Merchant Baron

Description: An accomplished merchant with a large operation under their command.

Motives & Tactics: Abuse Power, Gather Resources, Mobilize Minions

Tier: 2

Type: Social

Difficulty: 13

Attack Modifier: -2

Rapier: Melee | 2d8+12 phy

Major 9 | Severe 19

HP: 5

Stress: 3

Experience:

Trade +4

Nobility +2

Features

Everyone Has a Price - Action

If Merchant Baron knows a target’s motive, Spend a Fear to offer a target a dangerous bargain. If used on a PC, they must make a Reaction Roll with Presence (17). If they fail, they can mark 2 Stress or take the deal. “The baron’s eyes glimmer as they make you an offer you dare not resist.”

Eyes Everywhere - Reaction

(Countdown 6 - Loop)

Activate when Merchant Baron first becomes relevant to the story. When triggered, spies learn the motive of a target character (NPC or PC). “The merchant baron has agents throughout the land, scouring for the most valuable commodity: leverage.”

The Best Muscle Money Can Buy - Action

Once per scene, mark Stress to summon 1d4+1 Tier I guards to enforce the Merchant Baron’s will. They appear at a Far distance. “The Baron snaps, and a group of rough-looking toughs emerge from the back room.”