The mysterious black knight join a few trademark DQ monsters in this latest DQIX information update.

Square Enix's latest update on Dragon Quest IX changes the pace from past updates, which focused on gameplay systems, and offers up a look at a few of the game's monsters, along with further hints at the game's main story line.

Four monsters are introduced in today's update. The Romanizations for the names are unofficial and may not match up with the English version of DQIX.

Dorozara

This monster's innards consist of nothing but sand. Defeat it, and the sand scatters, getting into your party members' eyes and making it difficult for them to make further attacks.

Haniwa Knight

A monster that was formed from a horse and knight doll that was buried in sacrifice in order to quiet the spirit of a dead king. The horse has a fire breath attack which damages your entire party. The knight has a lasso attack.

Slime Tower

Formed when there aren't enough Slimes to form a King Slime.

Gama Cannons

Its nickname is "ammunition depot" owing to the fact that it can make use of a variety of missiles in its attacks. Examples include the Scud Missile and the Nenmaku-dan (roughly, "Mucus Bomb").

Dorozara

Slime Tower

Gama Cannons

Haniwa Knight

Outside of these creatures, Square Enix shared a look at another a mysterious black knight. This enemy appears to be related to the game's story.

Screenshots show villagers telling the player that the knight is said to appear in the castle town following an earthquake. Responding to rumors of the knight's impending attack, the castle seeks people to join a defense force.

Other screenshots show what appears to be the arrival of the knight on the town. The king states that he's sent out soldiers to Shyutine Lake and expresses concern that the knight will come now that the castle guard is light. Encountering the player, the black knight demands to know the location of the princess, whom he refers to as "lovely."

These vague story hints will presumably become a bit more solid as Dragon Dragon IX's July release approaches.

(left, center) Townfolk discuss the mysterious black knight. (right) Castle guards disclose that they're seeking people to join a defense force.

(left) The king expresses concern about the smaller soldier presence. (center, right) The black knight arrives and demands the princess's whereabouts.