John the Merchant

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John the Merchant is one of Merewen's grandchildren. He served as a grog of Stranggore for over twelve years: since before Saga began in 1191 until Spring 1203.

Reputations

  • Successful trader 1 (local)

Personality

John is friendly and helpful. He has knack for getting along with the local folks.

  • Brave +1
  • Loyal +2
  • Friendly +3

John is also a diligent businessman, always looking for opportunities to buy and sell.

He's twice encountered animated skeletons: once in Blood on the Stones, and once in Trail of the White Wizard. In both encounters, he was powerless against them. He dreads the living dead as a result.

John's real interest, at this point in his life, is making enough profit that he can stop traveling, settle down, and raise a family. In 1203, he was 37 years old and still unmarried. We don't think that's unusual for someone with an itinerant trade.

Stories

Retirement from Stranggore

In Spring 1203, John's cousin Albert approached him and asked him to join Albert's merchant company. John accepted the offer, which commits him to a full-time mercantile career and leaves him no time for adventures. He now sails with a merchant ship among the ports on both sides of the English Channel. He obtained Merewen's permission to leave the covenant.

John still visits the covenant from time to time. His merchant company may wish to buy charged items or long-lasting spells from Merewen to ease the hazards of their ocean voyages. It is possible that the characters may turn to him for passage to the Continent.

Key Abilities

  • Bargain (barter)
  • Profession (pedlar)
  • Area Lore (Sussex)
  • Carouse (gambling)
  • Single Weapon

Relationships

Until 1202, John used to winter at Stranggore, so he knows the grogs and covenfolk well. He keeps a house in the village and knows some of the villagers, but not very well because he's at sea most of the time.

Character Sheet

We have a character sheet for John from the time he was a player character.

File:John the Pedlar.pdf