Gloomy Depths - Merchants

A group of merchants of unknown origin is active in the Gloomy Depths. They claim to provide supplies and necessities for the explorers, travelers, and scholars here, serving as a vital link in maintaining underground activities. But the truth is, after the initial craze of the discovery had passed, these ruins returned to silence. The travelers all but left, but this group of merchants stayed here anyway.

They appear to have accumulated considerable wealth, gradually evolving from scattered merchants into merchant organization. Over time, the organization continued to expand, establishing a stable trade network. However, the origins of their goods remain complex and concealed. All kinds of shady deals were churning undercurrents in the Gloomy Depths. They present themselves as sole traders and still claim to be providing daily necessities for travelers. In fact, the merchants have long formed a tightly structured guild.

The Merchant Guild is led by three figures: Gaston, Sabine, and Edred. Originally the leaders of three separate factions, they merged into a single guild, but still retain separate decision-making powers. It is this system of mutual checks and balances, as well as skilled collaboration, that has allowed the guild to operate long-term in the Gloomy Depths.

They usually only do business with regulars. Otherwise, they just play along under the guise of being travelers and will not reveal the existence of their guild.
It is said that these merchants have no fixed stronghold or warehouse. Instead, they choose to hide the goods they sell out in the wilds of the Gloomy Depths. Only people from the guild know the locations of these hidden caches. To protect against covetous outsiders, many are equipped with crude and dangerous defense mechanisms. Attempt to open them without permission and you will very likely pay a lethal price.