Corvosi Folklore Record
The Corvosi Folklore Record is a series of short lore excerpts about 
The Merchant's Tale, unlocked as the player clears different paths of the dungeon.
There are thirteen entries in total to unlock.
Entries
A Land of Abundance
“The merchant pressed on toward the timeworn palace, the wind against his face bearing the rich scent of nature.
The Merchant's Tale is a well-known fable passed down in Corvos, located in southern Ilsabard. Though attributed to no single author, it has for centuries been a beloved favorite of children in the Near East. Due to its long history, particulars of the story vary greatly depending on who is telling it and when.
Prior to our most recent journey into the book's pages, I perused several editions of The Merchant's Tale housed in the archives of Noumenon and found multiple variations of the narrative's development and conclusion. Yet despite their differences, they all shared several connecting threads. Namely, the main plot is driven by a young merchant's search for a treasure to win the heart of his beloved. Moreover, they all describe the setting─Corvos itself─as a breathtaking locale where emerald greenery stretches as far as the eye can see. This is not far from reality, as Corvos is renowned even now for its warm, pleasant clime and rich soil which bestows plentiful harvests.
Indeed, the palace we encountered on this foray was surrounded by abundance, yet the structure itself was seemingly forgotten by time. Ruins oft make an appearance in various editions of the story in the form of abandoned palaces, villages razed by wild beasts, and so on. Perhaps the aim of such elements is to impress upon readers the inexorable power of nature and its creatures.
— Entry 1 of 13
A Carpet Soars
“Woven with golden thread, the carpet glided through the night sky, silent and shimmering like a falling star.
Although the palace was laden with treasure, we chose to bring back a magicked carpet. We witnessed our foe using it to fly hither and thither, and it seemed to obey the commands of its master absolutely. As appealing as a mountain of gems might be, one cannot put a price on the ability to soar through the skies.
The origins of such carpets are widely known in the Near East. As the maiden told us, it is said an ancient Corvosi king entrapped a pari and forced her to create them. In fact, one scholar of folklore found evidence that this legend predates The Merchant's Tale. Perhaps the fable weaves together several others which circulated through the region during the same time period, meaning that the illuminated manuscript is a rich tapestry of Corvosi tradition and culture. Its value as a scholarly and historic document cannot be overstated.
As it happens, there have been attempts to recreate the fabled carpets through magical means, with some success being seen in recent times. Oh, how simple life would be if, like the pari, one could simply drift off and be carried in the direction of one's whims. Yet I suppose that would rob one of the pleasures of the journey itself. For now, I am content to travel by my own two feet.
— Entry 2 of 13
A Foe of Flame
“The pari rose to her feet, and in an instant all was wreathed in flames.
Our last foe was almost comically slothful, but perhaps I would be too if I had flying carpets at my beck and call. Still, she put up a fierce fight, and I shudder to think what might have happened if she took us more seriously. Given how effortlessly she called a rain of fire upon us, I would rather not imagine her in a foul mood.
A legend widely circulated throughout the Near East tells of an ancient Corvosi king who succeeded in bringing a pari under his thrall. He had her craft magicked carpets for his own use, yet knowing the power at the pari's disposal, I struggle to imagine how the king would command her. During my research, I came across other folktales which illustrate elaborate rituals performed when making a pact with fantastic beings. One well-known example consists of three steps: first, one must convey peaceful intent through body language. Second, one must speak a specific set of words. Lastly, one must entertain the being as a final gesture of trust.
Somehow, I wager that the pari we encountered would fall asleep long before such an intricate rite was complete.
— Entry 3 of 13
Fragrant Fruits
“In a show of appreciation for his companion's bravery, the merchant plucked the sun-kissed fruit from a nearby tree and offered it to his bodyguard.
The apples and grapes I sampled during our journey tasted much like the ones in Old Sharlayan, albeit with a slightly different texture. That is to be expected, of course, since most of those fruits are grown in Labyrinthos.
That climate of that grand repository is actually a recreation of the environment of southern Ilsabard, namely Corvos. Such conditions are ideal for both flora and fauna to thrive, and thus much of the fruit cultivated there derives from varieties originating in Corvos. However, in the intervening years since the illuminated manuscript was written, the fruits have undergone countless generations of selective breeding. This likely explains the familiar yet subtly different flavor.
One could say that what I ate within the book was something like the original stock of what we eat today. I have heard that crops grown in Corvos have changed drastically since the Garleans conquered the land, meaning such old varieties might even be lost to time. Given that the manuscript makes it possible to examine and even taste such rare specimens, it has a heretofore-unknown value as a historical source. I must share this discovery with an acquaintance of mine who studies agricultural sciences at the Studium.
— Entry 4 of 13
The Sunlit Expanse
“The rippling ocean surface and shells strewn upon the beach each reflected the sun's rays in a competition of brilliance.
Every object that caught my eyes glittered like a gemstone, impressing upon me the beauty of the sea. We only beheld the scene in the daylight, but doubtless nightfall would have brought an even more wondrous sight. I have heard that in some areas along the coasts of the Corvos Narrow, the rocks are stained a pale pink, the color arising from a mixture of the environmental aether and the remains of small organisms accumulated over many long years. Again I am reminded how strange and fascinating nature can be.
Incidentally, among the several volumes of The Merchant's Tale I consulted was one from Radz-at-Han wherein the primary setting was a dazzling coastal region. In that edition of the story, the characters traversed a coral cave and walked inside a gigantic spiral shell. There, they accepted a starfish's invitation to the bottom of the sea, where the Sea King bestows upon them a pearl that glows with a soft pink light. This treasure was the one which ultimately moved the maiden's heart.
Indeed, corals, spiral shells, starfish, and such all made an appearance in our journey, yet none seemed to carry any special significance. Perhaps in another version of events these objects could play a more crucial role in the merchant's quest.
— Entry 5 of 13
Treasure at the Ocean's Floor
“Enshrined upon a pedestal of coral, the jewel flickered faintly. Any who looked upon it became entranced, as if swallowed by that strange light.
The jewel dropped by the sea-maid shone with a mysterious light. The coral pedestal itself was also a sight to behold, colored with hues of white, blue, and pink, as if it housed the entirety of the sea and its creatures. Could it have been a pearl, I wonder? If so, it would have come from a clam of almost impossible size, although perhaps not so impossible in such nutrient-rich waters. I had a chance to examine the jewel and found it flawless. Clearly, even among the wonders of the ocean floor, it was a singular treasure.
Unfortunately, it was not enough. The magnificent jewel failed to move the maiden, bringing an end to our tale. I wonder what the merchant did after that. Did he offer his beloved the jewel even if she had no interest in it? Or did he, as the maiden suggested, sell it for unimaginable riches? Such a treasure would have fetched a fortune in trade. The fact that the maiden was unmoved makes me believe that what she seeks is neither beautiful, precious, nor rare.
— Entry 6 of 13
Ruler of the Radiant Sea
“The sea-maid sang a song of lament. And with every heart-wrenching verse, the merchant's chest tightened like a vise.
Our final adversary fought as if weighed down by sorrow. Or perhaps I imagined it because the genie we faced prior was so cheerful by contrast. Even if her crestfallen expression was merely a contrivance of the story, I cannot help but wonder at the circumstances which caused it.
Stories and lore involving sea-folk are not limited to Corvos─they exist the world over. Some tales portray them as dangerous creatures who bewitch people and drag them into the depths, while others depict them as friends and allies. Taking this into account, perhaps the sea-maid in the manuscript might become more amiable depending on how events unfold. We could possibly even communicate and form a mutually beneficial relationship.
In our battle, it seemed the sea-maid controlled other sea creatures through song. This may imply her origins lie in a culture which held music in high regard. Even if we did not share a common tongue, a melody might convey our feelings properly. However, I fear neither my bodyguard nor I can sing loud enough to be heard from under the water's surface. Even so, there may be a way to make a sound that reaches even the ocean floor.
— Entry 7 of 13
The Ocean's Bounty
“The merchant apprised the shimmering waters before him, certain that they contained riches untold.
While I tend to become distracted by grand scenery, even the most stoic soul would be stunned speechless by the beautiful sea we came upon. Beds of seaweed thick as a forest, glittering fish beyond counting, and crabs hoisting their claws up high as if rejoicing─truly, a culinarian would marvel at the ingredients gathered there. I daresay a truly skilled hand could prepare a full-course meal without stepping foot from those verdant shores.
Strangely enough, there was not a single fisher in sight, yet I suppose the sheer number of deadly creatures we encountered is sufficient explanation. Much like the protagonist of The Merchant's Tale, I am no fighter, so I was most grateful for my bodyguard's presence.
And although we met nary a soul, we noticed the plain markings of civilization along the way. Perhaps there was a fishing village we overlooked somehow. Oh, what I would not give for a glimpse into their way of life. Which of the sea's bounties did they favor? And how did they prepare them? I admit, the lack of answers does fill me with some measure of regret.
— Entry 8 of 13
Valley of Extremes
“That valley hid astonishing sights. Boulders drifted through the air like clouds, and tiny pebbles crashed to the ground like cannonballs.
Among the many fantastic locales we have seen thus far, the valley has left the most indelible impression. There, magnetized rocks interact with the ambient aether of the environment, causing even the most massive to rise into the air like feathers on a breeze. However, should that delicate balance be interrupted even for a moment, the rocks overhead come crashing down at once. Truly, I have seen naught else like it.
In that most singular place in the valley's depths, we faced an equally singular foe─a lone swordswoman. She struck as soon as we approached her, as if she had been long awaiting a worthy opponent. In the Near East, a bow is a customary greeting, yet if we had followed polite custom, we would have been cut down in an instant.
After our return, my research indicated that long ago in Corvos, practitioners of an ancient sword art known as the Unyielding Blade would hone their skills deep within a similar valley. Anyone who set foot there would be compelled to fight, even if they were no warrior. If one could survive such deadly company for enough days and nights, they would be allowed to leave. Emerging from that place alive was indisputable proof of one's mastery of the blade. The lengths some go to achieve such heights are both impressive and terrifying in equal measure.
— Entry 9 of 13
A Blade Engraven
“Intricate patterns were carved into the blade, leaving no space untouched.
We retrieved the swordmaster's weapon from the depths of the valley. The ornamentation alone marks it as a work of art, but the patterns carved into the blade itself are its most striking feature. The ancient technique of the Unyielding Blade passed down in Corvos is said to resemble other magic-focused sword schools, wherein the user channels aether into their weapon and unleashes it as an attack. Likely the patterns on the blade served to condense the wielder's aether, thus amplifying the power of such strikes.
This background explains why the valley became a training ground for aspiring swordmasters. The rocks there were so strongly magnetized that they floated in the air. By pouring lightning-aspected aether into them, one could strengthen the magnetism further. Conversely, earth-aspected aether could be used to weaken the effect. By honing one's mastery over the rocks in the valley, a prospective swordmaster could apply such knowledge to their deadly art.
In fact, we were able to observe several of the once-floating rocks strewn about the ground during our journey. I wonder what would happen if we infused them with aether somehow? At the very least, we would have a taste of the grueling training endured by the swordmasters.
— Entry 10 of 13
Master of the Unyielding Blade
“While the master of the Unyielding Blade wielded but a single sword, it cut from all directions at once.
Our last foe was a practitioner of an ancient style of swordplay known as the Unyielding Blade. Never did I think I would behold such techniques with my own eyes, so the encounter was a pleasant but deadly surprise. In the real world, the swordmasters of the Unyielding Blade were systematically slaughtered in the war against the Garlean Empire. While some apparently survived this purge, they could not bear imperial oppression and rose up in a failed rebellion. At last, the final swordmaster was taken captive and met an unjust end, or so I have heard. Stories say that in ages past, the esoteric order would offer demonstrations of their skills as a show of loyalty to the royal family─yet another tradition that was stamped out under the imperial heel.
Recalling such displays reminds me of a scene in an edition of The Merchant's Tale written for children. In it, the characters reach a stage which shone in rainbow hues. It was built not for a king or queen, but as a ceremonial place to make an offering of friendship to a different race of people. If kings take pleasure in displays of martial prowess, what would pique the interest of an entirely different race? Gaining an understanding of the story's cultural background should allow us to anticipate the tale's twists before they happen, and use that insight to drive our actions while within the book.
— Entry 11 of 13
In a Harsh Nature
“Where the very earth disobeyed nature's rules, the merchant walked a fine line between life and death with every step.
Life somehow finds a way to thrive in even the harshest environs. Although this is but my own theory, I think the struggle to survive makes both flora and fauna more delicious. I tested this theory on the mushrooms that clung to rocky surfaces of the valley walls, and I stand firm in its truth, for they were exquisite. Though they had the look and feel of hard stone, they melted in my mouth like soft cream. Blessed with both a striking texture and rich flavor, the mushrooms could serve as an aromatic accent in any number of dishes.
Curious as to whether such mushrooms existed in the real world, I researched an illustrated encyclopedia and found one that looked almost identical. Imagine my surprise when the description indicated strong hallucinatory effects. Perhaps because the world inside the book is an illusion to begin with, such effects were not reproduced. Regardless, I realized anew the danger of putting unfamiliar plant life in my mouth. I was cautious enough when traversing that valley of floating rocks─I should practice that same caution when next a strange new specimen rouses my appetite.
— Entry 12 of 13
The Eye of the Beholder
“It was the soot-covered plate which the maiden treasured above all.
Almost buried in ash, the ruins standing by the sea were once home to the maiden who appears at the beginning of the story. It seems the people who lived there shared a type of fellowship with the sea-folk, using an altar to interact with them and exchange various goods. That was, until the day the Dandan appeared to threaten their peaceful lives. Stories tell of a brave young man who secluded himself in the mountains to hone his body and mind that he might fell the dread beast, but the Dandan did not wait. In time the village succumbed to its wrath. Bereft of both family and home, the young maiden drifted aimlessly until she reached the city where the book begins.
No matter how lustrous, no treasure could soothe such a troubled heart. Yet that soot-covered plate was enough to stir memories of the maiden's family, allowing her to face her past and turn her gaze to the future. Having risked life and limb to bring back something so precious, surely the young merchant became a trustworthy companion to the maiden.
Finding the item our clients request is indeed a gleaner's primary duty, yet at times it seems even the clients themselves are unaware of their true desire. To read between and beyond the client's words and find what they genuinely consider to be of “worth immeasurable” is our true task. That was what my father showed me, and I will keep that lesson close at heart as I continue my own journey.
— Entry 13 of 13