Traveling Merchants can be found roaming every corner of the world. From the crowded marketplaces of massive cities, to caravans wending through thick forests or across difficult wastes, to isolated settlements, villages, and trading posts scattered in the deepest wilderness. Traveling Merchants study the traditions, needs, and exports of cultures from across the land giving them a broad view of the world. You have worked on a merchant caravan. Perhaps you were the head merchant, making deals, setting prices, and claiming the profits. You may have been brought along as entertainment to help ease the suffering of many long nights spent miles from home. Or, you were security, ensuring the safety of the merchant and their wares. Alternatively, you may have been a cut-purse specializing in acquiring rare items for the caravan whose owners were not willing to part with them for a reasonable price.
Whatever role you assumed in the Merchant Caravan, you learned the ins and outs of commerce in a way few people understand. This knowledge can prove invaluable for those who pursue the adventuring life.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Insight

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools or musical instrument of your choice. One type of vehicle proficiency.

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools of your choice or a musical instrument of your choice, a magnifying glass, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Traveling Merchants are cultured, well-traveled, and knowledgeable. This generally leads them to be kind and personable, however some are embittered and broken by their travels. Also, seeing the treasures of the world sometimes opens the door to intense greed in those who practice the trade of trade.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I love a good bargain and have a hard time turning one down, even for things I do not need.
2	I’m a snob who looks down on those who can’t appreciate fine art.
3	I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick.
4	I’m full of witty aphorisms and have a proverb for every occasion.
5	I like to talk about the places I've visited. At length. Whether anyone around me wants to hear it or not.
6	I am extremely and openly judgmental about the quality of items people use and carry. I cannot abide poor quality.
7	I don’t part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.
8	I’m convinced that the extent of my expertise about the value of items is superior to everyone else's.

d6	Ideal
1	Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization, regardless of nation or race. (Lawful)
2	Generosity. Sometimes I give more than my share to those in need, but despite the loss of coin, charity is my greatest profit. (Good)
3	Freedom. Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. I’m only in it for the money. (Evil)
5	People. I’m committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at my craft. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	Those i traveled with in my first caravan are the most important people in the world to me. I would do anything for them.
2	Customer satisfaction is my motto, and I'll move heaven and earth to ensure it.
3	I owe my mentor a great debt for forging me into the person I am today.
4	I pursue wealth to secure someone’s love.
5	One day I will return to my homeland, and will be the richest of them all.
6	I will get revenge on the evil forces that destroyed my caravan and ruined my livelihood.

d6	Flaw
1	I’ll do anything to get my hands on something rare or priceless.
2	I’m quick to assume that someone is trying to cheat me.
3	No one must ever learn that I once stole money from the caravan coffers.
4	I’m never satisfied with what I have — I always want more.
5	I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6	I’m horribly jealous of anyone who has acquired more wealth or prestige than I. Everywhere I go, I’m surrounded by rivals.