A trader NPC.... [Archive] - Wizards Community

A trader NPC.... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
gregm
11-21-04, 06:10 PM In a reply to a previous post of mine someone brought up the idea of a hobgoblin trader.

I really like the sound of the idea and would like to add him in as a comedy factor.

But what should he be? What feats/skills should he have? And what about his stats/alignment? And finally a name.

I'm thinking he would probably be chaotic neutral (or good). I don't want him evil. So far the only thing I can can think of to fit is an Expert. But is there anything better? What about skills?
Shadowmagyk
11-21-04, 06:34 PM If he is an NPC, he does not need to have a real class, unless he is going to be part of combat. I suggest sticking with Expert. They get plenty of skills, and are perfect for this kind of character.

Feats and Skills:

He really doesnt need feats, unless he has Skill Focus and the like.

He should have: Appraise, Bluff, Craft, Diplomacy, Forgery, Knowledge, Sleight of Hand, Spellcraft, Sense Motive, Speak Language.

(All or some)

If you wanted him to actually be an item creator, I would suggest that he be an adept, or even multiclass CLR/WIZ.
krichaiushii
11-21-04, 06:41 PM Hobgoblin? LN - he doesn't care who he is trading with as long as he makes a buck.

Expert
Skills: Profession (merchant), Diplomacy, Bluff, Sense Motive, Appraise, Know (appropriate topic related to what he sells/buys), Know (local), Intimidate, maybe Craft or Handle Animal (if he trades in animals) or Use Rope (if he deals in rope) or Disguise (if he's into costumery or disguises himself to avoid being lynched by "good" races).

There are probably other skills that tie in to whatever he deals in. Pick appropriately.

Stats should be high enough charisma, intelligence, and wisdom to use his skills with either bonuses or at least no penalties.

Feats are likely those that boost his skills, either the 2-for-1 feats or skill focus in a select few. I would make him either 3rd or 6th level, for extra feats and higher skill ranks.

For comedy, perhaps play him as trying desperately to please the non-hobgoblin masses to buy from him despite his race's tendency towards evil. Tragic comedy, perhaps, but there you go.

Or he is bumbling due to lower than normal physical stats, namely dexterity - physical comedy is always fun.

Or he is just naturally funny, having found that humor goes a long way towards making people accept him. So he has a repetoire of funny stories, jokes, etc. and may actively seek more. He may need ranks in perform, though, if he follows this route.

Just some thoughts.

He might make a valuable follower if a PC could win him over.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
gregm 11-21-04, 06:10 PM	In a reply to a previous post of mine someone brought up the idea of a hobgoblin trader. I really like the sound of the idea and would like to add him in as a comedy factor. But what should he be? What feats/skills should he have? And what about his stats/alignment? And finally a name. I'm thinking he would probably be chaotic neutral (or good). I don't want him evil. So far the only thing I can can think of to fit is an Expert. But is there anything better? What about skills?
Shadowmagyk 11-21-04, 06:34 PM	If he is an NPC, he does not need to have a real class, unless he is going to be part of combat. I suggest sticking with Expert. They get plenty of skills, and are perfect for this kind of character. Feats and Skills: He really doesnt need feats, unless he has Skill Focus and the like. He should have: Appraise, Bluff, Craft, Diplomacy, Forgery, Knowledge, Sleight of Hand, Spellcraft, Sense Motive, Speak Language. (All or some) If you wanted him to actually be an item creator, I would suggest that he be an adept, or even multiclass CLR/WIZ.
krichaiushii 11-21-04, 06:41 PM	Hobgoblin? LN - he doesn't care who he is trading with as long as he makes a buck. Expert Skills: Profession (merchant), Diplomacy, Bluff, Sense Motive, Appraise, Know (appropriate topic related to what he sells/buys), Know (local), Intimidate, maybe Craft or Handle Animal (if he trades in animals) or Use Rope (if he deals in rope) or Disguise (if he's into costumery or disguises himself to avoid being lynched by "good" races). There are probably other skills that tie in to whatever he deals in. Pick appropriately. Stats should be high enough charisma, intelligence, and wisdom to use his skills with either bonuses or at least no penalties. Feats are likely those that boost his skills, either the 2-for-1 feats or skill focus in a select few. I would make him either 3rd or 6th level, for extra feats and higher skill ranks. For comedy, perhaps play him as trying desperately to please the non-hobgoblin masses to buy from him despite his race's tendency towards evil. Tragic comedy, perhaps, but there you go. Or he is bumbling due to lower than normal physical stats, namely dexterity - physical comedy is always fun. Or he is just naturally funny, having found that humor goes a long way towards making people accept him. So he has a repetoire of funny stories, jokes, etc. and may actively seek more. He may need ranks in perform, though, if he follows this route. Just some thoughts. He might make a valuable follower if a PC could win him over.