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Niccolo is a recurring character in the Mana series, albeit one whose name has been translated a few different ways through the years. InVisions of Mana, the cat-like, mouse-like, whatever-he-is, chipper merchant is back with not only a critical role to play in the main storyline, but several side quests as well.
While ascertaining the precise timing of each Niccolo side quest’s availability is tricky at best, we’ve done what we can, and we’ll update this guide when it all solidifies into a more thorough understanding. Regardless, we’ve covered every quest, its tasks, and its subsequent rewards. Have fun helping him out of a few binds!
Niccolo’s Purrplexing Problem
The first Niccolo side questtriggered for us around an hour or so past the events in Illystana, after the party set off in search of a certain someone’s corestone. (It’s a spoiler!)
Our advice, however, is tocheck back at Niccolo’s Emporium regularly. Not only because you’llwant to bring newly acquired corestonesfor ability seed rewards anyway, but also, becauseyou can’t see whether Niccolo has a new side quest available just by looking at Illystana’s map.
In any case, this one’s simple:he just needs some Harpy Down, which drop fromthe Harpy enemy, which we found in Dura Gorge. Arrive from themain entrance to Dura Gorge(the one which involves using the Wind Vessel early on), and you’ll soon find some.
Reward:
A Purrsistent Problem
By time time you’ve reachedDura Gorgeat the latest,A Purrsistent Problemshould pop up when youreturn to Niccolo’s Emporium. Again, though,keep checking back when you’re in town, because the precise timing is hard to narrow down.
It’s anothermonster part retrieval quest, and this time, we’re looking forBumpkin bomb powder. Wouldn’t you know it, then, butBumpkins drop theseupon defeat.
You’ll finda plentiful amount of Bumpkins at Ahrvet’s Pasture, specificallyalong the wheat and lavender fields. Bring ‘em to Niccolo to finish the quest.
Retrieving Purrloined Goods
Frankly,just exit and re-enter Niccolo’s Emporiumafter the conclusion of the prior quest, as there’s a chanceRetrieving Purrloined Goodsis ready immediately. If not,certainly try again by the time you’ve recruited Julei.
Head back toAhrvet’s PasturewithRetrieving Purrloined Goods selected as your priority side quest. It’ll let you know thegeneral area where the Quilted Hoods have gathered. Kill ‘em, and be advised,they’re at a higher level than normal and come in waves.
If you’re struggling,Morley as a Nightblade and Val as any of his tanky classesought to dispense of the Quilted Hoods quickly.
The Purrpetrator Is…
We’ll go ahead and say, yes,check back at Niccolo’s Emporium immediately. We unlockedThe Purrpetrator Is…swiftly thereafter.
We’reheading back to Ahrvet’s Pasture againto battlea higher number of Quilted Hoodsat the designated area. Use the same strategy as we recommended above.There will be an increased number this timerelative to last time so don’t forget to heal when necessary!
No Rest For The Wicked
At minimum,you will definitely need to have acquired Julei as your fifth and final party memberbefore you can beginNo Rest for the Wicked, as Julei plays a part in this fun quest.
No Rest for the Wickedlacks a fail condition, but Val (and by virtue, the player) mustassign each party member a specific task to help with around the shop. you may either assign based on perceived strengths, or intentionally botch the assignments. Either way, it’s funny.
Niccolo’s Last Request
We got this onearound the time we defeated the first two Benevodons. Your mileage may vary. In any case,we need to set out for Zawhak Desertto hunt someBulettesfor their horns.
The Bulette herd at themarked destinationis quite powerful, withlevels in the mid-forties, a high number of them on-screen at a time,and an overall easy-to-panic-in situation if you’re not leveled up accordingly.
Morley remains a solid pickas hisNightblade’s special attack can strike several of them at oncewhile keeping him out of the fray simultaneously.Palamena is another good choiceif you candirectly control her to keep her away from the herdwhile she casts her mighty spells.
If all else fails,head into the fight with a full CS gaugeto deal heaps of damage out the gate.
