Procurer

The procurer is a merchant of human slaves. The term "procurer" is a bit of a misnomer, as the profession also involves transport and quality control.
Procurers tend to lurk around a battlefield, taking possession of escaping civilians, rejected war brides, or defeated soldiers who can be then repurposed into field laborers, construction workers, and domestic staff. In times of peace, the procurer might resort to straight-up abduction of unattended women or children.
The most successful procurers will have their own ships and a crew of questionable integrity. Having a medic on staff would also be useful in treating ailments and limiting the spread of disease among the cargo. Lesser procurers might instead arrange with ship owners, as the trade requires transport of captured product far away from their original homes, in order to reduce the attempted escape of slaves or the retribution of their family members. Although, the abducted are often offered back to family members at above-market rates, especially when they have been taken from noble houses.
Labrax, in Rudens by Plautus, is a notable procurer from classical literature.

Career

Qualifications

The prior removal of all morals and sense of human decency.

Career Progression

An aspiring procurer might do well to join the crew of an existing procurer, study the seedy aspects of the trade, and work his or her way up the ranks by volunteering for especially despicable tasks.

Payment & Reimbursement

With luck and a bit of negotiating skill, the procurer can earn a literal king's ransom, although most transactions are decidedly less lucrative.

Other Benefits

A rare opportunity in Achaian society to be your own boss. And in the trade of war brides, some procurers will also extract a handling fee.

Perception

Purpose

Facilitates the practice of slavery in this traditionally slave-owning society.

Operations

Tools

The most successful procurers will have their own ships, and the advantage of a cargo that can man the oars. Punishment devices, such as whips, and confinement devices, such as manacles, are also required equipment.

Provided Services

Health checks and testing for the most obvious symptoms of venereal diseases, such as lesions, discharge, or genital warts.

Dangers & Hazards

Escapes leading to loss of profits. Potential slave uprisings leading to injury or death.

Alternative Names

Slaver, Slave Trader

Type

Financial / Trade

Legality

Each kingdom has laws regulating the actions of the procurers, aimed at protecting the local citizenry while maintaining an adequate supply of forced labor from elsewhere, but generally the procurers are tolerated and allowed freedom to practice their trade.