Suzanne Keppart

Suzanne Keppart is a human shopkeeper in a big city and she means business.

Working for over fourteen years, Suzanne has found a new way to care for injured people. She has single-handedly found a way to close wounds with no skill or practice. 

A worrying root called Choke Vine grows in the nearby swamp. Choke Vine is not technically a vine, but is, in fact, a root that grows from a large tree. The roots spread wide through the swamp, searching for nutrients that the still and muddy waters do not offer. It has grown to require large amounts of iron, and since moving to the swamp, has adapted to finding this iron in other places.


It does this by waiting until it is pushed against by a force. It checks with spines and needles to see if the force has any iron. The most common source that it finds is blood. When a root finds a source of iron, it pushes its needles in, grabs ahold of it's vessel (Usually a soon to be dead animal) and then pulls the iron out. The iron enters the root and strengthens it, typically resulting in a vice like grip that gives the root its common name. 


Cutting, and only using, one inch segments of the root, Suzanne has learned that it will still function even after it is dried. When applied to an open wound, it latches on, sending small spikes into the victim, and then hardens itself. Since it is a small piece, this means it clots the wound nearly instantly. After a soak in water, the patch is easily removed. 


Her discovery has brought her a lot of attention lately, and Sages from the greater area are giving her a lot of attention. Most of it is nice. She does well in sales, and has hired two apprentices for her herbalist shop. However, some of the attention is unwanted...

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Roleplaying Suzanne:


Suzanne is polite and officious. She knows what she wants and how to get it. She will not back down to threats to her or her property. She will notify the guard immediately if a fight or threats of violence are taken seriously. 


She does not touch her face or play with her hair, and she washes her hands often. Her clothes are well kept, sensible and not lavish. She wears them to work in, not flirt. She accepts flirting but doesn't blush or shy away. She might even return the flirt if she thinks the compliment is genuine, but is ever wary that someone might flirt with her just to get something from her. She cannot be bargained with, but is quite fair in her prices and purchases. 

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Using Suzanne in your story:


Suzanne is smart, but not very adventure prone. She requires a constant supply of herbs from the nearby swamp to keep her shop in business. She will not participate in fights or assaults. If the town is attacked, she will assist in healing, but will petition the town hall for funds to compensate her after. 


Some sample quests Suzanne might have for your adventure could include:

• Someone is interfering with her supply line. Escort the apprentice, and assist him in obtaining the herbs and materials needed.
• Another NPC is in need of a particular healing agent, Wax of Safflower. This wax is difficult to diffuse, and Suzanne's shop is the only one that makes it. Perhaps she is out of the concoction at the moment, but knows of a location of the raw plant in a dangerous local. She is happy to make it for free if they give her the raw ingredients. If they locate 5 stalks or more, she will compensate them for the raw flowers.
• A rare poison is used in killing a local. Suzanne can identify it, and make a usable anti-toxin for this specific poison. 
  
• A rival Herbalist wants Suzanne out of the picture. He hires the party to find or plant evidence in her shop that she makes illegal poisons and potions.