Man; Trader
by Jamie BatyRC 193
1st Level Human Expert
Medium-size Humanoid (Human)
Hit Dice: 1d6 (3 hp)
Initiative: +1 (+1 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares).
Armour Class: 12 (+1 Dex, +1 padded armour), touch 11, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/-1
Attack: Dagger -1 melee (1d4 -1)
Full Attack: As attack
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: ---
Special Qualities: Human Traits
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +4
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 15, Cha 14
Skills: Appraise +4, Bluff +5, Craft (Any one) +5, Diplomacy +7, Gather Information +5, Handle Animal +5, Listen +5, Profession (Merchant) +9, Sense Motive +7, Spot +5
Feats: Negotiator, Skill Focus- Profession (Merchant)
Environment: Any
Organisation: Caravan (1d20 + guards, see below)
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: Triple Standard
Alignment: Any
Advancement: by character class
Level Adjustment: -
Traders are merchants who travel in caravans from town to town, buying and selling various goods (wines, silks, jewels, precious metals and the like). Those in the caravans are likely to travel by horse, but are likely to use camels in the desert or barren lands and mules when in the mountains.
The trader presented above is one with predominantly merchant skills. Some traders encountered will be predominantly craftsman, and should be adjusted to reflect that.
The trader presented above has base stats of Str 8, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 15, Cha 14. Traders can be found in many different regions and be from a variety of races. Due to their extensive travel, they may be encountered far from their normal home.
Combat
Traders do not fight unless no other option exists. That is what their guards are for.
Traders are proficient with all simple weapons and a composite shortbow, as well as light armours. They may ride light horses or camels, or in a wagon.
Organisation
Most encountered traders will be experts or commoners, and usually of low level. Occasionally, higher level traders are encountered. They may have levels in the Merchant- Prince prestige class from Power of Faerun (adapted to Mystara). Darokinian merchants may have levels in the Darokinian Merchant prestige class. Traders from the Minrothad Guilds may have levels in the Minrothad Merchant-Prince prestige class.
A trader caravan will be accompanied by a number of guards, wagons, and extra animals based on their number:
1-5 traders: 10 wagons, 20 1st level warriors, 2 2nd-3rd level fighters, 1 4th-5th level fighter and 1-12 extra animals.
6-10 traders: 20 wagons, 40 1st level warriors, 4 2nd-3rd level fighters, 1 4th-5th level fighter and 1-12 extra animals.
11-15 traders: 30 wagons, 60 1st level warriors, 6 2nd-3rd level fighters, 1 4th-5th level fighter and 1-12 extra animals.
16-20 traders: 40 wagons, 80 1st level warriors, 8 2nd-3rd level fighters, 1 4th-5th level fighter and 1-12 extra animals.
Guards are armed with chainmail, shields, swords, daggers and light crossbows. Higher level guards may be armed with masterwork or magical items.