Adapted from NPC IDEA that PROVOKES RP-ing; DnD Subreddit- JakePlesheArt
Members of the underworld have heard stories of a secret collector. A wild-eyed, bearded man with coiling horns on his head has been seen in various dark corners of the galaxy offering secrets for secrets.
The Tea Merchant Courtier 20
The Tea Merchant is a mysterious drift-touched entity whose insatiable obsession with gathering secrets has earned him a reputation that transcends individual identity—he is known solely by his title. This enigmatic figure has a peculiar abode on a stabilized burg amidst the chaotic expanses of driftspace, a sanctuary where an unnatural silence protects confidential knowledge trapped in jars. Here, he meticulously curates a collection of secrets, ranging from trivial to monumental, and extends invitations to clients seeking insight, intrigue, or perhaps the thrill of their own revelations. Each visit to his secluded home promises an exchange of information and an encounter with the arcane, as the very act of sharing a secret with the Tea Merchant has its own profound implications.
Perception +33; Low-Light Vision, Murksight
Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal, Thieves Cant,
Skills Athletics +32, Diplomacy +34, Occultism +34, Society +34, Stealth +34, Underworld Lore +34
Str +6, Dex +6, Con +6, Int +7, Wis +6, Cha +11
Items Paragon Needler Pistol(Ghostkiller, Quicklock, Tactical Smuggler's Grip, Tactical Tru-sight), Ultimate Armored Coat (Advanced Active Camouflage, Superior Filtered Rebreather), Ultimate Knife (Ghostkiller)
AC 44; Fort +30, Ref +33, Will +36
HP 281 Ganzi Resistance: 10 resistance to a random damage type
Reflective Counterspell (Occult);
Speed 25 feet
Melee knife +38, Damage 4d8+19
Ranged needler +36, Damage 4d8+19
Occult Spells
DC 42, attack +31
10th Nullify 9th Biting Words, Object Reading, Proliferating Eyes 8th Biting Words, Object Reading, Cutting Insult 7th Biting Words, Recall Legacy, Warp Mind 6th Biting Words, Object Reading, Cutting Insult 5th Subconscious Suggestion, Command, Biting Words, Illusory Scene 4th Biting Words, Object Reading, Cutting Insult 3rd Hypercognition, Biting Words, Perseis's Precautions 2nd Biting Words, Object Reading, Cutting Insult 1st Command, Sleep, Biting Words, Exchange Image, Object Reading cantrips (10th) Detect Magic, Guidance, Haunting Hymn, Invoke True Name, Warp Step
Occult Hexes
5th Over the Coals 3rd Unravel Knowledge 1st Veil of Dreams cantrips (10th) Pact Broker, Phase Familiar
Effortless Concentration
The Tea Merchant can sustain spells with minimal effort. He seamlessly invokes the effects of the Sustain action, enabling him to prolong the duration of one of their active spells without a second thought.
Menagerie of Secrets
The Mercant’s shack is filled from floor to roof with shelves of glass, clay, and ceramic vessels etched with labels in various languages. The vessels are the Merchant’s Secret collection. When a client has a secret to offer, the Merchant has them whisper it into one of these jars that he caps and places on the shelves. Similarly, his payment is to hand the client another jar they can open and consume later.
Role in The Starfall Galaxy
After a lifetime pursuing the accumulation of secrets and rumors, the Tea Merchant has agreed to mediate between a veiled patron in the drift and the rest of the world. He understands the power of deals, receiving deeper knowledge in exchange for his service. He possesses an incomplete understanding of this patron. His patron might be a god, an enigmatic figure such as a planar being, or even an alien entity. Regardless of their origin, it is clear that he further advances his patron's agenda through the bargains he makes with others.
Purveyor of secrets
The Tea Merchant is a mysterious and powerful being interested in only one thing: Secrets. He will only trade information with the PCs if they give him an important secret. These secrets can be important world events, special information about a leader/monster, or something personal about the PC. The Tea Merchant will return secrets with values and types similar to what he is given. This causes the players to think about what they have learned so far in the game and about any secrets they may personally have.
The Merchant has been able to balance information provided against information withheld to leverage his clients into perpetual service as informants. His lifetimes spent cultivating a pan-dimensional informant network have forged him into a uniquely Streetwise handler of his Underground Network. He is always aware of the general whereabouts of his agents
Influencing The Tea Merchant
Diplomatic Approach: To approach the Tea Merchant diplomatically, one should prioritize the exchange of valuable secrets. Flattery or attempts at building rapport through conventional means are unlikely to be effective. The focus should instead be on identifying information the Merchant would deem significant and presenting it as a worthwhile offering.
Identifying a relevant secret: This requires understanding the Merchant's interests. Clues can be gleaned from rumors, past interactions (if any), or deducing what a collector of secrets might find valuable (e.g., information about powerful entities, hidden locations, future events, unique artifacts).
Presenting the secret strategically: Instead of divulging everything at once, offer a tantalizing piece to pique the Merchant's interest and gauge their willingness to engage. Frame the secret in a way that highlights its unique value.
Expressing a desire for mutual exchange: Clearly state what information or insight is being sought in return. Be specific but also flexible, showing a willingness to negotiate the value of the exchange.
Maintaining a respectful and intriguing demeanor: While emotional appeals are unlikely to sway the Merchant, a display of knowledge, discretion, and an understanding of the delicate nature of secrets might earn their respect and encourage cooperation. Avoid being overly demanding or appearing to underestimate the value of their own secrets.
Being prepared to listen: The Merchant may offer cryptic clues or ask probing questions to assess the value and veracity of the offered secret. Patient and attentive listening is crucial.
Understanding their limitations: The Merchant is bound by their relationship with their patron. Requests that directly conflict with this unknown agenda are likely to be refused, regardless of the offered secret.
In essence, a diplomatic approach to the Tea Merchant treats the interaction as a transaction of knowledge, where the currency is secrets and the key to a successful exchange lies in understanding and catering to the Merchant's singular obsession.
Investigative Approach: -An investigative approach to encountering the Tea Merchant might involve the following:
Gathering Rumors and Legends: PCs could start by hearing whispers and rumors in underworld circles, libraries with forbidden knowledge, or among those who deal in secrets. These tales would likely paint the Tea Merchant as a cryptic figure who trades secrets for secrets in a hidden location within the drift. The stories might mention his appearance (wild-eyed, horned), his unusual abode, or the peculiar jars he uses.
Tracing the Flow of Information: If the PCs are investigating a leak of sensitive information or trying to uncover the source of a particular rumor, their investigation might lead them to individuals who have dealt with the Tea Merchant. These informants might be reluctant to speak but could be persuaded with the promise of a valuable secret or through other means.
Seeking Specific Knowledge: The PCs might be looking for a very specific piece of information that seems impossible to obtain through conventional means. Legends could point them towards the Tea Merchant as the only being who might possess such knowledge. This could involve deciphering ancient texts, following cryptic clues, or learning of a ritual or method to contact him.
Following Up on Unexplained Events: Strange occurrences or unsolved mysteries with unusual information at their core might be linked to the Tea Merchant's activities. PCs investigating such events could uncover evidence of his involvement, perhaps through a discarded jar, a cryptic message, or the testimony of someone who witnessed an exchange.
Using Underworld Contacts: Leaning on contacts within criminal organizations or secret societies might yield information about the Tea Merchant. These groups might have their own dealings with him or be aware of his reputation and methods.
Locating His Abode: Once the PCs have gathered enough information, they might be able to piece together clues about the location of his stabilized burg in the drift. This could involve navigating the chaotic driftspace, using specialized navigational tools, or following a lead provided by someone who knows the way.
The Encounter: Upon reaching his shack, the silence surrounding it would be a significant clue. The PCs would then need to find a way to gain entry, perhaps by offering a secret upfront or by some other form of invitation. The interior, filled with countless jars, would immediately highlight the nature of the Tea Merchant's obsession.
Strategic Approach: -The Tea Merchant, with his vast network of informants and insatiable hunger for secrets, might seek out the players if he believes they possess a secret of significant value or are connected to an unfolding event of great interest to him or his mysterious patron.
An Unexpected Invitation: The players might receive a cryptic and formal invitation, perhaps delivered by a discreet (or unsettling) messenger, requesting their presence at the Tea Merchant's stabilized burg. The invitation might hint at a potential exchange of valuable information, piquing their curiosity.
A Calculated Interception: The Merchant, through his network, could become aware of the players' activities and strategically position himself or Oolong to encounter them. This could be in a seemingly random location or during a significant event where the players are likely to be involved.
A Request Through an Intermediary: Someone the players know or encounter – perhaps an underworld contact, a scholar of esoteric knowledge, or even a seemingly innocuous bystander – could approach them with a proposition from the Tea Merchant. This intermediary might be unaware of the Merchant's true nature or motivations.
Oolong's Subtle Guidance: The Cryptoserpent, with its ability to exchange sensory awareness with the Merchant, could subtly observe the players and, when the time is right, lead them towards the Merchant's location through a series of seemingly coincidental events or cryptic clues.
Divination or Premonition: If the Merchant or his patron has access to divinatory magic, they might foresee the players' involvement in a future secret or their current possession of valuable knowledge, prompting the Merchant to proactively seek them out.
In any of these scenarios, the encounter would likely be shrouded in an air of mystery and intrigue, immediately signaling that this is no ordinary interaction. The Tea Merchant's demeanor would likely be calculating and observant, his focus solely on discerning the secrets the players hold.
Perception +33
Will +36
Discovery Perception DC 34, Underworld Lore DC 24: Piece together accounts of those who have encountered the Merchant to intuit insights into his nature. Occultism DC 28 Uncover clues about the Merchant's agenda and potential manipulation. Society DC 30 Gauge the Merchant’s current mood and motivations through social cues.
Influence Skills Diplomacy (DC 36), Society (DC 40), Occultism (DC 40)
Influence Thresholds
Influence 4 Redacted has access to vast knowledge of history, artifacts, and political intrigue. They can offer cryptic insights or limited information. They might provide a starting point for an investigation or a hint towards relevant lore. The Merchant might offer the players enigmatic clues or veiled warnings, pushing them towards specific investigations or subtly influencing their choices.
Influence 6 The Tea Merchant shares limited information about the current situation. They could be a valuable source, offering cryptic insights or access to restricted knowledge.
Influence 8: The Merchant offers a temporary alliance, entrusting the players with a specific task related to their agenda. This could involve retrieving missing information, securing artifacts, or neutralizing threats. Vidris offers the players a powerful artifact or knowledge in exchange for their assistance in retrieving a relic stolen from the Holy Vault by another plane jumper.
Resistances
Deception: The Merchant's keen intellect and vast collection of secrets make them resistant to lies and deceit. Attempts to mislead them raise the Influence DC by +2.
Oolong, the Cryptoserpent
Oolong, the Cryptoserpent, is a unique cyberconstruct familiar that serves the enigmatic Tea Merchant. This serpentine entity, designed with organic elegance and advanced technological components, embodies the art of subterfuge and insight. Resplendent in a sleek, shimmering black exterior, Oolong’s scales glint like polished obsidian, reflecting light with a mesmerizing iridescence.
Familiar of Enticing Negotiation The Merchant's Serpent constantly whispers distracting offers of power, wealth, and other temptations to their enemies. When the Merchant Casts or Sustains a hex and the Serpent is within 10 feet of an enemy, the enemy becomes off-guard until the start of their next turn.
Oolong's Eyes: Oolong and the Tea Merchant can telepathically exchange their respective sensory awareness. When they do, they lose all sensory information from their natural bodies until they Dismiss the effect. While projected, they can converse telepathically.
The Shack of Secrets Construct 18
The Tea Merchant’s home is a gargantuan, animated structure that obeys his commands. The Merchant lives in an old house in the drift, which can be reached through weathered wooden doors that mysteriously appear before the PCs. This house is surrounded by a special version of Silence that mutes all noise except that made by the PCs (they can talk; however, if they drop an item or see something like a rainstorm over the house, they won't be able to hear the rain hitting it).
The Secret Shack is full of shelves covered with strange jars. These jars can be shattered but always mend themselves. Each jar contains a special secret (the contents of which are known only to the Tea Merchant). This is how he collects his secrets. To get a secret, the PC must speak it into the jar. These words condense into various liquid forms that can be imbibed to understand their contents.
The Value of Information
As part of his relationship with his patron, the Tea Merchant is not permitted to accumulate possessions or further wealth. The entirety of his possessions are his collection of jarred secrets.
Tactics
While seemingly a purveyor of secrets and not a direct combatant, the Tea Merchant is a 20th-level NPC and possesses potent abilities. His tactics revolve around control, information gathering, and defense, utilizing his spells and Oolong to his advantage.
Initial Actions:
Buffing/Control: He might start by casting spells like Hypercognition to enhance his abilities or Command to manipulate enemies. Illusory Scene could create distractions or cover.
Information Gathering: If surprised, he might use Object Reading on a fallen foe or a visible weapon to gain immediate tactical insight.
Positioning: He'll likely position himself strategically, near cover provided by his animated shack, and keep Oolong nearby.
During Combat:
Debilitation and Control: He favors Biting Words spells to demoralize and weaken opponents. Nullify could be used against powerful enemy spells. Warp Mind could take an enemy out of the fight.
Area Control: Proliferating Eyes could provide valuable battlefield awareness and potentially hinder enemy movement.
Offensive Capabilities: While not a primary focus, his Paragon Needler Pistol and Ultimate Knife are still dangerous, especially with his high attack bonus.
Oolong's Support: Oolong will likely be used to flank enemies, applying the Familiar of Enticing Negotiation ability to make them off-guard when the Merchant casts or sustains hexes.
Hexes: He might employ Unravel Knowledge to weaken enemy spellcasters or Veil of Dreams to incapacitate foes. Over the Coals can provide persistent damage.
Defensive Measures: He is challenging to hit with an AC of 44 and high saving throws. Ganzi Resistance provides unpredictable damage mitigation. Reflective Counterspell offers a reactive defense against spells.
Effortless Concentration: This allows him to maintain a crucial spell while taking other actions.
If Threatened:
Evasion: He might use Warp Step to reposition himself quickly. The Leap ability of his shack offers a more drastic escape option.
Bargaining: Even in combat, the Tea Merchant might attempt to parley or offer information in exchange for ceasing hostilities.
Overall Approach:
The Tea Merchant will likely fight intelligently and strategically, prioritizing control and information. He's not a front-line fighter but a dangerous manipulator of the battlefield, using his spells, hexes, and familiar to weaken and control enemies while protecting himself. His ultimate goal in a combat encounter might not be outright destruction but rather to gain information or escape with his secrets intact.
The Tea Merchant's true name is, you guessed it, SECRET. When the PCs ask him who he is, he says, "You cannot know my name, but you can call me The Tea Merchant." If the players insist on knowing his name, he will try to speak it to them, but they strangely cannot hear it. Likewise, the name is invisible to them if he writes it down. This is because the God that created The Tea Merchant wishes to keep him shrouded in mystery. Similarly, he cannot share which god created him (feel free to break this, though given the right moment).
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