Malign vine
| Dragon Quest monster | |
|---|---|
| Malign vine | |
 Art by Akira Toriyama | |
| Japanese | ヘルバオム |
| Romaji | Herubaomu |
| First appearance | Dragon Quest VII |
| Old localization | HellVine |
The Malign vine is a boss that appears in Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. It is a dangerous Plant monster that terrorizes the town of Nottagen with its invasive roots.
Characteristics
After the defeat of the dark dragon Sulkk, the returned sunlight nurtures the Malign Vine hiding under Nottagen and causes it to begin attacking the town. This infernal flower sports a massive red budding head with no eyes, only a yellow-lipped mouth full of terribly sharp teeth and a long, green tongue protruding out of its monstrous maw. Capable of envenomating enemies with the drool that drips from its menacing mouth and flinging out Dazzleflash, making it even harder for foes to fight off its vile vines. It uses its writhing roots to put its enemies out of action.
Boss Encounter
| Malign vine (ヘルバオム Herubaomu) |  |
| Sprite | HP | MP | Attack | Defense |
 |
1300 | Unlimited | 180 | 80 |
| Agility | Experience | Gold | Tame Rate | |
| 100 | 1650 | 2100 | N/a | |
| Bestiary No. | #289 |
| Spell(s) | Fizzle |
| Skill(s) | Occasionally acts twice per turn. Dazzleflash Sweet Breath Venom Mist |
| Location(s) | Nottagen Cavern |
| Item(s) Dropped | Green Fragment |
| Evasion | Frizz Resistance * | Sizz Resistance * | Fire Breath Resistance * |
| 0⁄64 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Bang Resistance * | Crack Resistance * | Ice Breath Resistance * | Woosh Resistance * |
| 0% | 25% | 15% | 25% |
| Strike/Rock Resistance * | Zap Resistance * | Drain Magic Resistance * | Whack Resistance * |
| 15% | 25% | 100% | 100% |
| Poof Resistance * | Poison Resistance * | Burning Breath Resistance | Fuddle Resistance * |
| 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Snooze Resistance * | Dazzle Resistance * | Fizzle Resistance * | Ban Dance Resistance |
| 100% | 50% | 100% | 100% |
| Stun Resistance * | Sap Resistance * | Army Resistance * | |
| 100% | 0% | 100% | |
| 3DS version changes |
| None |
Strategy
The Malign vine is accompanied by a pair of writhing roots when faced and it is recommended to take them out early in the battle to focus on the flower by itself. They should fall quickly to multitarget attacks such as Thin Air. Although the vine itself doesn't hit hard with its physical attacks, its ability to inflict several status effects makes it a nuisance. Maribel or Ruff should carry the Staff of salvation or Salvation stone due to their high Agility as they may have their spells sealed away by Fizzle. Sap should be cast twice early on as it has absolutely no resistance against it. Each party member should carry a few Antidotal herbs as emergency, as well, if they are not able to cast Squelch on anyone who becomes Envenomated. As long as the party enters the battle prepared, it should not be a difficult battle and the flower should fall fast.
Other Appearances
Dragon Quest Tact
Malign vine appears as a boss during the limited Dragon Quest VII event. It can be faced in Chapter 3, Episode 4: The Malign Vine of the event quests, as well as in Kiefer's Battle Road. The Malign vine can use Kafizzle, Seedy Strike, Venom Breath, and Toxic Thrust in battle. Although its roots are mentioned, they are not faced as an enemy.
Writhing root
| Dragon Quest monster | |
|---|---|
| Writhing root | |
| Japanese | ヘルバオムのねっこ |
| Romaji | Herubaomu no nekko |
| First appearance | Dragon Quest VII |
Characteristics
Fiendish thorny vines that creep from the ground and crush innocents in their gnarly grip after bursting forth from the earth. A part of the deadly, dark fearing Plant monster, Malign vine, there is an almost endless amount of these vile viney roots until the powerful plant is put to rest.
Trivia
The Malign vine's green and red coloration was used for the Gripevine for several games, starting with the Game Boy Color version of Dragon Quest Monsters 2 until Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D.
