophecies

'When Cheiron and Eros meet with a great bow, the result will be a god to be reckoned with.'

Ancient Superweapons

'There are many weapons in the world, but the megaton hammer is famed as the heaviest of them all.

'Unfortunately, all who knew how to make this ferocious weapon have long since passed on, and the exact recipe has been forgotten.

'All we know is that a big axe, a big hammer and some orichalcum are required to make the megaton hammer.'

Cursed Shields of Yore

'The curse placed upon the ruinous shield is too powerful to be lifted by saint's ashes alone.

'In order to render the ruinous shield fit for use, it must paradoxically be made even harder and stronger.

'If you manage to restore the ruinous shield to its former glory, you will hold in your hands the strongest shield the world has ever known.'

The Metal King Spear (Remake only)

'The metal king spear - prized champion of the spearman's arsenal, boasting exceptional strength. And this marvellous weapon can be made by dint of alchemy.

'According to an ancient recipe, there are just two ingredients: a holy lance and the best boomerang.

'But how does one obtain the all-important boomerang? That is the question. Dear Goddess, how you mock us!'

Praise for the Lord of Darkness (Remake only)

'If Rhapthorne succeeds in unifying the world, will we get to see all that exotic clothing from far-flung lands? I would love to feast my eye on some of that oriental warrior wear.

'Apparently, you can make an outfit like that from a flowing dress, some kind of blazing robe, and a fan with a picture of the moon on it. But how do you combine those things?'

Old note (Remake only)

'It's no use. Attempting to infiltrate the Lord of Darkness's fortress was always a fool's errand. At any moment, I will be discovered.

'If I could only make that special armour. But there's no sacred armour around here, let alone a ruby and a recovery ring.

'At least if others follow in my footsteps, they may find this note and know the secret recipe. Good luck, my fellow questers, I wish you well!'

Biography (Remake only)

'There was once a mighty man known as the "Big Boss". He had the appearance of a demon, and one look from his fierce eyes made any foe tremble with fear.

'Then one day, the man encountered the Goddess, our saviour. Little by little, his heart became filled with lover for Her.

'Wishing to express his adoration, he gave the Goddess an offering of cheese. It was such a maladroit act of worship that She fell instantly in love with him.

'From that day forward, the "Big Boss", despite his demonic appearance, devoted himself to protecting his love, and became known as the Guardian of Lovers.'