Metaphor: ReFantazio – A Dagger, A Ring, and A Rake Quest Walkthrough

Tarun3 weeks ago

Key Takeaways

Complete “A Dagger, A Ring, and A Rake” to unlock the Faker Archetype and gain Cuculus as a Follower.
Prepare thoroughly by obtaining key items like Thrilling Tintinnabulators and Mint Charms for status resistance.
Equip Light-based attacks and follow strategic steps to defeat Trove Imitec, the powerful dungeon boss guarding Malveno’s Ring.

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, side quests bring unique rewards and unlock special abilities, and the “A Dagger, A Ring, and A Rake” quest is a perfect example. Set in the town of Martira, this quest unfolds within the Abandoned Tomb, where you’ll battle powerful enemies and ultimately face off against the challenging boss, Trove Imitec. This walkthrough will guide you through every step, covering preparation, enemy weaknesses, and best tactics to unlock the Faker Archetype.

How to Start “A Dagger, A Ring, and A Rake” Quest

Locating the Quest: Head to Martira’s Thoroughfare Square and approach the “Pompous Man” NPC to trigger the beginning of the quest. Speaking to him initiates a short cutscene, after which Cuculus will request your help.
Requirements: You’ll need Rank 2 Imagination to accept the quest. We also recommend stocking up on Thrilling Tintinnabulators from St. Fermis Church to protect against the Sleep status inflicted by enemies.

Journey to the Abandoned Tomb

Once the quest is accepted, proceed to the Abandoned Tomb, located inside the Gauntlet Runner. Along the way, be prepared to face Demo Man Goddard, a notable enemy with skills aimed at lowering your Evasion and Hit Accuracy. Here are tips for tackling this part:

Electric Attacks: Demo Man Goddard is vulnerable to Electric-type attacks, so ensure a party member has this skill equipped.
Stay Aggressive: Constantly press the offense, especially when he attempts Evasion-reduction moves. Disrupt his attacks to minimize their impact.

Finding Malveno’s Ring in the Abandoned Tomb

Inside the Abandoned Tomb, navigate to the right corridor where chests are hidden. Be cautious, as enemies will ambush you while exploring.

Save Progress: After reaching the north end of the dungeon, save your progress. You’ll encounter a chest, guarded by a formidable cat named Plateau. The chest contains Malveno’s Ring but also triggers a fight with Trove Imitec, the dungeon’s Level 32 boss.

Battling Trove Imitec

Trove Imitec presents a significant challenge due to his high level and Sleep-inducing attacks. Here’s a strategy to handle this tricky boss:

Weakness Exploitation: Trove Imitec is vulnerable to Light-based attacks. Equip a Mage or an Igniter with the Mage Light skill to maximize damage.
Gold Attack: Use the Merchant’s Gold Attack to make him lose one of his two turns, which reduces his chances of launching additional strikes.
Brawler Archetype: If you’ve unlocked the Brawler Archetype, it’s highly useful here for its resistance to Physical attacks, which Trove Imitec frequently uses.
Status Resistance: Trove Imitec’s Sleep-inducing abilities can disrupt your battle rhythm. Use Mint Charms and ensure a Healer with Patra is available to counter status ailments quickly.

Tips for Team Composition:

Use a Brawler and Seeker to create a balance between physical resilience and healing.
Equip a Mage with Light-based skills for offensive attacks targeting Trove Imitec’s weaknesses.
Consider inheriting Healer skills, especially Patra, on a party member immune to Sleep to minimize downtime.

Unlocking Malveno’s Ring and Exiting the Dungeon

Once Trove Imitec is defeated, collect the Key he drops, which unlocks a hidden section in the dungeon where Malveno’s Ring is stored. Use the key on the blocked wall to access the final chest.

Collect Extra Loot: After retrieving the ring, feel free to roam the Abandoned Tomb for any missed items. Treasures such as the Sandsilk Blouse and Noble Sun Hat are located throughout and enhance defenses for future encounters.

Returning to Cuculus and Unlocking the Faker Archetype

With Malveno’s Ring in hand, return to Cuculus at Martira’s Thoroughfare Square. Completing this quest yields several rewards:

Follower Bond: Cuculus will join your team as a Follower, offering unique abilities.
Faker Archetype: This Archetype unlocks, adding new tactical options.
Currency Reward: You’ll receive 15,000 Reeve, useful for supplies or upgrades.

Additional Tips and Suggestions

Use the Seeker’s Skills: If you can delay the quest until after 7/4, you’ll unlock an additional party member with access to the Steal skill, which is invaluable in this dungeon. This skill allows you to loot rare items like Blessed Water and an MP-recovery accessory from mimics.
Enemy Awareness: Mimic chests (indicated in red) are plentiful in the Abandoned Tomb. Use Gallica’s Pulse to identify and avoid these traps unless you’re ready for an extra battle.
Effective Preparation: Buy a Mint Charm at Grand Trad’s Gloamhall to shield against Sleep attacks, and level up your Healer to at least Level 5 to learn Patra for curing status ailments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best team composition for this quest? A balanced team of Brawler, Seeker, Mage, and Merchant or Warrior is recommended. This setup provides solid offensive, defensive, and healing options that can counter Trove Imitec’s attacks.

Q2: Can I complete this quest before Rank 2 Imagination? No, Rank 2 Imagination is a prerequisite. Increasing your rank unlocks new quest options and abilities essential for survival in more challenging areas like the Abandoned Tomb.

Q3: What level should I be for the Trove Imitec battle? Ideally, your team should be around Level 27-30 to handle the boss effectively. Lower levels may struggle with his powerful attacks and status effects.

Conclusion

With thorough preparation, strategic planning, and the right team, the “A Dagger, A Ring, and A Rake” quest offers a rewarding experience in Metaphor: ReFantazio. By following this guide, you’ll not only complete the quest but also gain powerful assets, including the Faker Archetype and valuable loot.