Recruiting the Chosen

The journey in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is unique, as you don't start with a full party. Instead, you play through individual chapters, each focusing on a different "Chosen" hero, before they eventually unite with the Hero (you!) in Chapter 5. This section details the initial recruitment of each Chosen character within their respective chapters, and then clarifies their eventual reunion with the Hero.

It's crucial to understand that while you play as these characters in their dedicated chapters, their formal "recruitment" into the Hero's permanent party occurs in Chapter 5. However, mastering their individual chapters is essential to progress and ensure they are ready for the ultimate confrontation.

Recruiting the Chosen - Dragon Quest IV screenshot — The Chosen heroes, ready for their destiny.

Chapter 1: Ragnar McRyan – The Valiant Soldier

Your first Chosen hero is Ragnar McRyan, a valiant soldier of Burland. His chapter focuses on investigating the disappearance of children in the kingdom.

Initial Recruitment: Ragnar is your playable character from the very beginning of Chapter 1. You don't "recruit" him in the traditional sense; you embody him.
Objective: Find the missing children and uncover the mystery behind their disappearance.
Key Locations & Steps for Ragnar's Quest:
- Burland Castle: Begin your journey here. Speak to the King to receive your mission to investigate the missing children. Explore the castle for initial clues and basic equipment.
- Burland Town: Talk to the townspeople to gather information. You'll learn about strange occurrences and a cave to the east.
- Izmit Cave (East of Burland): This is your first dungeon.
  - Enemies: Slime, Dracky, Platypunk, Bunicorn.
  - Strategy: Ragnar is a strong physical attacker. Focus on single targets and conserve your HP. Use any Medicinal Herbs found or purchased. Equip the best gear available.
  - Items to Find: Seed of Strength, Medicinal Herb, Leather Shield.
- Return to Burland & The Well: After exploring Izmit Cave and clearing it of monsters, return to Burland. Speak to the King again. You'll learn that the children are still missing, and a new lead points to a hidden well. Locate the well in the northern part of Burland town (it's initially hidden, often requiring interaction with a specific tile or NPC). Entering the well will lead you to an underground passage.
- Underground Passage (via Burland Well): This secret route leads to the Prison of Burland.
  - Enemies: Healslime, Giant Moth, Winky, Armoured Scorpion.
  - Strategy: Continue to rely on Ragnar's physical strength. Keep an eye on your HP and use Medicinal Herbs as needed. These enemies can hit harder than those in Izmit Cave.
  - Items to Find: Iron Lance, Scale Shield.
- Prison of Burland: Within the prison, you will confront the true culprit behind the disappearances.
  - Boss: Marquis de Leon (or a similar figure depending on the game version, but definitively NOT Sarom).
    - Strategy: Marquis de Leon is a formidable physical attacker. Ensure Ragnar is at full health before the fight. Use your strongest attacks. If you have any stat-boosting seeds, consider using them on Ragnar before or during this fight. Focus on consistent damage and timely healing.
    - Reward: Defeating the Marquis de Leon reveals the truth about the missing children, who are being held captive. You rescue them, and this act completes Ragnar's quest.
Chapter Completion: Upon resolving the mystery and rescuing the children, Ragnar's chapter concludes. He will then await his reunion with the Hero in Chapter 5, specifically in the town of Endor.

Chapter 2: Alena and the Search for Freedom

Alena, the tomboyish Princess of Zamoksva, yearns for adventure. She is accompanied by her loyal companions, the wise mage Borya and the devout priest Kiryl.

Initial Recruitment: Alena, Borya, and Kiryl are your playable characters from the start of Chapter 2.
Objective: Alena wants to leave the castle and see the world, but her father, the King, forbids it. You must find a way out.
Key Locations & Steps:
- Zamoksva Castle:
  - Initial Steps: Explore the castle. Speak to the King, who will refuse Alena's request to leave.
  - Secret Passage: You'll discover a loose brick in Alena's room. Interact with it to reveal a secret passage out of the castle.
- Zamoksva Town: Once outside, explore the town. You'll hear rumors about a monster in the nearby cave.
- Vrenor Cave (West of Zamoksva):
  - Enemies: Bunicorn, Healslime, Giant Moth, Hoodlum.
  - Strategy: Alena is a powerful physical attacker. Borya provides offensive spells (Frizz, Sizz), and Kiryl offers healing (Heal) and support. Balance their roles, ensuring Kiryl keeps the party healthy. Prioritize taking out magic-users or healers first.
  - Items to Find: Seed of Agility, Medicinal Herb, Scale Shield, Leather Hat.
- Vrenor: A town west of the cave. You'll learn about the need for a "Zenithian Shield" to defeat the monster in the cave. This is a red herring for this chapter, but an important item for the main quest.
- End of Chapter 2: After exploring and gaining strength, the chapter concludes with Alena and her companions continuing their journey. They will eventually seek out the Hero in Chapter 5.
Common Pitfall: Don't get too hung up on finding the Zenithian Shield in this chapter; it's not obtainable yet. Focus on leveling up and exploring the world map to gain experience and gold.

Chapter 3: Torneko Taloon – The Merchant's Ambition

Torneko Taloon is a humble merchant with grand dreams of opening his own shop and becoming rich. His chapter is unique, focusing on commerce and exploration rather than combat.

Initial Recruitment: Torneko is your playable character from the beginning of Chapter 3.
Objective: Earn enough money to open your own shop and find the legendary "Iron Safe."
Key Locations & Steps:
- Lakanaba: Torneko's hometown.
  - Initial Steps: Work at the local weapon shop. Your task is to sell items. Talk to customers and haggle for the best prices. Pay attention to what items customers are looking for and their willingness to pay.
  - Exploration: Explore the town and surrounding areas to find items to sell. Selling items found in dungeons or purchased cheaply can net you a profit.
- Silver Mine (North of Lakanaba):
  - Enemies: Slime, Dracky, Platypunk, Bunicorn, Metal Slime (rare).
  - Strategy: Torneko is not a strong fighter. Avoid unnecessary combat where possible. Focus on collecting items and escaping dangerous encounters. If you encounter Metal Slimes, try to defeat them for massive experience, but don't risk Torneko's life.
  - Items to Find: Iron Claw, Seed of Strength, Medicinal Herb, and most importantly, the Iron Safe. The Iron Safe allows you to keep half your gold if you die, which is crucial for a merchant. Also look for valuable ores or gems to sell.
- End of Chapter 3: After accumulating enough wealth (usually around 60,000 Gold in most versions) and finding the Iron Safe, Torneko successfully opens his own shop. His chapter concludes, and he will join the Hero in Chapter 5.
Strategy Tip: The key to Torneko's chapter is smart trading. Buy low, sell high. Explore every nook and cranny for hidden items. Don't be afraid to take risks, but always have an escape route or a save point nearby. Consider purchasing a few good weapons or armor for Torneko to improve his survivability in the mine.

Chapter 4: Meena and Maya – The Sisters' Revenge

Meena, the fortune teller, and Maya, the dancer, are sisters seeking revenge for the murder of their father. Maya is a powerful spellcaster, while Meena offers support and healing.

Initial Recruitment: Meena and Maya are your playable characters from the start of Chapter 4.
Objective: Find their father's killer, Balzack, and avenge his death.
Key Locations & Steps:
- Monbaraba: Their starting town.
  - Initial Steps: Explore the town. Maya performs at the local theater. You'll learn about Balzack and his connection to the nearby castle. Gather information from NPCs about their father's past and Balzack's whereabouts.
- Koryvanta: A town to the north. You'll gather more information about Balzack and his whereabouts. This town also offers better equipment.
- Aktemto Mine: A mine located near Koryvanta.
  - Enemies: Metal Slime, Walking Corpse, Restless Armor, Magician.
  - Strategy: Maya is your primary damage dealer with powerful offensive spells (Frizz, Sizz, Bang). Meena provides healing (Heal) and status effects (Sap, Snooze). Conserve MP carefully, as it's limited early on. Use Meena's healing judiciously. Prioritize enemies that can cast spells or deal heavy damage.
  - Items to Find: Seed of Magic, Medicinal Herb, Iron Mask, Chain Whip (excellent for Maya).
- Strathba Castle: Balzack's lair.
  - Enemies: Dragon Zombie, Hades' Condor, Liquid Metal Slime (rare), Vampire.
  - Boss: Balzack.
    - Strategy: Balzack is a formidable foe. Ensure both sisters are well-equipped and have full MP. Use Maya's strongest offensive spells (Sizz or Bang are usually effective). Meena should focus on healing with Heal and potentially using Sap on Balzack to lower his defense, or Snooze to temporarily incapacitate him if possible. Stock up on Medicinal Herbs and Antidotes before entering. Grinding outside the castle to gain a few levels and gold for better gear is highly recommended.
    - Reward: Defeating Balzack avenges their father and completes their quest.
Chapter Completion: After defeating Balzack, the sisters' chapter concludes. They will then await their reunion with the Hero in Chapter 5.

Chapter 5: The Hero and the Grand Reunion

This is where all the individual stories converge. The Hero (your custom-named protagonist) begins their journey, and eventually, all the previously played Chosen characters will join your party.

The Hero's Journey Begins: You start in your hometown, learning about the world and the impending doom. Your initial objective will be to explore the surrounding areas and gather information about the coming evil.
Initial Recruitment of the Chosen:
- Ragnar: After progressing through the early stages of Chapter 5, you will find Ragnar in Endor Castle. He will join your party after a brief conversation, eager to continue his fight against evil. Ragnar is a powerful physical attacker and will be a valuable asset.
- Alena, Borya, Kiryl: These three will join you in Endor Castle as well, typically after Ragnar. They are often found together, ready to lend their unique skills to your cause. Alena provides strong physical damage, Borya offers offensive magic, and Kiryl is your primary healer and support.
- Torneko: Torneko will be found in Endor Town, having established his shop. After a short dialogue, he will join your party, bringing his unique merchant abilities and surprisingly good combat prowess.
- Meena and Maya: The sisters will join your party in Mintos, a town further into your journey. Meena provides essential healing and support spells, while Maya offers devastating offensive magic, making them crucial for tougher battles.
Party Formation: Once all the Chosen are recruited, you will have a full roster of diverse characters. You can switch party members at any church or specific locations, allowing you to tailor your team to different challenges.