Chapter 1: A Boy Sets Off

Guide to Chapter 1 of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. Help Ruin, become caravan leader, and prepare to depart for Darkondale.

Walkthrough:

1. You begin in a forest clearing. Head left to find a caravan in trouble. Their leader, Ruin, has fainted, and two Drakees are threatening the travelers.
2. Speak to the Slime named Slaron. He will ask you to act as caravan leader so he can fight the Drakees. Choose the top option (はい) to agree.
3. Slaron will instruct you to have the other caravan members get into the wagon. Do so, and they will introduce themselves: Randall (the navigator), Alex (the warrior), and Dekson (the healer).
4. After they are in the wagon, speak to Slaron again. He will briefly explain the Wagon screen and party member abilities.
5. The Drakees will attack. Choose the first option on the combat menu to defeat them.
6. Ruin will wake up and thank you. He asks you to take command of the caravan permanently. Choose the top option (yes) to accept.
7. Exit the forest to the southeast. You will encounter more Drakees; you can fight one or four depending on the path you take. Fighting them grants experience points.
8. Ruin asks you to lead the party to the base camp. Choose the top option (yes) to agree. He will explain how to bring up the map and mention food consumption. Decline his offer for further explanation by choosing the bottom option (no).
9. Head right to the base camp. You may encounter another fight on the way, possibly causing Slaron to level up. Look for Tinymedals (small discs with stars) scattered around the world map.
10. At the base camp, your new companions will discuss their findings. Ruin will take you to meet Gyaban in the main tent (marked by a red scroll).
11. After introductions and thanks, Gyaban will ask a question. Answering