Merchants

Merchants are the middle-class vendors of Sosaria and Britannia, bringing to market a variety of goods and services which may be of use to an enterprising adventurer and his or her companions.

Description
Merchants and tradesmen come from numerous backgrounds and walks of life, although those aiming for success often work to cultivate a temperament conductive to doing business. Ranging from simple peddlers to wealthy entrepreneurs, merchants have often proved crucial in furnishing the Avatar with the equipment necessary for a hero's journey.

In earlier days, when dealing with Sosarian merchants, the Stranger could often cut a better price should they have had an enticing demeanor and high level of personal Charisma. Strangely, during the Age of Enlightenment and beyond, most merchants began to fix their prices, although haggling still proved popular in the "New Sosarian" settlement that became known as the Serpent Isle.

As men and women whose livelihoods depend on their stock, merchants are quick to alert the authorities of theft and vandalism, and especially in earlier ages, an incautious thief could quickly attract the wrath of an entire town guard by crossing the wrong shop keep.

Trivia

 * In Ultima II, the default dialogue for the majority of merchants was "Will you buy my apples?" potentially leaving the player to wonder precisely how saturated the Earth's produce market had become.