Since times long forgotten, a forbidden scepter had lain sealed away in Trodain Castle. Until one day, a mysterious jester called Dhoulmagus disturbed its rest and freed the scepter from its ancient bonds.

Using the scepter's power, Dhoulmagus placed a spiteful curse upon the whole kingdom. In the space of a moment, the people were transformed into thorns and the last was frozen in time. To add insult to injury, the King and the Princess were turned into hideous beasts.

However, the curse left one person untouched . . . a your guardsman . . . You! Now you must embark on an epic journey to save your king and country and lift the shadow of the evil jester's curse!

Official Dragon Quest VIII Site