Tallow's Odds & Ends
Traveling Sundries, Adventuring Supplies & Practical Goods
Beneath a patched green awning near the stern of the Long Dividend, folding tables and wooden shelves display an impressive assortment of traveling goods. Lanterns hang beside coils of rope, camping equipment, tools, cooking utensils, and bundles of useful supplies.
A wiry, middle-aged halfling with an unruly gray mustache sits behind the counter, balancing a battered ledger across his knees.
"Looking for something particular? Wonderful! I've probably got three things that'll do the job, and two more you'll realize you needed tomorrow."
Perrin "Odds" Tallow
Perrin Tallow is a traveling merchant who rents a small section of deck space aboard Captain Sella Varn's timber barge, the Long Dividend. He purchases merchandise at river markets and sells it at settlements and landings along Profit's Flow.
Tallow specializes in practical goods useful to travelers, sailors, lumber workers, craftsmen, and adventurers. His stock changes between voyages, but ordinary adventuring equipment is almost always available.
He is cheerful, talkative, and fond of bargaining, particularly with customers purchasing several items at once. He takes pride in finding something useful for almost any situation, even when it isn't precisely what the customer originally requested.
Goods and Services
Tallow's merchandise includes everyday traveling necessities, camping equipment, lanterns, rope, tools, containers, clothing, writing materials, and general adventuring supplies.
His selection is particularly useful to people preparing for journeys along Profit's Flow or into the surrounding forests. River workers frequently visit his stall to replace worn equipment or purchase supplies before setting out.
Although he occasionally acquires specialized equipment, Tallow primarily deals in ordinary, practical merchandise rather than magical goods or expensive weapons and armor.
Buying and Bartering
Tallow purchases ordinary equipment, tools, clothing, containers, and other serviceable merchandise. He generally offers half the listed market price for goods in good condition, subject to demand and available cargo space.
He is particularly interested in practical equipment that can be resold to sailors, timber workers, and travelers along Profit's Flow.
Tallow is willing to barter, especially when customers have useful goods in good condition. He occasionally offers a modest discount for larger purchases or repeat customers.
Special Orders
Customers looking for ordinary goods that are not currently available may leave a request with Tallow. He will attempt to obtain the merchandise during a subsequent trading stop.
Delivery depends on the Long Dividend's sailing schedule, the availability of goods at other river markets, and the space available aboard the vessel.
Tallow makes no promises about exact delivery dates, though he is generally reliable about following up on requests.
Availability
Tallow's shop is open whenever the Long Dividend is docked and cargo operations permit.
His stall may close temporarily while timber rafts are being assembled, cargo is loaded or unloaded, or the crew prepares the barge for departure.
Because the Long Dividend regularly travels between river settlements, Tallow is not always present in Old Macridi. His inventory changes from voyage to voyage.
"A good rope, a dry bedroll, and a working lantern," Tallow says, tapping the counter. "Those are the things people remember needing after they've already left town. Best buy them while you can."