Re: Needing a few idea's for a "Merchant Prestige Class"

Hi All
    I have decided that I want/need a merchant prestige class for one reason
or another (reason being kept under hat as it were). And I need some
suggestions for class ablitities and what requirements you all think sould
belong to such a prestiges class.

Thanks
Mark T. Doolan

    I've been thinking a lot about that myself lately, and I disagree.  We
don't need a merchent PrC.  We need a merchent base class.  Mainly because
you'd want to include the 90% of merchents that are common, street-side
vendors and such :)

    The trick is finding a suitable archtype.  Merchents aren't as 'sexy' as
other classes, thus don't have many suitable rolemodels.  However, I can
think of 2 off the top of my head: Sinbad & Marco Polo.  Both were
wide-ranging travellers, and both would be perfect for SJ :)  Might even be
able to toss Christopher Columbus into there, too.

    So here's my suggestions to start off: HD d8; skill points (6+int
bonus)x4 + (6+int bonus) per level; BAB as cleric (essentually mid-way
between a fighter & rouge); class skills that relate to diplomacy,
selling/buying stuff (discounts), and leadership (they have to have
bodyguards, afterall! :) )  As they get higher in level, have their class
abilities focus on travel as well, such as able to use less food or air,
navigation bonuses, awe natives, charm local leaders, and other like
abilities.  A good place to steal ideas may be the Traveler sphere from Tome
of Magic.  Done properly, should have enough abilities for a full 20-level
spread, though it might get a bit packed for a 10-level spread.

Adam