Acquiring the Eye of Rubiss
The Eye of Rubiss is a crucial artifact in your quest to defeat Hargon, serving as a beacon to reveal hidden truths. Unlike common items, it cannot be purchased or simply found lying in the open. Its acquisition requires a journey to a specific, often perilous, location and is essential for progressing through the game's later stages, particularly in uncovering the path to the Moonbrooke Sigil within the treacherous Sea Cave.
Historically, the Eye of Rubiss has been associated with various locations across different versions of Dragon Quest II. For the purposes of this guide, we will focus on the most widely recognized and canonical acquisition methods, primarily referencing the Nintendo Switch and Game Boy Color versions, which largely align with the original NES experience.
The Search for the Eye: The Tower of Wind
Your journey to obtain the Eye of Rubiss will lead you to the formidable Tower of Wind (also known as the Wind Tower or Tower of the Wind). This multi-story structure is located to the northwest of the town of Hamlin and directly east of the town of Rippleport. It's a challenging dungeon, and you should ensure your party is adequately prepared before venturing inside.
Recommended Party Level: Around Level 12-15 for the Prince of Midenhall and Prince of Cannock, and Level 8-10 for the Princess of Moonbrooke. Higher levels will make the ascent smoother.
Recommended Equipment:
- Prince of Midenhall: Broad Sword, Full Plate Armor, Steel Shield, Iron Helmet.
- Prince of Cannock: Iron Spear, Chain Mail, Leather Shield, Leather Hat.
- Princess of Moonbrooke: Magic Wand, Magic Robe, Wooden Shield, Hairband.
Key Spells for the Tower:
- Healmore/Heal: Essential for keeping your party alive.
- Sizz/Boom: Area-of-effect spells for clearing groups of enemies.
- Sap/Defeat: Useful for weakening stronger foes or attempting instant kills.
- Outside: A lifesaver for quick exits if things go south.
Navigating the Tower of Wind
The Tower of Wind is a vertical dungeon with multiple floors. Expect to encounter several airborne and magical enemies. The path to the Eye of Rubiss is not always straightforward, often requiring you to navigate around pitfalls and through specific staircases.
Common Enemies in the Tower of Wind:
| Enemy Name | HP (Approx.) | EXP (Approx.) | Gold (Approx.) | Strategy Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magician | 25-30 | 25-30 | 20-25 | Can cast Sizz. Prioritize taking them out. |
| Mage | 30-35 | 30-35 | 25-30 | Similar to Magicians, but slightly stronger. |
| Army Crab | 35-40 | 35-40 | 30-35 | High defense, physical attacks are less effective. Use spells. |
| Stingwing | 20-25 | 20-25 | 15-20 | Fast, but low HP. Easy to defeat. |
| Griffin | 40-45 | 40-45 | 35-40 | Strong physical attacks. Be cautious. |
Step-by-Step Walkthrough:
- Enter the Tower: The entrance is on the ground floor.
- First Floor: Navigate to the stairs leading up. There are usually multiple paths, but only one leads to the next floor.
- Upper Floors: Continue ascending the tower. Pay close attention to the layout. Some floors may have false paths or dead ends. The Eye of Rubiss is typically found on one of the higher floors, often near the summit.
- Locating the Eye: On the designated floor (often the 4th or 5th, depending on the version), you will find a specific tile or pedestal. Interact with this spot. There isn't a boss guarding the Eye of Rubiss directly, but the journey through the tower itself is the challenge.
- Acquire the Eye of Rubiss: Upon interacting with the correct spot, you will receive the Eye of Rubiss. A short message will confirm its acquisition.
Purpose of the Eye of Rubiss
The Eye of Rubiss is not merely a collectible; it is a vital key item that reveals hidden pathways. Its primary and most critical use is to uncover the Moonbrooke Sigil within the Sea Cave.
How to Use the Eye of Rubiss:
- Once you have the Eye, proceed to the Sea Cave. This dungeon is located on a small island to the north of the town of Tuhn. You will need the Ship to reach it.
- Navigate through the Sea Cave. This is another challenging dungeon with strong enemies and confusing layouts.
- Within the Sea Cave, there is a specific area where the Moonbrooke Sigil is hidden behind an illusion or an invisible wall. When you are in the correct vicinity, the Eye of Rubiss will glow, indicating the presence of the hidden path.
- Simply walk into the area where the Eye glows, and the illusion will dissipate, revealing the Moonbrooke Sigil.
Common Pitfalls and Tips:
- Don't Rush: The Tower of Wind and Sea Cave are not places to speedrun. Take your time, heal frequently, and conserve MP.
- Save Often: use the King's Castle or churches to save your progress before and after tackling these dungeons.
- Inventory Management: Ensure you have enough inventory space for any items you might find, though the Eye of Rubiss itself doesn't take up a standard inventory slot in most versions.
- Grinding: If you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to spend some time grinding outside the tower or cave to gain a few extra levels and gold for better equipment.
- Outside Spell: Always have the Prince of Cannock (or Princess of Moonbrooke if she has it) ready to cast Outside to escape a dungeon if your party is in critical condition.
With the Eye of Rubiss in hand, you are one step closer to gathering all the Sigils and ultimately confronting the dark priest Hargon. Prepare for the challenges ahead, as the journey only grows more perilous from here.