Merchant is a tycoon style game based in a fantasy RPG. Instead of controlling the hero of the story, you control the merchant that the hero buys and sells goods from. You will be responsible for helping the heroes by selling them things they need, while buying all of the items they do not want. The heroes are persistent characters in game, so they will return to you if you keep them happy.

Core Features

Persistent NPCs

In a standard RPG, the NPCs exist to serve the purpose of communication, quest giving, and background story. In this game, the NPCs are the most important aspect of the game. Due to this, they are also a diverse group of dynamic characters. Each NPC holds a variety of stats, and will react to the player's actions. Giving a good deal to a hero or craftsman makes them like you more and are likely to return in the future. NPCs live and die by the actions conducted by the character. Helping a specific hero throughout the game can lead to him or her becoming the hero of the story. As the merchant, you narrate the direction of your game.

Active Economy

The game actively simulates the need for various types of items. This makes it possible to corner a market. If you as the player decide to buy all of the wood available, characters throughout the game will be in dire need, and willing to spend far more. This allows for a stock market emergent gameplay. The player can leverage their monopoly on certain item types to keep the NPCs coming back for more.

Dynamic Game World

In a standard RPG, the player is the hero. No questions asked. They complete the quests, and earn the final award. In Merchant, the player narrates the direction of the story by their decisions. Do you help the Barbarian with a friendly attitude, or the stoic Wizard with a calm demeanor? Your decisions send the NPCs to their destiny.

In addition to affecting the outcome of heroes, the player can help or hinder other characters in the world. By purchasing the lumberjack's wood for a good price, you allow him to prosper and lead a successful life. You can also have various craftsmen work directly for you, leading them to a mutual destiny.

Quest Giving

Do you need 5 more gems to create an epic sword? Send a hero to do your dirty work! As the merchant of the town, it is not your duty to procure resources. Through a simple scripting interface, the player is able to determine the quests the heroes take. Is there a region of the map that has the type of ore that you need? Order heroes to clear the area to make it possible for the miners to enter the area.

In-depth Crafting

Instead of specific crafting recipes, Merchant uses a dynamic crafting system. As a player you have the ability to commission or hire craftsmen to make the items you want to sell. Giving a weaponsmith 3 silver ore and 2 gems to make a sword will result in a silver sword with a multitude of possible effects. It is up to the player to discover which items sway the crafting formulas, and only the most dedicated players will find the way to the best recipes.