Faction Merchant

Feature: Faction Membership

Skill proficiencies: Choose two from Deception, Insight, Performance, and Persuasion
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A letter of introduction from your faction, a set of traveler's clothes, and a belt pouch containing 150 cr

Instead of an artisans' faction, you might belong to a faction of traders, caravan masters, or shopkeepers. You don't craft items yourself but earn a living by buying and selling the works of others. Your faction might be a large merchant consortium (or family) with interests across the galaxy. Perhaps you transported goods from one place to another, by ship, wagon, or caravan, or bought them from traveling traders and sold them in your own little shop. In some ways, the traveling merchant's life lends itself to adventure far more than the life of an artisan.

Suggested characteristics

faction merchants are among the most ordinary people in the world—until they abscond to take up an adventuring career. They understand the value of hard work and the importance of community, but they're vulnerable to sins of greed and covetousness.

Faction Business

factions are generally found in cities large enough to support several artisans practicing the same trade. However, your faction might instead be a loose network of artisans who each work in a different village within a larger realm. Work with your GM to determine the nature of your faction.

Feature

Faction Membership: As an established and respected member of a faction, you can rely on certain benefits that membership provides. Your fellow faction members will provide you with lodging and food if necessary, and pay for your funeral if needed. In some cities and towns, a factionhall offers a central place to meet other members of your profession, which can be a good place to meet potential patrons, allies, or hirelings.
factions often wield tremendous political power. If you are accused of a crime, your faction will support you if a good case can be made for your innocence or the crime is justifiable. You can also gain access to powerful political figures through the faction, if you are a member in good standing. You must pay dues of 50 cr per month to the faction. Your dues must be current to remain in the faction's good graces.

Personality traits
d8	Trait
1	I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can't help it (one character lost from the source) I'm a perfectionist.
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'm rude to people who lack my commitment to hard work and fair play.
6	I like to talk at length about my profession.
7	I don't part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.
8	I believe I'm well known for my work, and I'm always taken aback when people haven't heard of me.

Ideals
d6	Ideal
1	Community — It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful)
2	Generosity — My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Light)
3	Freedom — Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood. (Chaotic)
4	Greed — I'm only in it for the money. (Dark)
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)

Bonds
d6	Bond
1	The workshop where I learned my trade is the most important place in the world to me.
2	I commissioned a great work for someone unworthy of it; I now search for someone worthy.
3	I owe my faction 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 faction and prove that I am the greatest artisan of them all.
6	I will get revenge on the Dark forces that destroyed my place of business and ruined my livelihood.

Flaws
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 faction coffers.
4	I'm never satisfied with what I have (one character lost from the source) I always want more.
5	I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6	I'm horribly jealous of anyone who can outshine my handiwork. Everywhere I go, I'm surrounded by rivals.

Feat options
d8	Feat
1	Silver-Tongued
2	Empathic
3	Performer
4	Charmer
5	Linguist
6	Haggler
7	Inspiring Leader
8	Practiced

At a glance

Suggested characteristics#

Faction Business#

Feature

Suggested characteristics

Faction Business