Midzyas/Vessel of the Desert

A sketch of Midzyas drawn by his creator, Arcticseal156

The Cloaked Merchant is a character featured in Hollow Knight: Vessel of the Desert. He is a mysterious resident of the Searing Deserts, keeping his identity hidden completely.

## Appearance

The Cloaked Merchant wears a black cloak with four horns sticking out of the hood. He has a tail similar to that of Midzyas.

## Location

In every location of the Searing Deserts, a dark tent will appear in one room, where the Cloaked Merchant will appear. His services can be used while he is in the tent. After enough progression has been made in said area, The Cloaked Merchant will move to a different area, making his services inaccessible in the previous area. If he has been visited in all areas, he can be found in the Temple of the Ruby in the **Scorching Cliffs**, where he can be fought as a boss. After he is defeated, he will permanently be located in the Ruins of Scorp.

## Services

The Cloaked Merchant will provide multiple services to Scorpion, in exchange for Amber or other items.

### Brightflame Materials

If Scorpion brings materials from Brightflame Cacti to him, The Cloaked Merchant will give 250 Amber for each Cactus Shell, and 500 Amber for one bottle of Brightflame Fluid.

### Items

#### Deserter's Journal

> A dusty old journal I found in the dunes. Seems to overview all the creatures in this land. I haven't taken the time to decipher the notes, but I'm sure you can.
>
>

Functions similarly to the Hunter's Journal.

**Cost:** 500 Amber

#### Undertaker's Wrath

> I found this charm wedged into an eroded statue. I cleaned it off and it seems to imbue the bearer with an almighty strength. However, it's incredibly powerful, so I'll have to charge you a hefty price for it.
>
>

Doubles Scorpion's damage missing at least one mask but decreases attack speed. Scales with more missing masks and multiplies by 7x damage when at 1 mask while decreasing attack speed to 1.8 seconds. Costs 5 notches.

**Cost:** 4520 Amber

## Dialogue

* Desert Surface
* Searing Caverns
* Ashen Graveyards
* Coral Caverns
* Crimsonleaf
* Scorching Cliffs; Temple of the Ruby
* Ruins of Scorp, outside the Ruins of Scorp entrance

**Scorpion**: Yes in fact. I am Scorpion, and I was looking for someone I could sell my wares.
**The** **Cloaked Merchant:** Hrm, I see. I am the Cloaked Merchant, the greatest travelling merchant in all of the Searing Deserts! Well, because I'm the only one here…
**Scorpion:** That is quite the interesting title indeed. Say... you look quite similar to a friend of mine.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** What similarities do I have to this 'friend' you mention? I am The Cloaked Merchant, not whatever lowly scum you call a friend!
**Scorpion**: Alrighty then. If you're a merchant, then you have things you can sell! May I see?
**The Cloaked Merchant:** Your pockets seem quite empty. Bring me materials from a Brightflame Cactus, and I will return the favor with a hefty amount of Amber.
 Alternate final dialogue if Brightflame Materials are obtained before speaking with
 Why am I doing this

**Scorpion:** Well, I came to explore this place to find anything about myself. I know I originated in this place, but there's nothing about someone like me.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** Hrm... interesting. Regardless, I will still relieve you of your cacti materials, but I managed to crack open a few safes I found in the dunes. Give me Amber, and I'll give them to you.
 First Interaction in Searing Caverns if never spoken to before
**Scorpion:** I'm Scorpion. I only just needed to rest for a moment before I move on, but since there's a shop here, I actually wouldn't mind buying something.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** I see. Luckily, you've caught me at the perfect time. I just finished setting up my shop.
**Scorpion:** Well that's strangely convenient. Say... you look similar to a friend of mine.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** Do not talk to me about how similar I am to your friend. The information will not benefit me in any way, neither will it you.
**Scorpion:** Seems cryptic. Alright, fair enough. Anyways, what do you have in this shop?
**The Cloaked Merchant:** I will provide two services. One being I will sell various tools and gizmos I find in exchange for Amber, but I will also reward you Amber if you have any Brightflame Cactus materials on you. I could really use them.

**Scorpion:** It took some time, give or take all of the annoying critters in the way, but I finally made it.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** I see. Unfortunately, you've caught me at an inconvenient time. I just closed up shop, and was catching a quick rest before I head off.
**Scorpion:** Oh. That's a shame. But I wish to ask. Where will you open shop next?
**The Cloaked Merchant:** You ask where I plan to open shop next, hm? Well, that's a mystery waiting to happen. Until we meet again, little traveler.

**Scorpion:** Yes. I know I am close to finding out who I am, and I won't hesitate to strike you down.
**The Cloaked Merchant:** Not a truth the weak could bear. Ready your blade, I won't hold back.
**Scorpion:** Alright then 'merchant'. I'll give you the battle you want, but I warn you. You'll get more than you're asking for.
 Post-Battle Dialogue
**The Cloaked Swordsman:** You've grown much in strength since the last time we fought. I must congratulate you.
**Scorpion:** Congratulating me on what exactly?
**The Cloaked Swordsman:** You see... this was all me testing you. A test of wits and a test of strength. Yet somehow... you passed them all.
**Scorpion:** I knew I had the feeling someone was watching me. But I never thought it'd be you of all people.
**The Cloaked Swordsman:** The reason I tested you is because I wanted to know if you were worthy to take on the higher being haunting this land, or if I would have to do it myself.
**Scorpion:** There is no higher being here, unlike in the other places I've been to. I only come to find my true origins.
**The Cloaked Swordsman:** Right. As promised, I will reveal who I truly am.
*There is a slight interval between dialogue as The Cloaked Swordsman takes off his hood.*
**Midzyas:** Congratulations, Scorpion.
**Scorpion:** Well I'll be! It's you!
**Midzyas:** I can't hide the truth any longer. I am the warrior you met in Pharloom.
**Scorpion:** It's nice to finally see you again Midzyas. I knew that fighting style seemed familiar.
**Midzyas:** The reason I came here is because that faded kingdom has slowly been succumbing to a dark substance. Not void, as my sibling confirmed. I came to this kingdom to find the source.
By the time I had arrived, I saw you within a short distance of the entrance. I didn't want you to know who I was, so I put on this cloak and hid my identity.
Yet, I see that you are one that ponders on mysteries.
**Scorpion:** All I can say is that there is no 'dark substance' in this place. This kingdom has been as empty as the husks that roam here for as long as I can remember.
**Midzyas:** I see. Either way, I want you to defeat the higher being that haunts this kingdom. I would have done it myself if you hadn't proven yourself.
**Scorpion:** IF there is a higher being here, I'll be the one to slay it.
**Midzyas:** Good luck, Scorpion.
**Scorpion:** As to you on your grand journeys, brother.
**After he leaves, Drak comes out.**
**Scorpion:** You knew it was him the whole time, didn't you?

I'd not dare enter. This is your quest, not mine.
**Scorpion:** Wow. To think I'd get this far. Are you sure you don't want to come? I mean, you helped me get here after all.
**Midzyas:** Don't try to talk me into entering. I want you to find out who you truly are. On your own.
**Scorpion:** That's nice of you, Midzyas. But I wasn't trying to sweet talk you into helping.
**Midzyas:** Fine. While I will not aid you in fighting the guardians, I will aid fighting the higher being as I can.
**Scorpion:** Thanks for willing to risk your life for me. If... If I don't come back, I hope you survive what lies ahead.
**Midzyas:** I see. Good luck then, Scorpion.

## Trivia

* The Scorching Cliffs and Crimsonleaf are the only locations in the Searing Deserts where the Cloaked Merchant's services cannot be used.
	+ His services can be used in the Ruins of Scorp if spoken to again outside the Inkmare Realm's entrance.
* He has unique dialogue if spoken to in other areas without first visiting him in the Desert Surface.