Gypsy

Gypsies are non-playable characters appearing in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. Their role in the game generally consists of being town merchants, while others will provide special services such as allowing the the player to reach hidden areas. A few others lurk in the various graveyards scattered throughout the Transylvanian countryside and will present the player with powerful items if one knows how to make them come out from their hiding places.
==Origins==
Many fictional depictions of Romani people (or gypsies) in literature and art present romanticized narratives of their supposed mystical powers of fortune-telling or their passionate temper, paired with an indomitable love of freedom and a habit of criminality. The Romani ethnicity is often portrayed in contemporary fantasy literature as possessing archaic occult knowledge passed down through the ages.
A group of gypsies appeared in the 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. In the book, they were loyal servants of Count Dracula, which probably served as inspiration for their appearance in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. However, by being servants of Dracula, their role was the opposite to how they are portrayed in the game(s), where in the latter, they act as merchants and give Simon Belmont clues to aid him in his quest, with some even providing him with unique magical artifacts without asking for anything in return.
In one of the most climactic scenes of the novel, Dracula's gypsy servants are making haste riding a cart along the Carpathian mountains that carries a box containing their undead master toward his castle before sunset strikes. The heroes ambush them by both flanks and a struggle then ensues between both groups. While making his way through his enemies, Quincey Morris (inspiration for the Castlevania mentioned character, Quincy Morris) receives a fatal knife wound by one of the servants. Quincey still manages to subdue the foe and hurries to help Jonathan Harker open the box. A weakened Dracula then comes out of it, but at that moment sunset strikes and the Count's previous desperate expression turns triumphant. Making one last supreme effort, Quincey manages to jump at the Count and pierces his heart with his Bowie knife, killing the vampire. Unfortunately, Morris doesn't survive his wound and dies shortly afterward.
==Types of gypsies==
===Town merchants===
Gypsy merchants, can be found in most towns, where they sell a variety of items. Hearts serve as currency to make any transactions with them.
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===Ferryman===
The Ferryman will generally offer Simon passage down the Dead River to the town of Aldra. However, if he is presented with Dracula's heart, he will take him via a secret path to Brahm's Mansion instead.
===Oak Stake merchant===
Residing somewhere inside each mansion is a gypsy merchant who offers to sell an Oak Stake for 50 Hearts. This stake is mandatory for obtaining the relic housed inside.
===Graveyard gypsies===
The graveyard gypsies appear in two of the many graveyards found in the game. They love Garlic and will manifest to Simon if he places a clove in the correct location of the graveyard. Once found, they will present Simon with special and powerful items:
*The one in Camilla Cemetery can be summoned at the westernmost point of the cemetery, near the entrance, and will present Simon with a Silver Knife.
*The one in Storigoi Graveyard can be summoned at the dead-end of the westernmost point of the cemetery. He will present Simon with a Silk Bag, which will increase his capacity for holding Laurels.
===Traveling gypsies===
There are certain gypsies that can be found in the Transylvanian wilds, outside of towns. They will present Simon with special items to help him destroy the curse, asking nothing in return. There is one who gives him a Diamond to fight off enemies, one in Laruba Mansion who provides him with a full supply of Laurels, and one who upgrades his Morning Star to a Flame Whip, the most powerful whip in the game.
==Other appearances==
*The Mysterious Woman who informs Simon Belmont about the curse placed upon him during his battle with Dracula seven years ago, is stated to be a gypsy in the timeline that is part of the Castlevania 20th Anniversary Pre-order Bundle,Castlevania 20th Anniversary Pre-order Bundle. Konami. 2006. Timeline. 1698: Castlevania II Simon's Quest. as well as in the Japanese version of Simon Belmont's ending from Castlevania Judgment.
*Various characters take the roles of the merchant Gypsies in the Worlds of Power 4 - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest novel:
**Jova merchants: A monk takes the role of all three merchants, selling a Thorn Whip, White Crystal, and Holy Water. He takes some visual cues from the Gypsies as well, donning a gray cloak and hood.
**Oak Stake merchant of Berkeley Mansion: The old lady caretaker of Berkeley Mansion, Ezederada Perkins, fulfills this row by giving the heroes an Oak Stake.
**Veros merchants: Unnamed merchants, at least one of who is a member of the Resistance Movement, take this role by selling a Dagger and Chain Whip.
**Aljiba merchants: Edward Farquar takes this role by selling Garlic and Laurels.
*Certain characters appearing in following installments, as well as other related media, appear to be inspired by the Gypsies from Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, such as the Pied Piper from Castlevania Chronicles, and Miranda from the Castlevania animated series.
*Laura, a character appearing in Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, is possibly a gypsy; implied by her characteristic apparel, as well as her heavy use and crafting of jewelry.
==See also==
*Ferryman
*Merchants (category)
*Miranda
*Mysterious Woman
*Pied Piper
==References==
Category:Humans
Category:Merchants
Category:NPC
Category:Simon's Quest Characters