Merchant Character Class
by Cab Davidson from Threshold Magazine issue 28
Merchants exist everywhere there is
trade, but Merchants as a distinct character class exist in only a
few cultures. Thus far only 3 nations of Mystara are known to have
successfully married the magical skill set of various spellcasting
schools with the best (or worst) traditions of trade, namely
Minrothad, Darokin and Ne’er-do-well (in the Alatians,
nominally Alphatian colonies to the South East of the Isle of Dawn).
While similar, each of these three nations now represents a distinct
school of study in the magical mercantile arts. By combining the
magic of Sea Elves and Wood Elves, as well as the spellcraft of both
Alphatian and Thyatian settlers, the merchant houses of these
nations have demonstrated a distinct skill set that has allowed them
to flourish as the masters of trade over land and sea, and to
further explore the possibilities of gaining profit and power by
other means.
Merchants
cannot match the greatest wizards for versatility, nor are they as
subtle and dangerous as the thieves or assassins of their lands. But
they offer a unique combination of skills and abilities, and
increasingly they are found furthering their goals off the main
trading routes, finding profit and fulfilment in adventuring. Merchants
bring both flair and charisma that complements the abilities of
other adventurers. Their capacity to hire a greater number of more
loyal retainers, at a lower price, and to trade treasures for more
gold, as well as the ability to pick up (at a push) nearly any
weapon and to cast a range of spells make them versatile and
valuable members of a party. Prime
Requisite: Charisma Hit
Dice: 1d6 per level, plus or
minus any constitution modifier, up to level 9. +1hp per level
thereafter Experience
and Level: Merchants gain no
experience points from combat, they only gain experience from
roleplaying, action bonuses, completing goals, and the value of any
treasures or coins they gain by adventuring or trade. A wise
adventuring merchant will maximise his own share of experience as
much through shrewd investment as anything else. Attacks,
Combat, Saving Throws:
Merchants may use any melee or missile weapon, but cannot wear
armour or use a shield. Merchants attack and save as a thief of the
same level, and gain weapon mastery slots at the same rate. Merchants
learn to cast spells as they advance in level. Their magic is
essentially of the same source as that of Magic Users, with many
similarities but with some important differences. Merchants must
memorise spells from a spellbook every day, in the same way a Magic
User does, but unlike a Magic User a Merchant does not have
sufficient mastery of magic to create new magic spells. Any Magic
User obtaining a Merchant spellbook can (by use of read
magic) read and cast
Merchant spells, but a Merchant can only comprehend Magic User
spells that are on their own class list. Likewise, a Magic User can
pick up and use any magic item that exploits Merchant magic spells
(such as a staff or a wand), but a Merchant cannot use an item
containing a Magic User spell unless that spell is also known to
Merchants. Simply, Merchant magics are all compatible with the skill
set of Magic Users, but all Magic User spells and items are not
usable by Merchants. Mercantile
guilds have successfully translated many magical spells into forms
that Merchants can use, and work to translate more spells is
ongoing; this imposes a limitation on the magic available to
practising merchants as this work is only conducted within the
guilds. Merchants
of 4th level or above may cast some spells in reverse, as Magic
Users, meaning that the spell must first be memorised in reverse. Naturally,
Merchants have access to a number of skills allowing them to excel
in trade. Full rules for mercantile trade are given in Gaz 9 The
Minrothad Guilds and Gaz 11
The Republic of Darokin,
and while the Merchant class described here supersedes the Merchant
Prince and Merchant classes therein, the trading rules (including
finding merchants to deal with, acquiring and selling goods, broker
points etc.) remain unchanged. Merchants
gain a range of bonus general skills and other abilities, depending
on their experience level and background, as shown below the
experience table (table 1). These are in addition to any other
general skills known based on their level and intelligence, and
these are gained whether or not general skills are otherwise used in
the campaign. If the Merchant already has the general skill in
question, they may either take another general skill in lieu or gain
a +1 bonus to that skill. Each
traditionl of Merchants also has two thief abilities, the abilities
varying by tradition as also shown in table 1.
Level
XP
Level
Title - Darokin
Level
Title - Minrothad
Level
Title - Ne’er-do-well
1
0
Hawker
(a)(b)(c)
Docker
(a)(b)(d)
Freebooter
(a)(b)(e)
2
2,000
Peddler
Mariner
Rover
3
4,000
Vendor
(f)
Purser(g)
Raider
(g)
4
8,000
Bargainer
Handler
Corsair
5
16,000
Seller
Shipper
Renegade
6
32,000
Trader
(h)
Consigner
(h)
Marauder
(i)
7
64,000
Dealer
Exporter
Picaroon
8
120,000
Magnate
Speculator
Buccaneer
9
240,000
Merchant
Prince (j)
Merchant
Commander (j)
Pirate
Prince (j)
10
360,000
11
480,000
12
600,000
(k)
(k)
(k)
13
720,000
14
840,000
15
960,000
(l)
(l)
(l)
16
1,080,000
17
1,200,000
18
1,320,000
(m)
(m)
(m)
19
1,440,000
20
1,560,000
21
1,680,000
(n)
(n)
(n)
22
1,800,000
23
1,920,000
24
2,040,000
(o)
(o)
(o)
25
2,160,000
26
2,280,000
27
2,400,000
28
2,520,000
29
2,640,000
30
2,760,000
31
2,880,000
32
3,000,000
33
3,120,000
34
3,240,000
35
3,360,000
36
3,480,000
Skills/Explanation At
level 1 all Merchants gain the Appraise and Bargaining general
skills. Merchants may have twice the number of retainers normally
permissible for their Charisma score, and all retainers gain a +1 to
morale. Note that the Bargaining skill can be used to reduce the pay
that retainers will expect to receive.
All
Merchants have a chance of identifying common magic items. Any item
in (or derived from) the magic items table in the Rules Cyclopedia
is roughly identifiable by a Merchant, with a 3% cumulative chance
per level of experience. A merchant needs to spend a few minutes
with the item, studying it, to try to make this determination. Note
that while a Merchant can use this ability to identify an item,
passwords or other means of use are not revealed by this ability.
This does not allow the Merchant to identify curses on items.
A
Darokinian Merchant can Move
Silently and
Hide
in Shadows as
a thief of the same level.
A
Minrothaddan Merchant can Climb
Walls and
Find
Traps as
a thief of the same level.
A
Ne’er-do-well Merchant can Open
Locks and
Pick
Pockets as
a thief of the same level.
At
level 3 Darokinian Merchants gain the general skills Animal
Handling and Coach Driving.
At
level 3 Minrothaddan and Ne’er-do-well Merchants gain the
general skills Boat Piloting and Ship Piloting.
At
level 6 Darokinian and Minrothaddan Merchants gain the skill
Persuasion.
At
level 6 Ne’er-do-well Merchants gain the skill Deception.
At
level 9 all Merchants gain an extra bonus Broker Point.
At
level 12 the usual limitation on the maximum value of a treasure
that can be liquidated in a settlement (1gp per resident, for
example to sell a gem of 10,000gp value a character must be in a
city of at least 10,000 residents) is doubled (in that example, in
a city of 10,000 people the Merchant can now sell individual items
for up to 20,000gp).
At
level 15 all Merchants gain a +1 bonus to both Bargaining and
Appraisal (which also provides a bonus Broker Point).
At
level 18, Merchants can learn and cast the magic user spell
teleport
any object, but
they lack the innate understanding of the spell that Magic Users
have. They can only teleport via prepared teleport circles in their
own or related base/guildhouse/havens. While they may teleport to
those circles from anywhere, they cannot teleport to other
locations.
At
level 21 Merchants can sell items at a maximum value of up to 4x
the population of the settlement they are in.
At
level 24 all Merchants gain the ability to cast a single Magic User
spell that is not on their usual permitted list. This spell can be
obtained from a Magic User spell scroll or spellbook.
A
name level Darokinian Merchant may choose to settle and construct or
buy a Guildhall. A settled Darokinian Merchant assumes the title of
Guildmaster, in addition to Merchant Prince. The building itself may
be of any form, from fortified castle or coaching house to a simple
shop, but the scale of the building governs the prestige that it is
likely to attract. From 1 to 20 apprentice Merchants will seek
tutorship and membership of the Guild, based on the reputation and
wealth of the Merchant, and indeed on the scale of the dwelling.
While it is not mandatory to do so, it may be prudent to contact
other Guilds nearby to either delineate clear space for trading
specialisation, or to at least announce to competitors and trading
partners that there is a new player in the area. Within Darokin
establishing a Guildhall doesn’t confer rulership or
necessitate starting a whole new guild, but with it comes influence.
Having a permanent trading building in a town brings with it the
advantage of constant contact with other merchants looking to
offload or purchase, with checks for the number of traders
contacting the Merchant made as if the Merchant had arrived afresh
in that settlement each week.
A
Darokinian Merchant may instead decide not to settle down. A high
level Darokinian Merchant who chooses to travel is referred to as a
Caravaneer. A Caravaneer will typically be made welcome in any
Merchant guildhall, unless there is a specific reason that the guild
in question is unfriendly to the Caravaneer. The Caravaneer will
also attract a number of higher level adventurers to act as guards
or hirelings on their travels. These hirelings will be of much
higher level than typical (minimum 5th
level). These hirelings will expect to
be given pay and board. A Caravaneer also has a chance (determined
by the DM once per week) of discovering treasure maps or leads to
high profit opportunities.
A
high level Minrothaddan Merchant may choose to settle and construct
or buy a Port House in any port town or city. A settled Minrothaddan
Merchant assumes the title of Port Captain, in addition to Merchant
Commander. The building itself may be of any form, from fortified
manse or palace to a simple warehouse, but the scale of the building
governs the prestige that it is likely to attract. From 1 to 20
apprentice Merchants will seek tutorship and membership of the new
concern, based on the reputation and wealth of the Merchant, the
scale of the dwelling and the quality and reputation of any ships
owned. While it is not mandatory to do so, it may be prudent to
contact other Port Houses nearby to either delineate clear space for
trading specialisation, or to at least announce to competitors and
trading partners that there is a new player in the area. Within
Minrothad establishing a Port House doesn’t imply starting a
new guild, but with it comes influence and responsibility within the
existing guilds structure. Having a permanent trading building in a
town brings with it the advantage of constant contact with other
merchants looking to offload or purchase, with checks being made as
if the Merchant had arrived afresh in that settlement each week.
A
Minrothaddan Merchant may instead decide not to settle down. A high
level Minrothaddan Merchant who chooses to travel is referred to as
a Captain. A Captain will typically be made welcome in any Port
House, unless there is a specific reason that the House in question
is unfriendly to the Captain. The Captain will also attract a number
of higher level adventurers to act as guards or ship hands on their
travels. These hirelings will be of much higher level than typical
(minimum 5th
level), and will expect to be given pay
and board. A Captain also has a chance (determined by the DM once
per week) of discovering information about high value shipments or
treasures lost at sea. A
high level Ne’er-do-well Merchant may choose to settle and
construct or buy a Haven. A settled Ne’er-do-well Merchant
assumes the title of Haven Master, in addition to Pirate Prince. The
building itself may be of any form, from a ramshackle collection of
captured ships run ashore to a palatial bordello, but the scale of
the building governs the prestige that it is likely to attract. From
1 to 20 apprentice Merchants will seek tutorship and membership of
the new concern, based on the reputation and wealth of the Merchant,
the scale of the dwelling and the fear struck in the hearts of
legitimate traders by the Haven Master. While it is not mandatory to
do so, the new Haven Master would be well advised to come to terms
with other Haven Masters before choosing where and how to settle.
Within Ne’er-do-well there is no formal power structure above
‘Might Makes Right,’ and the new Haven Master may
struggle to establish his operation if he forgets that. Having a
permanent Haven brings with it the advantage of constant contact
with other merchants and pirates looking to offload or purchase
ill-gotten gains, with checks being made as if the Merchant had
arrived afresh in that settlement each week.
A
Ne’er-do-well Merchant may instead decide not to settle down.
A high level Ne’er-do-well Merchant who chooses to travel is
referred to as a Pirate Captain. A Pirate Captain may or may not be
made welcome at Havens, depending on whether there is a profit in it
for the Master. The Pirate Captain will also attract a number of
higher level rogues, scoundrels and miscreants to act as no-goods or
ship hands on their travels. These hirelings will be of much higher
level than typical (minimum 5th
level) and will expect to be given pay
and a share of the booty. A Pirate Captain also has a chance
(determined by the DM once per week) of discovering information
about the shipping of high value booty or buried treasure. Merchants
learn and cast spells in the same way as Magic Users, but unlike
Magic Users they are restricted to spells that have already been
converted into a form Merchant princes can understand. They must
memorise spells from a spellbook, when fully rested, and can
memorise a number of spells of each level as shown in table 2.
Merchants cannot, unlike Magic Users, research their own novel
spells, but like other spellcasters can create magic items utilising
the spells they know from name level. A
Merchant can copy spells from Magic Msers’ spellbooks or
scrolls if they are spells found on their own spell list, and a
Magic User may copy any Merchant spell.
A
Merchant will start with 2-4 spells in their spellbook, of which
they can cast a single one at first level. A Merchant may be taught
more spells as they increase in level by their guild, or they may
trade with other higher level Merchants or Magic Users to obtain
more. Where
spells are identical to those in the Rules
Cyclopedia (RC), or The
Minrothad Guilds (Gaz9) or
The Republic of Darokin
(Gaz11), gazetteers page references
thereto are given. New spells are described below. Note that certain
spells (namely trust, crowd
summoning, and savoir
faire) have appeared in Gaz9
or Gaz11, but have been updated here after extensive playtesting. Table 2
Spells per level
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
1
2
2
3
2
1
4
2
2
5
2
2
1
6
2
2
2
7
3
2
2
1
8
3
3
2
2
9
3
3
3
2
1
10
3
3
3
3
2
11
4
3
3
3
2
1
12
4
4
4
3
2
1
13
4
4
4
3
2
2
14
4
4
4
4
3
2
15
5
4
4
4
3
2
1
16
5
5
5
4
3
2
2
17
6
5
5
4
4
3
2
18
6
5
5
4
4
3
2
1
19
6
5
5
5
4
3
2
2
20
6
5
5
5
4
4
3
2
21
6
5
5
5
4
4
3
2
1
22
6
6
5
5
5
4
3
2
2
23
6
6
6
6
5
4
3
3
2
24
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
3
2
25
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
26
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
3
27
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
5
4
28
8
8
7
6
6
6
6
5
4
29
8
8
7
7
7
6
6
5
5
30
8
8
8
7
7
7
6
6
5
31
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
6
6
32
9
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
6
33
9
9
9
8
8
8
7
7
7
34
9
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
7
35
9
9
9
9
9
9
8
8
8
36
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9 Analyze
(RC,
44) Bar
Fight Animate
Dead Animals Air
Hose Chuck
You! All
That Glisters Astral
Leap Dance
(RC,
57) Gate*
(RC,
59)
Bummer!
Effect:
1 individual
This
spell, invaluable for those on flying ships, will slow the rate of
falling of the recipient to 2' per second, thus preventing any
damage being suffered due to falling. Note that at really high
altitude, the duration of this spell may be a critical factor in
determining the survival (or not) of the recipient.
Dimensional
Tool This
spell allows the caster to indefinitely store one tool, anything
that would fit inside the hand (lockpicks, a tiny blade, a rubber
ball, a small screwdriver, etc.) in an extradimensional space. The
item immediately disappears from view, only reappearing when the
caster chooses. This requires the longer term investment of the
spell slot—the
caster can memorise and cast one fewer level 1 spell for as long as
the item is hidden. The caster may have multiple dimensional
tools—by
casting the spell numerous times (and investing multiple first level
spell slots) the caster may hide numerous items. If this spell is
dispelled the item becomes unavailable for 1d6 turns, but is neither
forced out of the extradimensional space, nor lost.
Flattery
This
peculiar variant of charm
person
causes
one individual, if they fail a saving throw vs. spells, to become
fascinated with the caster to the point of imitation and
impersonation. They will attempt to emulate the caster in dress,
mannerisms, speech, etc. They may even follow the caster around and
mimic them. The spell lasts for as long as charm
person,
with further saving throws being allowed at the same time intervals,
and is of course broken if the victim is attacked.
Fumble
The
target of this spell may make a save versus spells; if he fails he
will drop whatever he is holding. Only items held in the hand, such
as weapons, drinks vessels, wands, etc. are dropped. Worn items or
things that are strapped on such as shields are safe from being
dropped.
Guiding
Light
This
spell creates a small, glowing orb of light that will follow a path,
determined at time of casting by the caster, at walking pace, for
the duration of the spell. It will not deviate from this path, and
unless commanded to ‘stop’ by the caster it will
continue until it reaches its destination or the duration ends. If
it reaches its destination it will pulse twice before disappearing.
The caster must know the location, and the route, and the location
must be accessible—the
orb cannot go through a closed door or window, for example.
Remove
Hangover*
This
spell will remove one hangover. The reverse, bestow
hangover
will,
as the name implies, give a stinking, awful hangover, but the target
may make a save versus spells. While this has no specific impact on
the victim’s
capacity to fight or do other tasks, it is very annoying.
Shiny
Kit*
The
recipient of this spell is cleaned, buffed, brushed, washed,
polished and blow-dried to within an inch of his life. The process
isn’t comfortable, but it is brief, and at the end the
recipient is clean enough to be presented anywhere. The reverse of
this spell, mucky
pup,
throws random globs of grease, dirt, phlegm and the like at the
target whilst simultaneously tangling hair etc. The recipient of
either version may, if so desired, make a save versus spells to
avoid all effects.
Tattoo
This
cosmetic spell will create one tattoo on one individual; for it to
be a ‘good’
one
it’s
handy if the caster has some artistic ability. Upon casting the
magic user must specify whether the spell is to last for one day, or
for one day per caster level. An unwilling recipient may make a save
versus spells to avoid the effect. A second application of the same
spell can render the tattoo permanent for a willing recipient. Trust Range:
Caster only Duration:
1 turn per level of the caster Effect:
Makes the caster seem trustworthy The
caster
is enchanted with an aura of trustworthiness. In order to maintain
this trust, the caster must not do anything that violates the trust
of anyone being dealt with. Any reaction rolls made with creatures
that have no reason to distrust the caster are made with a +2 bonus
during the duration of the spell.
Trusty
Steed
Upon
casting this spell, a mount appears; this can be a horse, mule,
donkey or camel, depending on the caster’s
choice. The mount has tack and saddle, and will faithfully allow the
caster (and only the caster) to ride for the duration of the spell.
Truth
Upon
casting, a single creature within 10'
may
be selected to be forced to answer a single yes or no question as
honestly as they can. If the target wishes to lie, they must make a
saving throw vs. spells to be allowed to do so.
Wideawake Effect:
Keeps the target awake
This
spell protects the recipient from drowsiness, making him effectively
immune to magical sleep, and giving a +1 to all saves versus
petrification, charm, and paralysis for the duration.
Bar
Fight
Any
unsuspecting recipient of this spell will, upon failing a saving
throw versus spells, become convinced that the nearest person to him
who is unknown is trying to start a fight by means of giving gross
insults. A reaction roll must be made, modified by the caster’s
charisma modifier.
Cleaner
A
small air elemental is summoned by this spell. Said elemental will
tidy, clean and polish until things look fairly tidy, typically
taking 2d10 minutes to complete its task. Crowd
Summoning Range:
25'
per
level of experience Duration:
1 turn per level of experience Effect:
Summon a crowd After
casting this spell, all those who can hear and understand the caster
within range will be drawn towards the merchant. All creatures of
2HD or levels or less will be attracted to attend any speech or sale
pitch the caster cares to make (although they may resist by making a
save vs. spells
if they wish).
Delouse
This
spell creates an area 60' in diameter, initially centred on the
caster but subsequently immobile, in which any normal insects
(non-magical, non-summoned, non-giant) will instantly perish.
Dimensional
Weapon This
spell allows the caster to indefinitely store one large tool or
small weapon (a dagger, wand, baton, small saw, etc.) in an
extradimensional space. The item immediately disappears from view,
only reappearing when the caster chooses. This requires the longer
term investment of the spell slot(s)—the
caster can memorise and cast one fewer level 2 spell or two fewer
level 1 spells for as long as the item is hidden. The caster may
have multiple dimensional weapons (or dimensional
tools)—by
casting the spell numerous times (and investing multiple spell
slots) the caster may hide numerous items. If this spell is
dispelled the item becomes unavailable for 1d6 turns, but is neither
forced out of the extradimensional space, nor lost. Savoir
Faire Range:
Caster only Duration:
1 turn per level of experience Effect:
Allows the caster to blend in socially This
handy social spell gives the caster the apparent capacity to blend
in to social occasions that they may otherwise stand out at. Any
gauche or socially awkward acts (picking the wrong cutlery, drinking
from the wrong wine glass, getting a royal title wrong, failing to
sing along with a drinking song, etc.) will be missed by any
creatures observing them unless they have specific reason to think
that the character doesn’t fit in, and in that instance the
suspicious creature must still make a save vs. spells to spot that
the caster isn’t getting things right. Animate
Dead Animals Range:
Touch Duration:
1 hour per level of the caster Effect:
Up to four zombie animals After
casting this spell a caster can touch up to 4 dead mount or pack
animals, and they will be animated as zombie-like mounts. The
animated animals cannot
fight, are unaffected by sleep
and
charm
spells,
they
also do not
require food or water to sustain them. They move at half the speed
they did when alive, but can pull or carry the same loads. Each
raised creature has 2 HD, and can be turned by a cleric as a zombie.
While such raised animals have little practical worth, they can be
the difference between a caravan making it to its destination or
being lost;
however a caravan led into town by undead mounts may not be welcomed
by guards, nor its wares purchased by discerning customers.
Batsight
Upon
casting, a willing recipient will become able to emit and perceive
ultrasound for one day. Effectively this gives the recipient the
same capacity to use ultrasound as a bat, with a range of 120'.
Areas of magical silence are impenetrable to this spell. Flim-Flam Range:
0 (caster only) Duration:
1 hour Effect:
Boosts the perceived value of a cargo This
subtle but powerful spell boosts the perceived value of any cargo or
shipment that the caster is trying to sell. While the actual value
remains the same, any other traders hearing the merchants pitch for
a specific cargo and subsequently making an appraise roll to
determine the value of the cargo must make a saving throw vs. spells
or over-value it. The roll for cargo value (3d6 plus or minus the
value modifier for value at that port) is unaffected, but
the appraiser will over-value the cargo by 1d4 plus the charisma
modifier of the caster. While
the victim of the spell will never realise that they have been
swindled, unless told that they’ve been swindled
through magical means,
it is likely that at some point they will realise that they’ve
paid over the odds and that will have an impact on how they respond
to the caster later on.
Inventory Range:
10' Duration:
1 turn Effect:
Lists contents of a wagon, warehouse section, etc. By
using this spell a caster becomes aware of precisely what goods are
within 10'
of
them whether in a wagon, section of a warehouse, shop, treasure
pile, etc. Any magic items present are detected but not identified,
and objects carried by creatures are not listed.
Pigeon
This
spell creates a homing pigeon that requires no sustenance. It will
carry one message (any message that can be written as a short
letter) to a location of the caster’s
choice, and if the caster chooses, wait for a named individual
before delivering the message. The pigeon cannot pass a protection
from evil spell,
and can be dispelled. It travels at 400 miles per day, and is
otherwise a normal pigeon (vulnerable to predation etc.). After
delivering the message the pigeon will, unless detained, simply fly
away. It will not return a message to the caster, and cannot be used
to reply. Raise
Merchants Range:
1 port or city Duration:
1 week Effect:
Attract more traders This
subtle spell causes more traders to contact a caster after entering
a city. When the DM randomly determines how many merchants and
traders contact the caster, the dice (a d6) is rolled 3 times rather
than once and the highest of the three rolls is used. Normal
modifiers based on port or city class etc. are unmodified.
Wall
of Thorns
Upon
casting, the caster specifies an area up to 5'
thick,
10'
high
and up to 50'
long
that becomes filled with thorny bushes. Any creature trying to cross
the wall must make a saving throw vs. paralysis or be stuck for 1
round, and all creatures crossing through the hedge take 2d6 points
of damage (although a save vs. spells reduces this damage by half).
By
creating a tiny wormhole to the elemental plane of air, the caster
of this spell controls a powerful and dangerous stream of
fast-flowing
air. This forms a cone, 50' long and 20' wide at its terminus. Any
airborne creatures will be blown away from the caster, and all
flying within the cone will take 4d6 damage per round (save for
half) if they remain within the area. The direction of the cone can
be changed by the caster once per round, by concentration.
Dimensional
Arsenal
A
rather more versatile version of dimensional
tool,
this spell allows the caster to store multiple mundane or magic
items in an extradimensional space. Like its lower level equivalent,
this spell requires the investment of the spell slots involved in
casting it for the duration that items are stored away. Those spell
levels are recovered, and may be used for memorising more spells,
when all items are retrieved. The full capacity of the spell allows
the caster to store 1 staff-sized item, 4 wand/dagger-sized items,
etc.
Gaseous
Form
This
handy, embarrassing spell turns one willing recipient into a cloud
of gas for the duration of the spell, but unfortunately does not
turn any worn or carried possessions into gas. The cloud is visible
but hard to notice (unless someone is looking for it, they see it
only on a 5-6 on 1d6) and the recipient can move by will at up to
120' per round.
Lightning
Sands When
cast, the ground beneath a targeted foe, an area of 2' diameter per
caster level around him, becomes quicksand. All creatures in the
area must make a save vs. paralysis or start sinking at a rate of 1'
per round, until only their heads protrude. At the end of the spell
duration, all victims are safely placed back on the surface of the
ground. Smuggling Range:
30' Duration:
1 turn per level of the caster Effect:
Hides one compartment For
the duration of this spell any hidden compartment, cupboard or
chamber in a wagon, ship etc. is protected from anyone searching for
it. In addition to requiring the normal effort to find, anyone
searching must also make a save against spells
to detect it.
Wall
of Thorns
Upon
casting, the caster specifies an area up to 5'
thick,
10'
high
and up to 50'
long
that becomes filled with thorny bushes. Any creature trying to cross
the wall must make a saving throw vs. paralysis or be stuck for 1
round, and all creatures crossing through the hedge take 2d6 points
of damage (although a save vs. spells reduces this damage by half).
Chuck
You!
An
unusual and quite versatile combat spell, effective on giant-sized
or smaller opponents. Said creature will be bodily hurled
horizontally up to 80' from the caster, suffering 2d6 damage (plus
another 5d6 if it hits a solid obstruction, plus additional
falling damage if appropriate),
and inflicting 2d6 damage to any creature hit by the flying victim
(DM’s
judgement whether said creatures stop the target; a kobold will be
stopped by hitting an ogre, but an ogre should be hurled straight
through a cloud of kobolds). If the target makes a save versus
spells, it will completely avoid the spell. A hurled foe must roll
equal to or under their dexterity score on 1d20 to land on their
feet, otherwise they will fall and be considered prone until they
can stand up.
Firetrap
Any
closeable item (a book, a chest, a door, etc.) can have this spell
cast on it. It is essentially a trap, and leaves a physical trace
that can be removed as normal by a thief or dispelled. The caster,
and anyone else knowing a predetermined password, can open the item
safely, but any attempt to open it without that creates an explosion
that damages everyone within 5'
for
1d6 damage per level of the caster (a save vs. spells halving the
damage). The item itself may be destroyed by this, at the DM’s
discretion (a book, for example, is unlikely to survive, but the
contents of a chest may or may not be destroyed). Whether discharged
explosively or opened harmlessly using the command word, opening the
item ends the spell.
Scatterbrain
Upon
casting, a target (if they fail a saving throw vs. spells) loses all
track of time. They will always be late, irritatingly out of step,
always lose initiative in combat, and if appropriate will be
surprised at the start of combat. They are immune to the effect of
haste
and
slow
spells,
and any other speed-affecting
spells, and if they are capable of multiple attacks in a round they
will lose all but one of them.
Swaps
An
unusual spell which causes the caster and a target creature visible
to the caster within
range to be swapped; the caster ends up where the target was, and
the target is transported to where the caster was standing. Useful
to get out of a tight spot. If the target is unwilling, he or she
may make a saving throw to negate the spell’s
effect. All
That Glisters Range:
Touch Duration:
6 turns Effect:
Temporarily makes coins seem like gold This
entirely disreputable incantation makes coins carried by the caster
seem to be gold, even if they are copper, silver or electrum. The
illusion won’t stand up to any serious scrutiny, and if
someone they’re dealing with has reason to suspect that the
coin is suspect (such as having been fooled by the caster before)
then they will see through the ruse. Anyone having the coins passed
to them (in trade, or for any other reason) may make a save vs.
spells to see through the effect. Each casting of the spell enchants
up to 200 coins per level of experience of the caster.
Contain
An
unusual spell that turns any container into a magical,
extradimensional space, rather like a bag
of holding,
for the duration of the spell. The capacity of the container is
equal to the caster’s
level x 500cn. Any items in the container when the duration ends (or
the spell is dispelled) will spill out, possibly at high speed. Create
Steeds Range:
30' Duration:
1 turn per level of the caster Effect:
Summons steeds or pack animals Similar
to the magic user create
normal
monsters
spell,
this spell allows a caster to summon mounts of a single type. A
total number of HD of mounts or pack animals no greater than the
caster level can be created, and only donkeys, mules, oxen, riding
horses, draft horses, camels, sea-horses or manta rays (or other
mounts if the DM permits) can be created. The mounts can be ridden
by anyone specified by the caster, or can be used as pack animals.
While ideal for creating draft animals with a significantly longer
duration than create
monsters
spells,
the animals thus created will not fight.
Ethereality
The
recipient of this spell can choose to enter the ethereal plane once,
any time until 24 hours after the spell is cast, and must return
during the same period. The spell also provides movement on the
plane at walking speed. Fixer Range:
Touch Duration:
1 turn Effect:
Repairs one wagon, ship or structure, at a cost This
spell can be used to repair or restore any substantially wooden
ship, cart, wagon or structure that has sustained HP damage, but at
a cost. Repairs made thus require only 1 turn, do not need any
wooden materials or even workers, but use treasure possessed by the
caster. Only one set of damage can be repaired on any vessel or
object using this spell, and the repairs cost exponentially more for
each point repaired. 1 HP of repair costs 1gp, 2 HP costs 2gp, 3
costs 8gp, 4 costs 16gp, 5 costs 32gp, etc. The treasure is consumed
during spellcasting, and naturally large repairs are enormously
costly, but can be conducted anywhere and in
only
1 turn, making this spell potentially the difference between a
shipment being lost or not.
Wormhole
A
handy transportation spell, effectively the same as dimension
door but
also affecting up to two willing recipients along with the caster.
Astral
Leap
The
recipient of this spell may, once in a 24 hour period, travel to the
astral plane, and must return within the spell’s
duration.
Planar
Reckoning
An
invaluable spell for the discerning planar explorer, the spellcaster
immediately gains knowledge of sphere bias on the plane of existence
he is on, along with a planar address (i.e. the names of planes that
must be crossed from the Astral to reach the plane).
Dimensional
Ally
Upon
casting this spell, one ally (a willing creature) of roughly the
same size or smaller than the caster can be sequestered into an
extradimensional space. The recipient sees as if through the
caster’s
eyes and requires no sustenance while thus hidden. This spell
requires the investment of 8 spell slots
that are
recovered when the hidden creature is released (see dimensional
tool,
dimensional
familiar,
dimensional
arsenal).
The ally or the caster can end the spell at any time, by simply
stepping out and leaving the other party, at will. If the spell
caster is killed while their ally is hidden, the ally is also
killed, and is released from the dimensional space.
Regeneration*
This
spell allows the recipient to regain hit points at the rate of 1hp
per turn for the duration of the spell. Only damage taken after the
spell has been cast can be recovered; fire and acid cannot be
‘regenerated,’
normal
or clerical healing is required. The reverse of this spell,
degeneration,
causes the recipient to slowly take damage; the damage is continuous
for the duration of the spell, 1 point per turn, and the victim must
make a concentration check to cast a spell. A save (versus spells)
is allowed, and a successful attack is required to inflict the
spell. Razzle
Dazzle Range:
240' Duration:
1d6+charisma modifier rounds Effect:
Enthrals and engages everyone Arguably
the most potent of all Merchant spells, upon casting every sentient
creature of a lower level of experience (or with fewer HD than the
caster’s
level) who can hear the caster and is not protected by anti-magic,
is obliged, for 1d6 plus or minus the caster’s
charisma modifier rounds, to pay attention to the Merchant. This can
affect any number of targets, including undead creatures and
constructs. Any creature of a higher level or number of HD may
also
make a saving throw vs. spells to avoid the effect. While casting
the Merchant may choose up to 6 allies who will not be affected by
the spell. During
the spell’s
duration the Merchant continues with a monologue such as an extended
sales pitch (this does not have to be roleplayed). If he stops
talking, the spell ends one full round later, giving the Merchant
one round in which they may do as they choose. The Merchant may take
no other actions while pitching other than to move (up to normal
encounter speed) and other actions
to demonstrate their wares (though a Merchant performing a sales
pitch on weapons may not attack with those weapons—but can do
something similar to cutting a tomato to demonstrate its sharpness).
Any creatures who are further than 240'
away
by the end of the Merchant’s
round will no longer be affected by the spell, but no new creatures
that come into range become subject to it. If any of the Merchant’s
allies or anyone else chooses to take any offensive action against
any affected creature then they are immediately released from the
spell and can act freely that round, even if their initiative would
mean they act before the attacker. After
being released from the spell, even if kept in place for the full
duration, the victims of the spell are not necessarily hostile to
the Merchant. From their perspective, they simply stopped and chose
to listen to the sales pitch, however strange that may seem to them
later. Note
that enthralled creatures do not become stupid and don’t
forget about their own safety. A flying creature, for example, will
not lose concentration and crash, they will either circle the
Merchant
or land. A creature that is on fire doesn’t stop and burn,
they will continue trying to put out the flame. But they will be
largely oblivious to things going on around them other than the
Merchant (the effects of this, such as the relative ease by which
they may be sneaked up on, is determined by the DM).
Market
by Jeffrey Kosh
(https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics/home)
Spells
Skills
Table 1: Merchant Experience Table
High Level Options
– Darokinian Tradition
High Level Options
– Minrothaddan Tradition
High Level Options
- Ne’er-do-well Tradition
Spells
Spells
Level 1
Bummer!
Calm
Animals (Gaz11,
15)
Charm
Person (RC,
44)
Clear
Sight (Gaz9,
15; Gaz11, 15)
Detect
Magic (RC,
45)
Dimensional
Tool
Douse Flame (Gaz9,
18)
Faerie
Fire (RC,
41)
Flattery
Fumble
Guiding
Light
Ignore Road (Gaz11,
18)
Light
(RC,
45)
Oilskin
(Gaz9,
18)
Orientation
(Gaz11,
18)
Precipitation
(Gaz9,
19)
Remove
Hangover*
Read Magic (RC,
45)
Sea
Legs (Gaz9,
18)
Shiny
Kit*
Tar (Gaz9,
19)
Tattoo*
Trust
Trusty
Steed
Truth
Warp Wood (RC,
41)
WideawakeLevel 2
Careen (Gaz9,
19)
Cleaner
Crowd
Summoning
Delouse
Dimensional Weapon
Entangle (RC,
46)
ESP*
(RC,
46)
Nightwatch
(Gaz9,
19)
Predict
Weather (RC,
41)
Purify
Food and Water (RC,
35)
Produce
Fire (RC,
41)
Resist
Cold (RC,
35)
Rot
(Gaz9,
20)
Savoir
Faire
Web (RC,
47)Level 3
Batsight
Call Lightning (RC,
41)
Dispel
Fog (Gaz9,
20)
Fireball
(RC,
48)
Flim-Flam
Infravision
(RC,
48)
Inventory
Lightning
Bolt (RC,
49)
Pigeon
Raise
Merchants
Smuggling (Gaz11,
19)
Wall
of Thorns
Water Breathing (RC,
49)
Watery
Form (Gaz9,20)Level 4
Ball Lightning (Gaz9,
21)
Charm
Monster (RC,
49)
Clothform
(RC,
49)
Dimensional
Arsenal
Dimension Door (RC,
49)
Gaseous
Form
Lightning Sands
Protection from Lightning (RC,
42)
Speak
with Animals (RC,
35)
Transmute
Water to Ice (Gaz9,
21)Level 5
Conjure Elemental (RC,
51)
Control
Winds (Gaz9,
21)
Dissolve
(RC,
51)
Firetrap
Scatterbrain
Summon Animals (RC,
42)
Summon
Weather (RC,
43)
Swaps
Telekinesis
(RC,
52)
Woodform
(RC,
52)Level 6
Calm Water (Gaz9,
21)
Calm
Wind (Gaz9,
22)
Contain
Create
Steeds
Ethereality
Fixer
Lower Water (RC,
53)
Move
Earth (RC,
53)
Stoneform
(RC,
54)
Weather
Control (RC,
54)
WormholeLevel 7
Charm Plant (RC,
54)
Delayed
Blast Fireball (RC,
55)
Ironform
(RC,
55)
Lore
(RC,
55)
Magic
Door (RC,
55)
Planar
Reckoning
Summon Object (RC,
55)Level 8
Dimensional
Ally
Force Field (RC,
57)
Mass
Charm* (RC,
57)
Mind
Barrier* (RC,
57
Regeneration*
Steelform
(RC,
58)
Summon
Elemental (RC,
43)
Symbol
(RC,
58)Level 9
Maze
(RC,
59)
Meteor
Swarm (RC,
59)
Razzle
Dazzle
Survival (RC,
60)
Timestop
(RC,
61)
Novel Spell
Descriptions
Level 1
Range:
10' per level of the caster
Duration: 1 turn, + 1 turn per five
levels of the caster
Range:
Caster only
Duration: Special
Effect: Secretly stores 1
tool
Range:
20'
Duration:
Special (as per charm
person)
Effect:
1 individual
Range:
180'
Duration: Instant
Effect: Makes one target drop what
they’re
holding.
Range:
Special
Duration: 1d2 hours
Effect: One
small floating light
Range:
Touch
Duration: Instant
Effect: 1
individual
Range:
Touch
Duration: Instant
Effect: 1 individual
Range:
Touch
Duration: 1 day, or 1 day per level of the caster
Effect: 1 individual
Range:
Touch
Duration: 1 turn per level of the caster
Effect:
Makes one mount appear
Range:
10'
Duration:
1 round
Effect: 1 target
Range:
Touch
Duration: 2 turns per level of the caster
Level 2
Range:
90'
Duration: 1 round per level of the caster
Effect: 1
individual
Range:
20'
Duration: Special
Effect: Up to 60 square feet per
level
Range:
0
Duration: 2 hours per level of the caster
Effect: 60'
radius
Range:
Caster only
Duration: Special
Effect: Secretly stores 1
tool
Level 3
Range:
Touch
Duration: 1 day
Effect:
1
recipient
Range:
Special
Duration: Special
Effect: 1 message
Range:
180'
Duration:
1 turn per level of the caster
Effect: 1 thorny wallLevel 4
Air
Hose
Range:
50'
Duration: 2-4 rounds
Effect: One constant stream of
air
Range:
Caster only
Duration: Special
Effect: Stores multiple
items
Range:
Touch
Duration: 3 turns
Effect: One individual
Range:
120'
Duration: 1 turn per level of the caster
Effect: 2'
diameter per level of the caster
Range:
180'
Duration:
1 turn per level of the caster
Effect: 1 thorny wallLevel 5
Range:
5' per level of the caster
Duration: Instant
Effect: One
opponent is hurled away
Range:
Touch
Duration: Permanent until discharged
Effect: One
trapped opening
Range:
60'
Duration:
1d10+5 days
Effect: 1 foe
Range:
240'
Duration: Instant
Effect: Swaps the caster and
another creature
Level 6
Range:
Touch
Duration: 1 day
Effect: 1 container
Range:
Touch
Duration: Up to 24 hours
Effect: 1 recipient
Range:
Touch
Duration: Instant
Effect: Teleports up to 2 targets
plus caster
Level 7
Range:
Touch
Duration: 24 hours
Effect: Transport to the astral
plane
Range:
Special
Duration: Instant
Effect: Tells the caster the
bias and address of a plane
Level 8
Range:
Caster only
Duration:
Special
Effect: Secretly
stores 1
person
Range:
Touch
Duration:
2 turns/level of caster
Effect: 1 recipient gains
regeneration
ability
Level 9