So I found something interesting

[WellFooled]

I'm pretty sure the retainers are fixed for each zone. I always see Godbert's clone in Northern Thanalan (miner), a Lalafell in Eastern Thanalan (Umbral rock spot) who says "One for the Master, one for me. Easy as taking candy from a rock!", and a Hyur marauder with an aqua pompadour near the Gates of Judgement in Coerthas.

Sadly, I believe this is true. As much as I would love it if our own beloved Retainers were out there, the retainers we encounter in the open world seem to be generic in nature.

[Evangela]

why are my retainers keep bringing fish for me? they're not a fisher and not even a DoL class.

[KaiKatzchen]

That's really cool, I'll have to look for this more.

[Drakeos]

LIST places to find the retainers at

[Antonio_Xul]

I've always wanted to find my retainers out in the field, but I've never encountered any retainer out there.

[LineageRazor]

why are my retainers keep bringing fish for me? they're not a fisher and not even a DoL class.

Well, it's a Quick Venture. You're pretty much telling them to get out there and find something to bring back, and that they have just one hour to do it. If they fail they gotta come back with something, so they go to the local fishmonger and grab whatever's on sale!

Anyway, that explains the fish. It doesn't really explain the dyes, the furnishings, the walls and roofs...

[Acyd]

[Stormfur]

This is neat! I never knew it existed. Now I kinda wanna keep an eye out - even if the retainers are generic.