Early in the game (first time at the Encampment, I believe) I came across a vendor selling special items using RC (not Gold) as the currency. Since I had just started I couldn't afford anything... now I would like to check that stuff out again but I have never seen that vendor since.

Am I making that encounter up or did it really happen? Where do I find these people selling special items?

Also, does gifting ANY item to NPCs automatically raise their affection for you? I have a gagillion skulls and am not sure if everyone would appreciate them in the game. How do I know when I've properly gifted enough? Every time I talk to Madeleine a special jingle plays, but in my stats it doesn't show that I have anyone with a max affection for me.

I ask because I think I need to get more items unlocked from the weapons seller. Don't worry, I already had the romance thing happen so I'm not too worried about him falling in love with me :)

Help a brother out?

@jessej07:

There is only one such RC vendor and he is exactly where you met him the first time, in the tent of the fort close to the starting village.

Any giftable item will raise any NPCs affection, but if you give items that say in the descrioption that they are especially suited to a particular person giving them to that NPC or NPC type will increase the affection much faster. There are no stats that the game surfaces, but there is a jungle and then when you talk to them there is a poinkish cloud around their head when in conversation window, means their affection is past the upper level that is needed for aything. There is no actual ceiling, it can go even higher.

Carefull about raising NPC affection too high. The NPC with the highest affection will by default become your "love intereset" example: http://www.giantbomb.com/dragons-dogma/61-34776/gee-thanks-for-that-romance-outcome-dogma/35-549136/#67