"Ten gold," she said, instantly returning to her
Inside the shop, small magic happens.
In grueling genres like Roguelikes or Soulslikes, the shopkeeper represents a safe harbor. An attractive, welcoming character provides a sharp psychological contrast to the horrific monsters outside, deepening the player's emotional attachment to the safe zone.
Confident, observant, and perpetually unimpressed by "chosen ones" unless they have gold or a good story.