Steamwheedle Cartel

Originating from the subterranean goblin capital of Undermine, the Steamwheedle Cartel initially allied with the Old Horde during the Second War, supplying war machines, sappers, and naval engineering. After the dust settled, the cartel's leaders realized that picking sides cost more than it earned. Embracing absolute neutrality, they expanded across both continents, opening trade networks that welcome Alliance and Horde alike. Today, as open tensions simmer, Steamwheedle ports provide vital common ground where anyone with gold can purchase passage, bank resources, and hire local specialists.

The cartel's influence rests on strategic ports and frontier towns. In Stranglethorn Vale, Baron Revilgaz presides over Booty Bay, a fortified harbor town carved into the cliffs alongside the Blackwater Raiders. Across the Great Sea, Chief Engineer Gazlowe directs Ratchet on the coast of the Barrens, running a deep-water ferry line directly back to Booty Bay. Deep within the deserts of Tanaris lies the boomtown of Gadgetzan, while smaller operations like Steamwheedle Port and remote outposts in Desolace, Azshara, and Stonetalon Mountains secure regional resources.

Steamwheedle trade is constantly imperiled by opportunistic cutthroats. In the Southern Seas, the Bloodsail Buccaneers continually menace Booty Bay's naval lanes, while Southsea Freebooters raid the coastlines near Ratchet. On land, the cartel frequently clashes with their corporate arch-rivals, the Venture Company, competing violently for timber rights, oil fields, and shredder technology across Stonetalon and the Barrens. To maintain order and enforce trade contracts, cartel barons routinely hire passing mercenaries to settle grievances with extreme prejudice.