Wandering Merchants and Wandering Warriors.

The Wandering Merchant is by most players seen as a source of free Leads above all else. He spawns in, wanders up, and is brutally murdered for his leads and his Llama's Leather. I Suggest making it a more exciting Experience when the Wandering Merchant Appears, expanding on their Utility and helping protect them at the same time. A Wandering Warrior who Accompanies the Merchant. Who will attack the player only if the Merchant or his pack animals are attacked. Expanding on this Wandering Warrior you could also make him able to be Hired by paying his Rate of Emeralds Up front (it could vary each time you came across a new one.) upon hiring them they would act in a similar capacity to Dogs in the game and would follow you or halt where you told them to, you could adjust their gear by crouching and Interacting with them to give them better armour or equipment then the base weapon they would carry. (Probably a Basic Iron Sword.)