The Merchant's Maze

A wealthy merchant dies, leaving their fortune hidden in a hedge maze that rearranges itself hourly. Heirs, creditors, and treasure hunters flood in. Some emerge empty-handed. Some don't emerge at all. The maze is growing, consuming adjacent properties. Map the pattern, reach the center before the maze reaches the town, or burn it all and face the wrath of those still inside.

Suggested NPCs

Aerendil Sunbeam

  • Elf
  • Other
  • Adult

Role

Occupation
Amphitheater stage manager

Character

Motivation
Building wealth and reputation
Personality
Cheerful mortician who hums at work
Background
Merchant dealing in rare goods

Details

Quirk
Collects interesting pebbles
Speaking style
Uses fey euphemisms for death
Private fear
Mirrors that reflect too long
Secret
Cannot die until they finish one last apology
Signature item
Satchel of seeds that grow overnight

Aerendil Moonwhisper

  • Elf
  • Female
  • Adult

Role

Occupation
Wedding negotiator

Character

Motivation
Building wealth and reputation
Personality
Hot-tempered and volatile
Background
Merchant dealing in rare goods

Details

Quirk
Mispronounces one common word on purpose
Speaking style
Speaks in formal third person
Private fear
Their reflection disagreeing
Secret
Hired the monsters to raise property values
Signature item
Brass key that warms near hidden doors

Aerendil Nightstar

  • Elf
  • Other
  • Adult

Role

Occupation
Icehouse curator

Character

Motivation
Building wealth and reputation
Personality
Suspicious and cautious
Background
Merchant dealing in rare goods

Details

Quirk
Laughs a beat too late at jokes
Speaking style
Uses weather as small talk always
Private fear
Being laughed at by children
Secret
Swapped places with their twin years ago
Signature item
Satchel of seeds that grow overnight

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