Merchant

Merchants (also known as vendors) are the primary source of items and equipment in the world of Fallout, aside from dead enemies. Merchants operate out of either fixed stores or traveling caravans.

Background
The stories for each merchant are unique. These stories can often be accessed through direct dialogue. Merchants often gather their wares by scavenging the wastes or by trading.

Interactions with the player character
Some merchants offer medical aid, rent beds, repair equipment, or even sell information (ex. Colin Moriarty). To discover which of these are available, the player needs to interact with each using dialogue choices. Merchants may also give discounts to the player as a result of karma, or sometimes in return for personal favors.

Effects of player actions

 * Killing a merchant gives the player access to the store's wares through a key or directly on the body, but you won't ever be able to buy from the merchant again.

Fallout and Fallout 2
Most non-player characters can be bartered with. In addition, almost all friendly towns have 1 or more merchants with a substantial and replenishing selection of items for sale and a large amount of caps. The general store is the most basic shop and can be found in most settlements. Doctors sell medical supplies and are also present in most towns. Weapons and Armor merchants can be found in larger settlements such as the Hub and San Francisco. In both Fallout 1 and 2, the further south they are the better stocked they tend to be. The Gun Runners have the most advanced weapons in Fallout 1 while the stores in San Francisco have the most extensive inventory in Fallout 2. Shops specializing in other wares can be found.

Merchant groups in Fallout 2

 * Caravan merchant

