Merchantclass

Merchantclass is a term used to describe a social or professional grouping whose defining trait is involvement in the exchange of goods and services. It is not tied to a single source but appears across sociology, economic history, and fantasy role-playing contexts as a generic descriptor for those who trade, finance, or manage markets.

In historical and sociological contexts, merchants formed a distinct urban social stratum within expanding economies. They often operated across regional networks, controlled supply chains, and contributed to the growth of towns and early capitalist practices. In some traditions, merchants were recognized as a separate social group with political and economic influence, and in others they are associated with specific caste or guild structures that regulate trade and craft.

In gaming and fiction, merchantclass typically refers to a playable or non-player character role focused on trade, barter, and economic management rather than direct combat. Common skills include appraisal, pricing, negotiation, and inventory management, with some variants adding caravan logistics, financing, or market manipulation. Merchant characters often serve as suppliers, middlemen, or financial backers for adventuring parties, and may enable access to rare items or discounts through favorable relationships with NPC vendors.

In modern discourse, the term is sometimes used more broadly to describe individuals or groups who specialize in commerce within an economy, rather than as a formal social class. See also bourgeoisie, trader, merchant guild.