The highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to generate immense excitement, not just for its intricate combat and expansive world, but for the rich tapestry of characters and narrative opportunities it promises. Within the sprawling, perilous Kingdom of Pharloom, players will encounter a myriad of challenges, formidable foes, and, crucially, a select few who offer invaluable aid. Among these, the enigmatic merchant Jubilana stands out, her quests — “Wandering Merchant” and “Lost Merchant” — being far more than mere distractions; they are pivotal pathways to essential gear and deeper lore.
The Elusive Purveyor: Who is Jubilana?
Jubilana is no ordinary vendor; she is a crucial NPC whose journey through the Citadel seems perpetually fraught with peril. Her persistent knack for getting into scrapes means players must actively seek her out and ensure her safety. Why bother, one might ask, with an NPC who can`t seem to stay out of trouble? The answer lies in her inventory. Jubilana carries some of the most sought-after items in Pharloom, wares that can significantly impact Hornet`s capabilities and overall progression. Ignoring her pleas is akin to politely refusing a power-up in a boss fight – an intriguing, if unwise, strategy.
The Call to Adventure: Unlocking Her Quests
Unlike some of Pharloom`s more straightforward encounters, Jubilana`s quests do not simply appear on a silver platter. They originate from the wish board in Songclave, a quaint settlement nestled in the far-right corner of the Choral Chamber. However, the quests, much like the merchant herself, are somewhat coy. To coax them onto the board, players must first demonstrate their commitment to the realm`s ongoing affairs:
- Begin by ringing the bell in Songclave and engaging with the diligent Caretaker. A conversation, it seems, is the first key.
- Next, a brief departure from Songclave is required. Fast travel out, perhaps to attend to other pressing matters, and then return. The world of Pharloom, it appears, appreciates a bit of dramatic timing.
- Finally, tackling a few other side quests from the wish board seems to be the customary offering to the quest gods. Only after this subtle courtship will Jubilana`s “Wandering Merchant” and later, “Lost Merchant” quests grace the board.
A Journey Through Pharloom: Locating the Lost
Once activated, the chase for Jubilana truly begins. Her “lost” state is a recurring theme, suggesting a character who might benefit from a more reliable travel agent.
The Wandering Merchant
This quest typically appears around the halfway point of Act 2. Jubilana is located in the left-hand side of the Choral Chamber, positioned above and slightly to the left of the entrance to Whiteward. Upon finding her, players are usually greeted by a small assembly of aggressive local fauna. Dispelling these creatures is essential, as Jubilana seems understandably hesitant to conduct business in a hostile environment.
The Lost Merchant
A later-game endeavor, “Lost Merchant” demands further dedication to Songclave`s wish board, often requiring completion of other substantial quests like “Fine Pins” or “Balm for the Wounded.” Once available, Hornet`s search will lead her deep into the Memorium zone, specifically to its lower-right corner. Here, a hidden path reveals an open area that leads into the Putrefied Ducts. True to form, Jubilana is once again surrounded by flying enemies, seemingly attracting trouble like a moth to a very dangerous flame. Clearing these hostiles ensures her safety and, more importantly, unlocks her enhanced inventory.
Treasures of the Citadel: Jubilana`s Coveted Wares
The reward for these rescue missions is substantial. Jubilana`s inventory expands significantly after each successful recovery, offering unique tools, vital upgrades, and valuable crafting materials.
After “Wandering Merchant”:
- Tool: Ascendant`s Grip – Priced at 350x Rosaries.
- Tool: Spool Extender – A more substantial investment at 720x Rosaries.
- Health Upgrade: Mask Shard – A critical item for increasing Hornet`s survivability, costing 750x Rosaries.
- Unique Item: Simple Key – Unlocks various secrets across Pharloom, available for 650x Rosaries.
After “Lost Merchant”:
- Tool: Spider Strings – A relatively modest 320x Rosaries.
- Silk Upgrade: Spool Fragment – Enhances Hornet`s silk abilities for 500x Rosaries.
- Crafting Currency: Craftmetal – Essential for various crafting endeavors, priced at 180x Rosaries.
- Quest Item: Choral Commandment – A tantalizing hint at further narrative, costing 210x Rosaries.
Beyond the Bargain: The Greater Significance
While the immediate gratification of new items is appealing, Jubilana`s quests serve a broader purpose within the intricate narrative of Silksong. Much like the bounty board quests in Bone Bottom and Bellhart, these merchant rescue missions are not isolated incidents. They contribute to a larger, unfolding story, directly influencing later campaign events. To neglect Jubilana is not merely to miss out on a few useful trinkets; it is to potentially alter the very fabric of Pharloom`s destiny, perhaps inadvertently creating a timeline where valuable allies are never encountered, or crucial revelations remain veiled. Such is the nature of a meticulously crafted Metroidvania.
Ultimately, Jubilana embodies the spirit of exploration and reward so central to the Hollow Knight experience. Her constant need for assistance is a charming, if slightly repetitive, call to action, reminding players that in the vast, dangerous world of Pharloom, even the most astute travelers can find themselves in a bind. Her rescue is not just a triumph for Hornet, but a testament to the player`s diligence, ensuring that the echoes of silk and song resonate throughout the kingdom, leading to prosperity, power, and perhaps, a slightly less accident-prone future for one particular merchant.
Callum Darby