Weggy's Guide to the Merchant Class in Ragnarok Online
Version 1.4
===============================================================================
Table Of Contents
===============================================================================
I. Introduction
II. About Ragnarok Online
III. Game Conduct
IV. Getting Started (Novice Class)
V. Becoming a Merchant
VI. What kind of Merchant are you?
VII. Stat Point Distribution
VIII. Skill Point Distribution
IX. Recommended Merchant Equipment
X. Prime hunting spots
XI. Contact
XII. Thanks
XIII. Un-legal
===============================================================================
Introduction
===============================================================================
Hi, and welcome to my Merchant FAQ for Ragnarok Online ^_^. RO has been part
of my life for a while now, dating all the way back to when it was in Alpha
stages. The game is in beta now, and 5 times as fun. Feel free to check out
my review of this game hosted on GameFAQs. This is my fourth FAQ, two of which
are not on GameFAQs. As with all of them, I encourage readers to send in their
own tips, input, and otherwise suggestions. Check out the Contact section for
info on that. Now, on to the FAQ!
===============================================================================
About Ragnarok Online
===============================================================================
Ragnarok Online is a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer RPG) made by Korean company
Gravity based on the Ragnarok Manga by Lee-Myon Jin. It is a rather lengthy
download for dial-up users, but should not be too long for Broadband users.
Theres also a LOT of patches that have been released. At the time of writing
the game has had 80 patches. No, I didn't type that wrong. 80. They are all
relatively small, and install very quickly (just overwrite the files) so it's
not a big deal. After downloading the client from
http://www.ragnarokonline.com, go get the patches. I find the best 2 sites are
http://www.ro.pak0.com/ and http://www.gamingfrontier.com. Also, if your on
dial-up, this game can be a painful experience. If your on a 56k modem, you
should be able to handle it. If your on anything less, you might as well not
bother. This game is a bandwidth hog.
===============================================================================
The 10 Commandments of RO
===============================================================================
It shames me that I need to make a section like this. In fact, I'm sure most
of you could skip right over it and be fine. I still hope everyone will read
this section though, if anything else.
1) Remember that behind that graphic, there is a living and breathing person.
Like you, he/she has feelings, and deserves proper respect.
2) Not everyone on the English server speaks English, oddly enough. So if your
having trouble communicating, that's probably why.
3) Do NOT kill steal. Kill stealing is attacking a monster another has already
begun to attack. Please find your own monster, as the attacker only gets 1/2
of the normal experience.
4) Do NOT loot. Looting is taking the items from a monster that you did not
kill. Luckily a system to prevent looting was implimented in a recent patch,
but it still can be a problem.
5) Before speaking with a discount merchant, please check to make sure you have
enough zeny for the item you intend to purchase. Most offer 20 or 15 percent
off, so the math is not difficult. You can also just guess as well.
6) Also, if you don't have the money, don't ask the merchant to sell you the
item at a considerably lower price. Discount merchants dont make that much
of a profit, and none of them are willing to pay for some of your item out of
their own pocket.
7) After you have agreed to purchase the item, you are bound by a verbal
contract to buy it. Don't try to worm your way out.
8) Please don't beg for money. We all know novices are poor, and you will be
until around level 15. We all had to go through exactly what you did. So just
be patient.
9) Don't scam, and don't fall for scams. The less people that fall for them,
the less scammers will do them! Popular scams are offering weapon upgrades,
which are not in the game yet, and offering potions for 161z instead of 16,
hoping nobody would notice. Caveat emptor, and if something sounds way too
good to be true, it probably is.
10) Sidewalk Vend! This movement started from merchantguild.net, to vend
from sidewalks to keep the streets clear. It's a fantastic idea. How many
times have you been frustrated to even walk 4 feet in Prontera square due to
all the people? Always vend from the sidewalk, and spread the word!
Then again, if you follow rule 1, theres no reason for the other 9 ^_^
===============================================================================
Getting Started (Novice Class)
===============================================================================
Before you go leaping into the Merchant, you need to start as a novice. All
new characters start as a novice. This is to get you used to the game, as well
as give you time to decide on your class. (But you are going to be a Merchant,
right? ^_^)
First, create an account at http://www.ragnarokonline.com, and obviously get
the client and all patches. Assuming all goes well, log in to your account,
and choose the chaos server. (only one thus far) You will see 3 blank slots.
Choose one, and you will get to the character setup screen. First enter your
name and choose your hair style. Then distribute your stats. As a general
rule, INT and AGL are not that useful for a Merchant, but check out the Stat
Point Distribution Section for more info.
Hit OK, and you'll be back to your character select screen. Select your new
guy, and your in! You will begin in a randomly determined town. As a
Merchant, your goal will be to get to Prontera. But that comes much later.
For right now venture out of town, and fight Porings (the red blobs). Fight
by simply clicking on them, and be sure to pick up whatever they leave. You
will gain both base levels and job levels. For base levels, focus on stats
important to a Merchant (see Stat Point Distribution). As a novice, you only
have one skill, do guess where your points go? Do right click on it to read
information about your skills though.
Eventually you'll be able to take on harder enemies. If your in the desert,
that means Pickys. If in the forest, that means Farbes and Lunatics. Around
level 6 or so, you should be able to take on ChonChons. Also, whenever you
see a PecoPeco Egg or Pupa, keep hitting it until it dies. It gives good EXP
and never hits back. It can also drop good gear.
At job level 10, when your basic skill is level 9, you can change class. This
involves going to Alberta and paying 3000z. That's a whole lot if this is
your first character. Hopefully it isn't, as you'll be having one hell of a
time gaining that 3000z on your own. Don't worry though. Once you become a
sucessful Merchant that will be pocket change.
As a general rule to novices though, you should sell all those items you pick
up to a store. A Falchion sword will be plenty to get you through the novice
stages, so thats a good buy. A Guard should be first on your shopping list
though as it gives +3 defense for only 250z. If you still have money to burn,
a Leather Jacket and Sandals would do nicely.
===============================================================================
Becoming a Merchant
===============================================================================
So after you've muled 3000z from another character, or had some sort of
divine intervention, go to Alberta in the southeast. This can be a long walk
depending on where your from, so visit RO sites like the ones I listed for
a map.
Go into the lower left hand building and talk to the man behind the counter.
Ask to change jobs to a Merchant. He will ask you for the 3000z. You can pay
either 1500z now, and 1500z later, or pay it in one lump sum. Pay as much as
you can.
He now gives you a task to go to Moroc. Pack your bags, it's very far away.
Again, look at a map. Moroc is west of Alberta.
Upon arriving, take a break. You deserved it. Head to the lower right hand
corner of Moroc. Across the street, you should see a building with an emblem
of a sun on it. Walk in, and talk to the man. He will notify the man in
Alberta you've arrived, as well as giving you 6 Red Potions. These heal your
life, and should be bound to a hotkey. (Hit F12) You then have to walk ALLLL
the way back to Alberta. This is also the most time consuming class change in
RO. Talk to the man again, and pay him 1500z if you didn't pay the full sum.
Bada-bing, Bada-boom, your a merchant. Be sure to re-equip your gear, and go
out leveling. Lets get those skills up!
===============================================================================
What kind of Merchant are you?
===============================================================================
There are essentially 3 kinds of Merchants - Vending, Overcharge, and Discount.
They all have thier advantages and disadvantages. If you intend to spend a LOT
of time on your Merchant, you can do all 3, but it's easier to make just 1 or
2.
Vending - This Merchant uses the Vending skill to sell stuff to players out and
about. I recommend everyone has one of these to sell the various rare items
you pick up in the game. Access to a discount Merchant is nice as well so you
can sell Red Potions for 16 or 17z. Everyone eats these up. The money for
vending merchants can be slow at times, but you don't need to do much work to
get it.
Overcharge - Good with math? Than go with an overcharge Merchant. They pay
for people's items and sell them back to NPCs for more. They make pretty good
money due to the fact very few Merchants overcharge than 10%. Which means you
get 14% of the pie. However, you need to be fast to add up ALL those items
people give you as well as figuring out the return rate for each item.
Calculator required.
Discount - The most popular Merchant, and for good reason. You sit in weapon
shops selling armor/weapons to people at around 15 to 20%. Basically, if
everyone in the shop is giving a 15% discount, give yours for 15% as well. If
everyone is giving 20%, you give 20%. You can make some good money this way,
but it can be dull so have a TV next to your PC so you can kill time waiting
for customers ^_^. You also have to deal with a lot of jerks, just like any
other retail store. Combine both Discount with overcharge to be the uber
merchant. ^_^
So pick what one you want to be, the earlier the better.
===============================================================================
Stat Point Distribution
===============================================================================
Merchants are usually designed like Swordsman. The only downfalls they have to
Swordsmen is their lack of combat skills and being unable to weild Plate Mail.
Still, design them as such:
Starting Stats_________________________________________________________________
Since a newer patch made LUK much more useful, I've changed my opinion on
starting stats! When beginning your character, I NOW recommend 9 STR, 1 AGL,
7 VIT, 1 INT, 3 DEX, and 9 LUK. The 9 LUK will give you a chance of dodging
some attacks here and there, and a critical is always nice.
After getting all your stats, get leveling! For the first level, put 1 point
in LUK to make it an even 10. Put 1 point in STR too next level. For the next
few levels, work on your DEX, get it up to around 5. From then on, for pretty
much the rest of the game, put points into DEX and VIT, focusing more on VIT.
You will have high defense as well as being able to hit almost all the time.
===============================================================================
Skill Point Distribution
===============================================================================
First, I'll give a quick run-down of the skills...
Increase Weight Limit__________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: None
Active or Passive?: Passive
Level 1 : +100
Level 2 : +200
Level 3 : +300
Level 4 : +400
Level 5 : +500
Level 6 : +600
Level 7 : +700
Level 8 : +800
Level 9 : +900
Level 10: +1000
Comments: Not a very useful skill, as you rarely go over your weight limit. If
you do, thats what pushcarts and storage are for.
Pushcart_______________________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: Increase Weight Limit Level 5
Active or Passive?: Passive
There is no advantage to level this up more than 1. You still get to use a
cart.
Update: node (node@hotmail.com) pointed out to me that increasing the pushcart
skill level will slowly return your walking speed to normal. I still don't
think it's worth more than 1 point though.
Comments: Essential for vending, as you can't make a shop without it. It does
lower your walking speed, but greatly increases your weight limit, so keep that
in mind. Buy a Pushcart from a pushcart merchant for these prices.
Geffen : 1100z
Moroc : 900z
Prontera: 800z
Izlude : 600z
Payon : 500z
Alberta : 300z
Discount_______________________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: Increase Weight Limit Level 3
Active or Passive?: Passive
Level 1 : 7% Discount
Level 2 : 9% Discount
Level 3 : 11% Discount
Level 4 : 13% Discount
Level 5 : 15% Discount
Level 6 : 17% Discount
Level 7 : 19% Discount
Level 8 : 21% Discount
Level 9 : 23% Discount
Level 10: 24% Discount (Why didn't they just make it 25%?)
Comments: Obviously Essential for a Discount Merchant, as it allows you to buy
items cheaper.
Overcharge_____________________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: Discount Level 3
Active or Passive?: Passive
Level 1 : 7% Overcharge
Level 2 : 9% Overcharge
Level 3 : 11% Overcharge
Level 4 : 13% Overcharge
Level 5 : 15% Overcharge
Level 6 : 17% Overcharge
Level 7 : 19% Overcharge
Level 8 : 21% Overcharge
Level 9 : 23% Overcharge
Level 10: 24% Overcharge
Comments: The same as Discount, but now you can sell items to NPCs for greater
prices. Obviously essential for an Overcharge Merchant.
Vending_______________________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: Pushcart Level 3 (kind of dumb since Level 2 and 3 do nothing)
Active or Passive?: Active, 30SP per use
Level 1 : Can sell 3 items at a time
Level 2 : Can sell 4 items at a time
Level 3 : Can sell 5 items at a time
Level 4 : Can sell 6 items at a time
Level 5 : Can sell 7 items at a time
Level 6 : Can sell 8 items at a time
Level 7 : Can sell 9 items at a time
Level 8 : Can sell 10 items at a time
Level 9 : Can sell 11 items at a time
Level 10: Can sell 12 items at a time
Comments: The Vending Merchant's skill. Most people will be fine with Level
1. When it says 3 items at a time, that means 3 different items. So you
could sell 10 red potions, 10 animal blood, and 10 aloes if you wanted.
Pushcart is needed to open a store. -The Game- also pointed out to me that
each piece of equipment is seperate, so you could only sell 3 Hats with level
1 vending.
Mammonite_____________________________________________________________________
Pre-Requisites: None
Active or Passive?: Active, 5SP per use
Level 1 : 150% Damage, 100z per use
Level 2 : 200% Damage, 200z per use
Level 3 : 250% Damage, 300z per use
Level 4 : 300% Damage, 400z per use
Level 5 : 350% Damage, 500z per use
Level 6 : 400% Damage, 600z per use
Level 7 : 450% Damage, 700z per use
Level 8 : 500% Damage, 800z per use
Level 9 : 550% Damage, 900z per use
Level 10: 600% Damage, 1000z per use
Comments: If your freakin rich, you can use this skill. It's very cheap SP
wise, and hurts a hell of a lot. In fact, if you have a ton of money, this
could make you better than a Swordsman. Most shouldn't bother with it though,
unless you intend to take your Merchant all the way.
There is also supposedly a skill called Identify that allows you to see what
an item does. It is not implemented in the beta yet.
===============================================================================
Recommend Merchant Equipment
===============================================================================
You have to fight like everyone else, and like every other warrior you need
Equipment. I've divided this part into 2 sections, what you realisticly could
get, and what you might want in terms of Rares if you've got money flowing out
of your ears. All prices are with no discount.
Realistically__________________________________________________________________
Weapon: Tsurugi - +130 ATK 21000z
Shield: Buckler - +4 DEF 2800z
Helmet: Helm - +5 DEF 10000z
Armor : Chain Mail - +7 DEF 34000z
Robe : Manteau - +3 DEF 8000z
Shoes : Boots - +3 DEF 5000z
TOTAL: 80800z
Another configuration I've grown fond of is to forget the Buckler and go for
a 2-handed axe from Alberta. It does MUCH more damage.
Ultimate_______________________________________________________________________
Actually the only things a Merchant could not buy from an NPC are Acessories.
There is no good rare Merchant Sword or Armor.
Accessory: Glove - +2 DEX Street Price: 130000z - Dropped by Mummy
Necklace- +2 VIT Street Price: 280000z - Dropped by Isis
===============================================================================
Prime Hunting Spots
===============================================================================
Here are some good leveling spots for you up and coming Merchants:
One Screen Away from town - Stay here until you get to be a Merchant. Hunt
Porings into around Level 2 or 3, then Farbes/Pickys. Around 5, fight
Lunatics/ChonChons. If your in Payon, fight Willows around Level 8 or 9. Be
sure to always fight Pupas or PecoPeco Eggs, as they dont hit back.
2 Screens south of Payon, or 2 east of Alberta - After you become a Merhcant
in Alberta, move 2 screens east. Fight Spores in this skinny map, they'll
level you up in a big hurry.
Pyramid near Moroc - Has Theif Bugs and Spores for good EXP, but there are
agressive Familiars and if a Poporing takes your loot, your in no position to
get it back.
Half Desert, Half Forest Map, 3 south of Prontera - A very good spot, as it has
PecoPeco Eggs, Pickys, and ChonChons. A much better spot is one screen south
though....
THE forest, 1 map south and 1 east of Payon - Note the caps on THE. This is
the ultimate spot to level, and ALL of my characters spent levels 10-20 here.
Start off with Spores and Condors. When you get stronger, around Level 15,
start fighting Wolves. Around 18, fight PecoPecos. Finally, at 20, fight
Wormtails. Theres also Snakes, I recommend fighting those at level 25. All
of these monsters are easy, give good EXP, and great drops. The map is also
not very crowded. This is THE ultimate place. I can't stress that enough.
Northeast corner of Prontera - This dungeon is known as Culvert, and I've
changed my opinion on it. After you hit about level 20 in THE forest, go
here. Go to the 2nd floor, on the 3rd map. There will be long rows of pipes
with no water in them. Most importantly, no aggressive bats. Stay here until
around Level 27 or 28.
Payon Caves, Level 1 - You can get good EXP here, but the lag is awful. Waaay
too many people level here. Which is a shame, because it's the only good place
for Acolytes to build up. Please, PLEASE do not level here unless your an
Acolyte. It's bad enough for them already.
1 screen south, 1 west of Prontera - Also known as Rocker field, Rockers are
good enemies to fight as well. However, this place can be laggy. Stick to
the forest.
1 screen north and 2 east of Prontera - Known as Yoyoland, fight Smokies
around Level 23 or so. Bring potions, as they'll be quite hard. Take on
Yoyo's around 27, and finally Elder Willows around 29.
Few get their Merchant higher leveled than that, kudos if you do. ^_^
===============================================================================
Contact
===============================================================================
If you wish to Email me, do so at michael@satcen.com. Of course, you can also
message me in RO...
Weggy - Swordsman (Current character, I have re-done him)
AllAboutTheZenny - Discount Merchant
Shamino - Theif
ShootToKill - Archer
Tataru - Mage (I very rarely play him. I don't like Mages)
===============================================================================
Thanks
===============================================================================
-Thanks to myself for writing the guide. You rock Weggy. Yes, I know.
-Thanks to CJayC for hosting the best damn site on the net.
-Thanks to Gravity of course, for making this outstanding game.
-Thanks to all the members of the RO message board, battosai, miyuki, and ryu
have saved my ass countless times.
-Thanks to my ISP for not pulling the plug on me during those all-night
Vending sessions. Thanks Insight. ^_^
-Thanks to all of you who are reading this guide. I hope you liked it.
===============================================================================
Un-Legal
===============================================================================
As with all my FAQs, I believe it to be public domain. Please post this on
your website, edit, alter, or do what you will with it. Crediting me is
entirely optional. Although it isn't neccessary to Email me, I would like to
check out your site if your going to put it there ^_^
-Fin-
