Overview

Dorian Grantham is the cornerstone of trade in Shatar, a shrewd yet fair merchant who has spent decades navigating the economic currents of the Alandor River. With weathered hands and a calculating gaze, he understands the worth of every coin, every sack of grain, and every salted fish that passes through his hands. As the primary merchant of the village, he ensures that Shatar’s fish and vegetables make their way downriver to Crimmor, securing vital goods in return for the isolated settlement.

Dorian’s trade isn’t just business—it’s the backbone of the village’s survival. Without him, Shatar’s economy would collapse under the weight of outside pressures, tariffs, and the whims of larger trade guilds. He operates independently of major merchant consortiums, relying instead on his long-standing relationship with a regional guild in Crimmor, the Riverhand Exchange—a modest but influential organization specializing in river trade.

Appearance

Dorian is a middle-aged man with a sturdy build, his frame shaped by years of hard labor and long days spent loading cargo. His brown beard, streaked with gray, is neatly trimmed—a contrast to his practical yet well-worn wool and leather trade attire. A heavy cloak protects him from the river’s chill, and a simple but finely crafted signet ring marks his affiliation with the Riverhand Exchange. His sharp eyes miss nothing, assessing every deal with a mix of caution and confidence.

Personality & Traits

• Shrewd but Fair. Dorian knows the worth of goods and won’t be cheated, but he also understands the importance of maintaining strong relationships with those who rely on him.
• Calculating & Cautious. Years of trade have made him wary of opportunists and shifting alliances. He prefers steady, predictable dealings over risky ventures.
• Respected in Shatar. The village depends on him, and while some grumble about his prices, few challenge his authority in matters of trade.
• Practical & Unsentimental. He isn’t one for grand ideals—profit and stability matter more than noble causes. But he won’t tolerate outright exploitation of his village.

Duties & Influence

Dorian Grantham functions as Shatar’s sole merchant-exporter, purchasing excess fish and vegetables from the villagers before transporting them to Crimmor. He alone manages trade negotiations, setting prices, and ensuring fair compensation for the people of Shatar.

Trade Operations

• Exports: Silver Pike, Golden Trout, Cloudfin Catfish, Lake Perch, Mountain Whitefish, Wengwater Char; root vegetables (turnips, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, beets, leeks, cabbage, radishes).
• Imports: Tools, grains, cloth, and general trade goods necessary for Shatar’s survival.
• Barge Capacity: His flat-bottomed barge carries approximately 10 tons (20,000 lbs) of cargo, ensuring efficiency in each journey.

Dorian also operates a fish processing and storage facility, equipped with smoking racks, salting stations, and pickling barrels. He employs three workers to handle preservation and packing before shipment, ensuring that Shatar’s goods arrive fresh and marketable.

Relationships & Allies

• Clarabelle Grantham (Wife): A skilled tailor who handles Shatar’s limited textile trade.
• Kalen Grantham (Son): A young man learning the trade, eager but still inexperienced.
• Riverhand Exchange (Trade Guild in Crimmor): A reliable, modest trade guild that grants Dorian leverage against larger merchant consortiums.
• Shatar’s Fishermen & Farmers: The backbone of his supply chain—while some might grumble about prices, all recognize that their goods would never reach a broader market without him.
• Regional Traders & Rivals: Other merchants in Crimmor and beyond respect Dorian’s steady hand, though some see him as an obstacle to consolidating control over Lake Weng’s trade.

• “A fish rots from the head down, and a bad trade does the same. I’ll not be taken for a fool.”
• “I pay fair, I deal fair, and I expect the same in return. If you want favors, look elsewhere.”
• “Shatar may be small, but it’s not without value. A smart merchant sees opportunity where others see nothing.”

Plot Hooks & Story Integration

Dorian Grantham is an anchor in the local economy and a valuable NPC in any campaign centered around trade, politics, or intrigue along the Sword Coast. Depending on the party’s interests, he can provide work, information, or even opposition.

Potential Hooks:

• A Disrupted Supply Line: Dorian’s barge fails to return from Crimmor—was it raiders, sabotage, or something worse? The party must investigate.
• A Trade Dispute: A new merchant faction arrives, challenging Dorian’s grip over Shatar’s trade. The party can side with him or against him.
• A Hidden Debt: Dorian’s dealings with the Riverhand Exchange have grown tense—perhaps they demand repayment of an old favor, or someone within the guild seeks to replace him.
• A Merchant’s Secret: Dorian has stumbled upon information far more valuable than fish and vegetables—a secret shipment, an unusual buyer, or whispers of something stirring in the depths of Lake Weng.

Dorian Grantham is more than just a merchant—he is the thread that ties Shatar to the greater world, a vital force in the town’s survival, and a man who will not be easily swayed.