The treacherous lands of Pharloom are rife with challenges, hidden pathways, and enigmatic characters. Among the most perplexing, yet utterly essential, is Jubilana – the titular Wandering Merchant and later, the Lost Merchant. Her predicaments are frequent, her locations obscure, but her wares are invaluable. This guide will meticulously outline how to navigate her quests, ensuring you don`t miss out on vital upgrades and story progression in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Unlocking the Merchant`s Tale: The Songclave Wish Board
Before you embark on a wild goose chase across Pharloom, your journey to assist Jubilana begins in Songclave, a quaint (if slightly melodramatic) settlement nestled in the far-right corner of the Choral Chamber. It’s here, at the infamous wish board, that tales of woe and opportunity converge. However, Jubilana`s desperate pleas won`t simply materialize; you`ll need to engage in a bit of administrative bureaucracy first.
First, locate and ring the bell in Songclave, then converse with the ever-present Caretaker. Following this, a brief departure from Songclave – perhaps a quick jaunt to another region and back, or tackling a few minor errands – is often required for new quests, including Jubilana`s initial distress signal, to populate the board. Patience, young Hornet, is a virtue, even when merchants are perpetually misplacing themselves.
The First Encounter: The Wandering Merchant`s Plight
The “Wandering Merchant” quest typically makes its debut around the midpoint of Act 2, hinting at Jubilana’s less-than-stellar navigational skills. You’ll find her initially stranded on the left-hand side of the Choral Chamber, precariously situated above and to the left of the entrance to the enigmatic Whiteward. Upon arrival, you might notice she`s surrounded by a rather unsavory crowd. A swift application of Hornet`s needle will disperse these undesirables, and only then will Jubilana deign to conduct business, acknowledging her newfound safety. One might wonder why a merchant of her caliber consistently finds herself in such predicaments, but perhaps that’s a mystery for another guide.
For your troubles, and her momentary relief, she offers:
- Tool: Ascendant`s Grip (Costs 350 Rosaries)
- Tool: Spool Extender (Costs 720 Rosaries)
- Health Upgrade: Mask Shard (Costs 750 Rosaries)
- Crucial Item: Simple Key (Costs 650 Rosaries)
The Simple Key, in particular, is often a bottleneck for progress, making this rescue effort a high-priority endeavor.
A Familiar Predicament: The Lost Merchant`s Return
True to form, Jubilana`s next crisis, dubbed the “Lost Merchant” quest, emerges significantly later in your campaign. This isn`t merely a matter of patience; it often requires you to clear out other lingering requests from the Songclave wish board – tasks like “Fine Pins” or “Balm for the Wounded” might need your attention first. It seems the denizens of Pharloom have a long list of grievances, and Jubilana just happens to be on it twice.
Once the “Lost Merchant” quest finally graces your board, prepare for a trek to the Memorium zone. Your objective lies in the lower-right corner, accessible via a cleverly hidden path that veers into the Putrefied Ducts. Here, you`ll find Jubilana once again in a bind, besieged by several aerial adversaries. Dispatch them with prejudice, clear the air, and she will, predictably, resume her entrepreneurial duties.
Her second, expanded inventory includes:
- Tool: Spider Strings (Costs 320 Rosaries)
- Silk Upgrade: Spool Fragment (Costs 500 Rosaries)
- Crafting Currency: Craftmetal (Costs 180 Rosaries)
- Quest Item: Choral Commandment (Costs 210 Rosaries)
The Merchant`s Value: Beyond Just Goods
While the individual items Jubilana sells are undeniably valuable – from crucial Mask Shards bolstering your health to Simple Keys unlocking new areas and Spool Fragments enhancing your silk abilities – her significance extends far beyond mere commerce. Successfully completing both the “Wandering Merchant” and “Lost Merchant” quests isn`t just about accumulating trinkets.
These rescues, much like other seemingly minor tasks from various bounty boards across Pharloom, contribute to a grander narrative tapestry. They are, in fact, integral triggers for pivotal events later in Hollow Knight: Silksong`s sprawling campaign, specifically influencing the “Silk and Soul/Act 3” storyline. Neglect Jubilana at your peril, for the threads of destiny often begin with a lost shopkeeper.
Conclusion
With this guide, you should be well-equipped to locate and assist Jubilana through her various… “unfortunate incidents.” Her unwavering ability to get into trouble is matched only by the sheer utility of her inventory. So, gather your Rosaries, hone your needle, and ensure this perpetually lost merchant finds her way – for the sake of your inventory and the unfolding saga of Pharloom.
Gareth Fenton 
Ellis Thorne