The problem with merchants is not the prison itself, it just even stronger there.
The whole island is isolated and far away from the typical trading routes. There is a reason why the Seekers are so desperately trying to get away from the island. The can't leave but get tons of fancy stuff? Also they have all those fancy skill books, but noone of them can learn any kind of healing skill?
Also as somebody already mentioned: all those fancy treasure stuffs like Bracchus get easily old, because you can buy better stuff soon.
If you tune down the enemies it would not even hurt to have less fancy stuff to buy. But on the other hand tuning down the magisters would break the immersion from a different point, I guess. You kind of can kill to many Magister who seem to be to weak for the real felt importance.
I once killed every magister in the Fort Joy without buying a single weapon or armor piece. Also cleared the entire island except final fight without buying from Gareth and the pig vendor. So all this gear isn't really necessary. Braccus set should be by far the best thing one can find on the island if the story is to be believed. Purple gear needs severe nerf both from balance and immersion perspectives.
Also they have all those fancy skill books, but noone of them can learn any kind of healing skill?
That's just so true I'll add it to the list. Moreover, Gratiana sells a unique ring that grants restoration spell. Why wasn't it used and they needed me to use the same restoration spell?
Edit: can't edit the initial post anymore so will have to make another one when the list of things to add is long enough.
