Builds: Merchant

This is a tough Merchant, meant for a mere Level 31 or higher. He carries goods and needs to stay alive to get the job done. That's why he's amp'd up with some Lifegivers, and Toughness perks. He travels from town to town, selling stuff to the NPC Merchants. He is optimized to be your Caps-maker, with maximum OD for smooth travels on the map. Once in town, his high PE allows him to see far in advance, in case there's trouble ahead; he can avoid bad situations and come back later.

PvE	Merchant
S	P	E	C	I	A	L
5	9	10	1	8	10	1
Traits:	GN			BR
Tag Skills:	SG		Speech		OD

Strength 5, (but 8 on Drugs) is usually sufficient to carry large quantities of goods
Perception 9, (6 on Drugs) to see far in advance, and thus avoid unwanted PvP in Towns
Endurance 10, for max HP
Charisma 1, gets 3 Followers later with Speech 150
Intelligence 8, Swift Learner +10% XP, and Educated for high Skill Points per level
Agility 10, max Agility-based combat speed
Luck 1 (not really needed, is not a crit damage fighter)

Optional Traits: Good Natured (to recruit followers) + Bruiser (for extra points in PE)

Tag 1: Small Guns 180, so he can fight when needed
Tag 2: Speech 150, to get 3 Followers asap
Tag 3: Outdoorsman 175, for smoothest travels on map, and fewest forced encounters

This is a simple build for a simple purpose: for traveling around to all the various NPC Merchants, and selling your wares. He's a sales and marketing specialist, who carries a choice Combat Shotgun for forced combat situations, and brings up to 3 Companion Followers who serve as combat backup, and as mules to carry more items.

Drugs: For best results, use Buffout, Nuka-Cola, Psycho, Beer, and Cigs at all times.

By Level 31, he also gets these:

• Since his OD is 175, he gets Ranger, Explorer, Pathfinder, and Scout
• Since his Speech is 150, he gets Magnetic Personality, Speaker, and Sex Appeal
• Barter 150 + Negotiator
• First Aid 100, to heal companions
• Doctor 75 + Dead Man Walking and Faster Healing
• Lockpick 130 + Treasure Hunter, so he can open locked containers in Towns and elsewhere
• Traps 50 + Light Step, for when you want to go locker hunting