A task that looks straightforward in Dragon Quest 3 Remake can quickly turn into quite an adventure. One such mission involves fetching Black Pepper for the King of Portoga, and it consists of several steps and encounters before you can move forward in your quest.
This journey takes you to a new town to explore, into conflicts involving a kidnapping (along with a familiar foe), and into a dungeon. If you’re not adequately prepared or leveled, this dungeon could pose a significant challenge.
Arriving in Portoga
Portoga lies on the west side of the map, near the center. When you enter the area, make your way to the castle located on the west. Along the route, chat with a man in black and purple armor positioned between the bridge and the equipment shop. He’ll mention the King’s fondness for Black Pepper and inform you that towns in the southeast sell it.
Don’t forget to stop by the middle dock, where you can encounter a monster to add to your collection.
Meet the King
Once you reach the castle, head to the top left and speak with the King. He will set you on the quest for Black Pepper and reward you with a ship to navigate the seas.
The King then sends you to see a dwarf named Nordy, who can be found in a tunnel to the east of Portoga.
Finding Nordy’s Grotto
Nordy’s Grotto is located in a cave just east of Asham. If you’ve previously visited Asham, you can use Zoom to get there quickly. The Grotto is a safe zone with a straightforward path leading directly to Nordy.
Speak with Nordy, and he will clear a path through the tunnel, allowing you to cross the mountain to the other side.
Within Nordy’s Grotto, there’s a well you can explore. You’ll find an item on the middle left side, just to the right of some stalagmites, and another in the upper right corner, between a thick stalagmite and the cave’s wall.
Getting to Baharata
Travel south and a bit east from Nordy’s Grotto, and you’ll finally reach Baharata. Upon entering, a cutscene will set the stage for the next part of your journey.
Make sure to rest at the Inn before heading off on your next adventure.
The Kidnapper’s Cave
From Baharata, cross the eastern bridge and head north along the coastline. You’ll come across another bridge; cross it, and just beyond lies the Kidnapper’s Cave.
Kidnapper’s Cave Floor 1
The Kidnapper’s Cave has two floors, with the first being where you’ll likely spend the most time. While heading south takes you to your goal, exploring the cave thoroughly can yield valuable rewards.
There’s no specific route to follow in the cave; it’s a grid layout with plenty of monsters. Here’s a list of some creatures you might encounter:
| Monster | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bag O’ Laughs | Uses multiple spells including healing. |
| Lump Mage | Can confuse allies, which can be troublesome. |
| Antguzzler | Primarily does physical damage and isn’t too tough. |
| Hoodie | Can deal heavy damage, taking away half of an ally’s health in one hit. |
| Catula | Can cast Woosh, dealing wind damage to your team. |
| Cannibox | Looks like a chest; very resistant to damage and can hit like a Hoodie. |
| Shade | Low health, causing minimal damage overall. |
There’s a chest located at the top center of Kidnapper’s Cave that contains a Mini Medal.
To exit this floor, move towards the bottom right corner and proceed down.
Kidnapper’s Cave Floor 2
The second floor mostly revolves around a boss battle, but before you head south, check the top left for four chests. None of them are traps, so you can grab some decent loot from them.
When you’re prepared, advance down the central hallway. Two guards will question you, asking if you’re there to join their gang. Answer “no,” and a battle will commence with four Robbin’ ‘Oodlums.
The Robbin’ ‘Oodlums are capable of dealing considerable damage but are weak to lightning.
Once defeated, head to the cells to the south. There’s a lever that opens both cells left of Gopal’s cell—pull it, and Gopal along with Tanaya will be freed.
Defeating Robbin’ ‘Ood Again
This time around, Robbin’ ‘Ood presents a tougher challenge, but if your team is around level 20 and you’re patient, you’ll overcome him. Focus on taking out one ‘Oodlum at a time to minimize their damage output. Having one or two healers, like a Monster Wrangler with Soothing Song and a Priest for targeted healing, can keep everyone in fighting shape.
As the battle continues, take down the ‘Oodlums one by one until it’s only Robbin’ ‘Ood left. While he can inflict high damage alone, with steady healing and careful strategies, you can defeat him without a hitch.
Once again, Robbin’ ‘Ood will beg for mercy, and you’ll let him escape, continuing on your journey.
Reaching Baharata and Alltrades Abbey
Head back to Baharata and visit the General Store where Gopal works. He’ll offer to help you acquire some black pepper, but unfortunately, he has none. Instead, he suggests you check with his black pepper supplier at Alltrades Abbey, located to the north.
Follow the same route you took to reach Kidnapper’s Cave but keep going north instead of crossing the second bridge to the east. Alltrades Abbey is nestled in a forest between mountain ranges.
Locating the Trader
Once at the Abbey, the Trader is situated right at the center, just a few steps from the entrance. Talk to him, and he’ll give you the black pepper you need. With the pepper finally in hand, it’s time to return to Portoga and present it to the King.
Return to Portoga and Claim Your Ship
When you’re back in Portoga, head directly to the King who will accept the black pepper. After an important cutscene, you’ll gain access to your very own ship waiting for you at the Portoga Docks.
This ship will allow you to explore many new areas and discover plenty of loot that was previously out of your reach.