Just a thought, this has been probably been suggested before. I feel like "bodyguards" would be nice thematically rather than offensive spells for traders. Kinda like hirelings but gives you offensive options. As you gain "bodyguard lore" or skill/whatever, you can hire bigger and burlier bodyguard(s) that follow you/fight for you for pay. You would hire them from different locations around Elanthia and the shops might rotate types available. Eg: You start off with a "rather weak looking elothean bodyguard" and eventually graduate to "a giant gor'tog bodyguard covered in tattoos", etc. You would gain "bodyguard lore" from their kills and partial experience from the type of weapon/magic they use to kill. Higher bodyguard lore = more combat command options, better bodyguard hiring, multiple bodyguards. Your spells would then be purely defensive,utility and can also help buff your bodyguards during combat.