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Overview

The Goldleaf Merchant Guild is the largest merchant guild in Hernand, run entirely by goblins. Their commercial influence stretches well beyond the duchy, reaching across the continent of Pywel. The guild prioritizes profitable deals over ethical considerations, and internal power struggles among its goblin leadership have defined much of its recent history. Players who build Contribution with the guild gain access to exclusive trade goods, the black market, and faction-specific quests.

The guild is one of 110 factions tracked in the game's Knowledge Library. It operates as a core faction within the Hernand region, meaning it holds territory, offers quests, and can be blockaded by hostile groups.

Details

History and Lore

The Goldleaf Merchant Guild established itself as the dominant trade organization in Hernand by leveraging goblin shrewdness and an extensive network of trade routes. For a period, the guild fell under the control of Kailok, known as the Hornsplitter, who ran operations through blood and violence. His enforcers, the Hornsplitter's Guards, patrolled guild locations and intimidated anyone who challenged his authority.

Shakatu, the current trademaster, is a goblin renowned for his exceptional wit. Unlike Kailok, Shakatu harbored an aversion to the Hornsplitter's brutal methods. The transition of power from Kailok to Shakatu forms the backdrop of several guild questlines, including a rebellion that players can participate in directly. Shakatu's leadership has steered the guild back toward cunning deal-making rather than outright violence, though the guild's willingness to bend rules for profit remains unchanged.

Thinker's Meadow, a wide grassland that once served as a rest stop for guild caravans, was abandoned at some point during the internal turmoil. It has since returned to its natural state, though traces of the guild's former presence remain.

Occupied Locations

The Goldleaf Merchant Guild controls several locations across the Hernand region.

Notable Members

Related Quests

Guild quests often revolve around trade disputes, power struggles within the goblin leadership, and the aftermath of the Hornsplitter's reign.

Trade Goods

The Goldleaf Tradepost stocks a variety of goods for trading. Known items available through the guild include Packed Honey, Black Pepper, Nacre Lacquerware, and Ceremonial Swords. The tradepost also contains a Sealed Abyss Artifact that can be found at the western side of the post, between the roads that split, sitting atop some rocks alongside a candle, apple, and sword.

Tips

• Building faction standing with the Goldleaf Merchant Guild unlocks better trade prices and access to the black market at the Goldleaf Tradepost.

• The Goldenfist Arena offers repeatable combat challenges. Victories earn prestige and likely contribute to guild standing.

• Watch for Hornsplitter's Guards around guild locations; they can appear as enemies during certain quest phases.