I've had a theory for a while now, it is that the devs put a character in each town to see what happens so they can get info and stuff.

Evidence that they are all the same is they all have a 2 word name i.e. Sellmate & Beerstore and there are a few others.

They all stay at the same spot in a town all the time.

They didn't put any in the ursan weild due to the fact it is one of the less active towns so less would happen there.

Yea I'd add more but I'm too lazy at the moment.