Merchant

Merchants are the life force of commerce, and can be found everywhere from the local market to specialty shops selling handcrafted goods. A Merchant usually belongs to a Merchant Guild, and pays an annual fee to register with the local law enforcement protection services, although this varies by province. Merchants buy, sell, and trade in goods of all kinds, knowing not only the price of their goods but also how to negotiate the price.

• Skill Proficiency : Investigation.
• Additional Equipment : A shabby abacus*, a quill and ink pot, an empty inventory record, fine clothes.

*Negligible item of no value.

Profession: Appraisal

Upon spending an hour examining a subject, and succeeding on a medium-DC Intelligence (Investigation) check, you can accurately appreciate the value of a particular item or good such as art, or a natural resource. If you do so within a settlement, you can also find the most profitable location to sell the item or goods.

Ranks

Rank 1 – Clerk

You work as a bookkeeper for a local merchant. You keep track of inventory sales and purchases, ensuring the merchant can maintain a modest profit margin. You aspire to own your own shop and sell rare and desirable items.

Holdings:

• A room in the back of the shop, which serves as your office and sleeping quarters.
• An accounting book containing the accounting methods of your mentor and teacher.

Progression: Get a loan, or acquire some funds and find a suitable shop or storefront to start your business.

• Do 1,200gp worth of business to open your own shop.

Rank 2 – Merchant

You went away to seek your fortune on your own, opening your own shop in the market. You began to cultivate a reputation as an appraiser, providing fair prices to your customers both for buying and selling. You manage your scales yourself, making sure you do not fall into debt through risky investments.

Holdings:

• A small shop or storefront where you sell your goods.
  • You gain a Shop in Chronica and can list Common and Uncommon Magic Items for sale that you have researched the recipe for.
• An employee who takes care of managing your business in your absence.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Charisma proficiency bonus when performing your profession.

Progression: Own and manage several successful businesses simultaneously.

• Record 2,400gp in sales.

Rank 3 – Tycoon

You have become a business magnate, opening successful chains of stores. You are wise or exceptionally lucky in your investments, and the risks you have taken have proved profitable, you maintain friendly relations with your customers and other Merchants. Your fortune is more secure now that it comes from different types of businesses.

Holdings:

• A series of successful businesses that expand into different industries, you have a network of suppliers.
• A higher position in the regional Merchant Guild, which includes other guild networks and benefits.
  • You can now list Rare magic items you know the recipe to for sale in your shop.
• A team of professional and non-professional workers who manage the day-to-day operations of your business.
  • Grants a +1 bonus to your Charisma proficiency bonus when performing your profession. Stacks with prior rank (+2 total).

Progression: Defeat a successful rival by driving them out of business, buying them out, or merging the companies.

• Record 4,800gp in sales.

Rank 4 – Guild Chancellor

You have been appointed as Chancellor of your Merchant Guild. You oversee the entry of new merchants, approving price and supply regulations, and providing protection for the caravans, merchandise, and supplies of the guild members under your Chancellery.

Holdings:

• A Trade Certificate approved by your Monarch, granting you the exclusive sale of certain specialized goods in your region.
• No other business can trade in these goods without your consent.
  • You can list Very Rare magic items for sale that you know the recipe for in your shop.
• A trading empire containing many businesses and subsidiaries, each serving your interests.

Source: Adapted from Grim Hollow Campaign