A new batch of screenshots has revealed some details regarding the cast of non-playable characters featured in Square Enix's upcoming RPG Dragon Quest VIII: Sora to Umi to Daichi to Norowareshi Himegimi. Among the characters set to make an appearance in the highly anticipated Level 5-developed PlayStation 2 title will be Luinero, a capable fortuneteller with a weird dressing style. People in the village say Luinero has suffered in the past, while he himself speaks of ecstasy. Gerda is a female thief and old acquaintance of Yangus, living in an extravagant cottage. Apparently, she and Yangus had some serious disagreement in the past. At one point, the protagonist is challenged by the fearsome combo of Bork and Mark, two kids equipped with swords best described as toys. Marcelo is a member of the Holy Tempel Knights. Clad in a blue robe, he seems to occupy quite a high position within the organization.

Dragon Quest VIII: Sora to Umi to Daichi to Norowareshi Himegimi will be available in Japan sometime this winter.

• SB Games