Visual Proxy: Morichika Rinnosuke (Touhou Project)
Vocal Proxy: Professor Ozpin (RWBY)
Etymology: Kuro (黒, black), Kawa (川, river); Tai (泰, calm), Zen (然, to be). Kurokawa (黒川, black river); Taizen (泰然, self-possessed)
Game System: Dungeons and Dragons 3.5e
Class: Ninja
Background:
A self-described “simple merchant”, Taizen ventured into the land to barter goods and ply services away from the auspices of his noble family. He is a voracious and curious collector of all manners of items, skills, and experiences. His travels were mundane if successful and he went about usual business until circumstances incentivized him to work with a group of adventurers.
A merchant certainly stood out as an odd addition to a party that consisted of an intimidating fighter, a mischievous Gnome illusionist, a Merman druid who lost an animal companion, a basiphobic ranger with a flaming honey badger, and a silver-tongued bard. But this was only called into question early on as Taizen handled himself on the battlefield far better than what anyone else expected. He merely pointed out that his solo travels necessitated that he learn to defend himself and his wares. All the better as it permitted practical experience with his inventory that other merchants did not necessarily have and so gave him an advantage. The issue was dropped shortly after and Taizen carried on his business with the party, in and out of combat.
But it was after this particular adventure, where people were saved, evil was averted, and treasure was acquired, that Taizen found himself yet unsatisfied. It seemed to him that adventuring was too much of an investment for too little of an effect in the long run. There were some prolonged consequences but they were far too localized for his liking. There had to be a better way to render aid to all people, not just those within his reach. He eventually came to the conclusion that the best way to accomplish this was to be what he always was, a merchant, but in a more proactive role.
Thereafter, Taizen deliberately sought out areas of potential conflict or activity and all the points in-between. He came in with inventories based on the observed needs and lent out items as well as advice both; often at much reduced cost or even freely. He set up shop long enough to evaluate the situation, build networks, and stabilize affairs but left just before all the dust settled. Taizen aimed to be precisely where he needed to be with the exact services required by his patronage, whoever they were and whatever situation they found themselves in. One merchant could make a substantial, positive difference in the overall state of affairs. All he needed to do was greatly enable every guest who passed through the doors of his shop to take action and provide the proper tools to do so.
Image Credit: eho (icbm)
