Merchants and You
Merchants are scattered throughout Fiore. Many of these peddlers offer their services to the Wizards of Fiore in a variety of different ways. Some may make a poultice that gives you wings, others may have the ability to forge a weapon blessed by the heavens. None of their work is free, of course, and each charges their differing prices. These prices fluctuate depending on certain conditions (which will be discussed further down).
The Merchants
The merchants are like every other citizen in Fiore. They have their favorite guilds and favorite wizards featured in Sorcerer's Magazine. Those that manage to make the front cover, or get an interview in the magazine, will find that merchants that like their guild will grant them considerable discounts. Of course, not every merchant is an upstanding citizen. Some of them are denizens of the criminal underworld, and have certain alliances to dark guilds. These merchants are usually shady dealers, or black market venders. Some merchants have even aligned themselves with guild, or are staunch protectors of their beliefs, and will attack on sight depending on your particular affiliation.
Their business is Business
All merchants must be traveled to and dealt with IC. There is no word count requirement for bartering with a merchant, however, they do require items. A sword you have using the zealot trait may be D Rank, but could be upgraded after gathering eleven metal fragments. It would be your job, as the Wizard, to go forth and collect these fragments. Once you have done so, you can return to the merchant and have your item upgraded. A merchant dealing in poultices may require herbs that are guarded by a particularly fierce beast--or grown on one. They are shop owners, not adventurers. If you want something made, prepare to work for it.
How do I get these items?
The bestiary hosts monsters that you, the members, created. These monsters will be assigned certain loot drops that you have a chance of collecting upon killing them. Plot and raid bosses have a chance of dropping unique materials that you may only see once. These items can be acquired later for a heavy fee on the black market. You may not know what monsters drop what, but merchants meet many travelers and often hear lots of rumors. Certain guild jobs and Requests can also reward materials.
Can I just rob the merchant?
Yes, though it is ill advised.