Merchant

Extracanonical subject
(Unique game aspects not part of story canon)

"Got somethin' that might interest ya'!"

The Weapons Merchant, known in the localization simply as the "Merchant", is a Ganado pseudo-character that appears in Resident Evil 4 as means for the player to upgrade, sell, and purchase weapons. Another Merchant appears in the iPhone game Resident Evil: Degeneration.

History

While the Merchant primarily functions as a shop for players, he still "acts" as a character.

In the Resident Evil 4 Digital Artbook He is described as a weapons peddler who dresses in a long black coat. A pale blue flame marks the location of his shop, and he appears capable of traveling great distances in the blink of an eye. He carries a wide selection of weapons inside his huge backpack and coat. It is obvious from his appearance that he is a Ganado, but he doesn't seem to regard outsiders as a threat, and will deal with anyone as long as the price is right. No one knows how he gets his weapons, but his selection is enough to impress even Leon. He's very good at his trade, flattering the buyer with phrases like “The choice of an avid gun collector!” and “You'll need guts to buy that weapon!”^[1]

The Merchant reveals himself to Leon S. Kennedy after he wakes up in the house in the Valley by beckoning him from outside a window. When Leon goes around the outside of the building the Merchant shows off his merchandise. Ada later runs into him inside the Cave before he properly sets up his shop (which includes lighting a torch that emits blue fire). Leon crosses him in this same area when he is ready and he greets Leon. He is also encountered by Ada Wong on various occasions as seen in Separate Ways (The Another Order).

His history and reasons for being a dealer are never elaborated on. He is last seen before Leon fights Saddler.

Appearance

The Merchant wears a tattered black trench-coat along with a large sandy backpack. A purple piece of fabric covers the lower portion of his face. The inside of his coat contains a number of belts, packs, and pockets, all packed full of merchandise. The Merchant's face is scarred below his left eye, and more scars appear in later parts of the game. At times, he shares the Ganados' glowing red eyes, though he is not confirmed to become one. However, it is worth noting that his eyes do not remain red at all times, occasionally shifting to a natural blue color instead. He speaks with a Cockney English accent.

Gameplay

The Merchant is interacted with by walking up to him and pressing the button that corresponds with the "TALK" action. Only exception being the first two times Leon encounters him and players "visit" him at the start of a New Round. The Merchant will appear at various points throughout the main game and Separate Ways, offering new upgrades and merchandise the further the player progresses. The Merchant usually sets up a blue torch near him when he is in business, and most of the areas he appears are free of enemies, though they are not safe-zones. The player can actually kill the Merchant. His body will not fade, and he will respawn in that specific spot after some time in Amateur and Normal difficulties, but not in Professional, where he will never come back.

The Merchant also runs the various Shooting Ranges around the castle and island areas.

The Merchant also has a bottle cap modeled after him. He is one of the regular prizes that can be won when playing Game C and his voice clip is him saying "Welcome!".

Shopping

Players can shop by using pesetas they find or get in exchange for selling items or treasures.

For the list of buying and selling prices, see here.

There is a minor sidequest involving destroying Blue Medallions for the Merchant at the beginning of the main game, which the player can start before even meeting with him. Doing so will reward Leon with a specialized handgun.

Locations

Village

Further notes

There is a Resident Evil: The Deck Building Game card modeled after him called The Merchant.
According to the Beta Art works of "The Art of Resident Evil 5", another merchant-type character would have made an appearance but was removed in the end. A left-over unused merchant model can be found in Resident Evil 5. It has a flat orange texture and non-detailed model, with the Kanji for merchant (商, Shō^?) being imprinted on the front. He seems to have been supposed to wear a tight shirt, pants, and gloves (normal human appearance).
The Merchant is able to refill all the ammo for any weapon when the Player upgrades the weapon's Capacity.

Gallery

Sources

↑ Resident Evil 4 Digital Archives.

[RE4_Artbook-1] Resident Evil 4 Digital Archives.

[1]