Martha

Martha (マーサ, Māsa) is a supporting character in Suikoden III. She's a sharp-tongued lottery vendor living at Budehuc Castle.

Profile
"A sharp-tempered, tall, old woman who sells lottery tickets."

- Martha's profile

Appearance
Martha is a tall, elderly woman with brown skin, white, shoulder-length hair, and grey eyes.

She wears a purple waistcoat over a deep blue vest and a long purple dress. Under her vest and dress, she wears a flowing green tunic, accented with yellow, with blue pants underneath. Much like Piccolo, she also wears black poulaine shoes with orange soles.

For accessories, she wears earrings, a golden choker, and orange armbraces. She also carries a small basket around her waist filled with lottery tickets for sale.

Personality
Martha is a pragmatic, sharp-tongued, and articulate old woman. As such, her words tends to sting those she is rebuking. Still, she is capable of speaking very flatteringly when she is trying to sell lottery tickets.

She also has a very good memory, and it is said that she remembers all the winning lottery numbers from her business. She is also knowledgeable on the history of Budehuc Castle.

Martha is also said to know how to fight, but is aware of the limitations of her age.

History
"I can't take it anymore! Will sales ever increase? I'm about to starve to death here!"

- Martha

Martha was an elderly woman working as a lottery vendor at Budehuc Castle. She sometimes collaborated with Piccolo to drive business to one another, with Martha encouraging people to visit Piccolo, who would then confirm that this was the perfect lucky day to buy a lottery ticket.

When Thomas first became lord of Budehuc Castle, Martha was wary as several lords had abandoned the castle by this point. Although elderly, she has not lost her pride as a member of the Karaya Clan. She refused to back down or be denigrated as a "barbarian" by the Zexen Council when they attempted to assert their power over the castle. She quickly turned her acerbic tongue on the council representatives, leaving them stunned.

By this point, Martha's confidence in Thomas had grown. When it seemed like he would have to leave, she felt like this would not be their parting. In her long life, she had seen many encounters and partings. She sensed the people of Budehuc Castle still needed Thomas and that they all had the courage to fight for him, herself included.

As she has been a resident at the castle for some time, she knew a lot about its history and helped Thomas uncover its legal status to ensure its free trade zone status. Martha's memories of the agreement would prove key in finding the document and preserving the castle's autonomy.

She would continue to reside at Budehuc and when the War of the Champions came to the castle, she would join the Fire Bringer alongside Thomas.

Following the war, she would continue to operate her lottery stand, now with no shortage of customers as the castle's population grows, ensuring a permanent smile on her face.