Characteristics
Gracos is likely a more powerful form of a Merman, as he shares many of his characteristics with this monster, particularly the placement of his fins. Gracos differs from this common monster by means of his greater girth, thicker lips, wristbands and weapon: a polearm with a crescent-shaped blade on the end. In his original appearance, Gracos had green scales, changing to blue scales when he reappeared in VII, which he kept for many years in spinoff games in the series. However, for the Nintendo DS remake of VI, Gracos instead had the purple and red color scheme of his descendant. In the [[Nintendo 3DS[] remake of VII and other games going forward, the sea demon reverted to his original green coloration.
Having first appeared as a boss monster, Gracos typically fulfills that same role in his other appearances and is powerful as such. He possesses great physical might and is adept at using magic and abilities as well, in particular having an affinity for both ice magic and breath attacks.
In VI, Gracos maintains the seal on Sorceria and defeating him enables access to the city. Gracos is the least competent of the Dread Fiends, sleeping on the job and unintentionally informing the party of his master's plans at the slightest inquiry.
Appearances
Gracos (グラコス, Gurakosu )
Big Book of Beasts No. : #231
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Gracos (グラコス, Gurakosu )
Big Book of Beasts No. : #301
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Making his second appearance as a boss, Gracos is the one responsible for flooding Wetlock in the past and must be confronted in order to set things right. When the party reaches his throne room in the Sunken Citadel, he will send a group of three Sunken spirits to fight them, which are not too difficult. Gracos will then challenge the party himself. Old Man Riffer will arrive to lend his aid, playing his torban to allow the spirits to rest. He will also restore the party's HP and MP completely before the battle.
Strategy
The battle against Gracos is one of the toughest the player will have faced thus far. He can attack twice in one round and hit the party very hard. He is immune to Sap and has a high resistance to Dazzle. Finally, he has a very high resistance to ice spells and skills so these should be avoided completely.
There is a small grace as Old Man Riffer joins this fight as a temporary party member. Even still, Gracos shouldn't be taken lightly. Woolly Blanket or Insulatle does wonders for this battle, as well as Kabuff and Buff. If the player managed to get Heavy armour from the Lucky Panel, it should be equipped on both the Hero and Ruff. Otherwise, a Magical skirt for Maribel and a Magic vestment for Ruff are great options.
The Martial Artist's Wind Sickles should be used regularly, as well as skills such as Sword Dance and Falcon Slash. If Maribel has a chance to attack, she should cast Frizzle regularly. Old Man Riffer can attack and cast Bang against Gracos, but his damage is negligible.
Do not rely on Old Man Riffer to heal the party. Maribel or [[Ruff] should carry the Staff of salvation in their inventory since they both have high Agility. It is also recommended that each party member have at least one Antidotal herb in case they are Envenomated by Gracos's mist. Hustle Dance can also be a major boon if the player has managed to advance to become a Luminary. The battle can be very difficult, as the player is unable to return to the present and change their vocations once the flood has begun.
Gracos also has a small role in the piracy side-quest of the game, being summoned as one of the many monsters the player must confront while tracking down Captain Crow.
Gracos appears as a S-rank monster of the Nature family as part of the limited Dragon Quest VI event. He can be faced in Chapter 3, Episode 4: Gracos Appears of the event quests, as well as a boss in Free the Phantom Realm! where he must be defeated, along with the other three Dread Fiends to face Mortamor. Gracos eventually appeared on his own banner alongside Maulrus as part of the 1-Year Wrap Party post-anniversary event.
Etymology
Gracos is a transliteration of Glaucus--one of the half-human sons of the god Poseidon. He is a patron of sailors whose story is detailed in Ovid's Metamorphosis.
See also
Trivia
- Each of the four Dread Fiends could be seen as representing one of the four elements. In Gracos's case, he represents water.
Gallery
Super Famicom art.
Boss encounter in the 3DS version.
Gracos in X.
Boss encounter in X Offline.
Apearance in Stars.
Rivals card.
