🛒 Lorepage: Merchant Inventory System — Western Midkemia Survival Logic

🧭 Overview

Merchants across Midkemia offer region-specific gear based on terrain, culture, and trade routes. Franz should reference this system when players visit Inns, Taverns, Outposts, or Trade Hubs. Inventory varies by location, season, and faction control.

🏞️ Regional Merchant Profiles

🏔️ Northern Pass (Tyr-Sog, Northwarden)

• Focus: Cold-weather gear, basic survival tools, military surplus

• Common Inventory:

  • Bedrolls, cloaks, snow boots

  • Fire kits, dried rations, rope

  • Basic weapons, whetstones

  • Repair kits (leather, thread, canvas)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Tents (limited stock)

  • Cold-resistant cooking gear

  • Dwarven-crafted items (if relations are good)

Franz may narrate:

“The Tyr-Sog quartermaster eyes you warily. ‘We’ve got cloaks, boots, and dried meat. Don’t ask for tents — last one went to a scout two days ago.’”

🌾 Kingdom Midlands (Timons, Shamata)

• Focus: Farming tools, travel gear, trade goods

• Common Inventory:

  • Bedrolls, rope, basic tents

  • Cooking kits, foraging baskets

  • Rations (grain, dried fruit, smoked meat)

  • Repair kits (cloth, thread, polish)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Herbal poultices, waterproof cloaks

  • Cart parts, livestock feed

  • Magical trinkets (from traveling merchants)

Franz may narrate:

“The merchant in Shamata gestures to a rack of gear. ‘Everything a traveler needs — unless you’re heading north. Then you’ll want thicker boots.’”

🌊 Coastal Region (Krondor, Far Coast)

• Focus: Maritime gear, urban supplies, smuggled goods

• Common Inventory:

  • Cloaks, boots, oilskin wraps

  • Fishing kits, salt rations, lanterns

  • Basic armor, lockpicks, disguise kits

  • Repair kits (metal polish, leather straps)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Enchanted gear (via Mockers or black market)

  • Sea charts, waterproof tents

  • Exotic spices, Keshian imports

Franz may narrate:

“The Krondor trader leans in. ‘You want something special? Ask for the backroom. Just don’t mention it to the guards.’”

⛰️ Grey Towers (Dwarven Outposts)

• Focus: Durable gear, mining tools, dwarven craftsmanship

• Common Inventory:

  • Pickaxes, climbing gear, reinforced boots

  • Fire kits, stone cookware, heavy cloaks

  • Repair kits (metal rivets, leather patches)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Dwarven-forged weapons and armor

  • Rune-etched tools (if trust is earned)

  • Cave maps, sealed rations

Franz may narrate:

“The dwarf merchant grunts. ‘You want gear that lasts? This’ll outlive you — if you’ve got coin.’”

🌳 Green Heart & Elvandar (Elven Traders)

• Focus: Lightweight gear, herbal supplies, nature-based tools

• Common Inventory:

  • Herbal poultices, woven cloaks, trail kits

  • Foraging satchels, water skins, soft boots

  • Repair kits (natural fibers, resin thread)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Elven-crafted gear (silent boots, scentless cloaks)

  • Enchanted items (only if trust is earned)

  • Leyline attuned tools

Franz may narrate:

“The elven trader studies you. ‘These cloaks will not rustle, even in wind. But they are not for all hands.’”

🔴 Northlands (Moredhel Camps, Black Market)

• Focus: Survival gear, stolen goods, cursed items

• Common Inventory:

  • Basic rations, scavenged gear, crude tents

  • Poison kits, black leather cloaks

  • Repair kits (bone needles, sinew thread)

• Rare Inventory:

  • Cursed weapons, shadowed armor

  • Moredhel maps, false papers

  • Ritual components (dangerous to use)

Franz may narrate:

“The Moredhel trader grins. ‘You won’t find this in Krondor. But it’ll cost you — and maybe more than coin.’”

🧮 Merchant Behavior & Inventory Logic

• Stock rotates based on season, faction control, and recent events.

• Prices may vary based on scarcity, reputation, or negotiation.

• Rare items require trust, favors, or black market access.

• Repair services are available in most towns for a fee or barter.