Steamwheedle Cartel

For The War Within faction, see Steamwheedle Cartel (faction).

Steamwheedle Cartel
Main leader	Trade Prince Marin Noggenfogger
Formerly	Trade Prince Steamwheedle Klaxz Boompowder
Secondary leaders	Steanwheedle leaders
Race(s)	Goblin  Hobgoblin
Capital	Gadgetzan
Other major settlements	Steamwheedle territories
Theater of operations	Azeroth, Outland, Draenor
Language(s)	Goblin, Common, Orcish
Sub-group(s)	Steamwheedle groups
Affiliation	Trade Coalition, Independent
Formerly	Old Horde
Status	Active

The Steamwheedle Cartel is one of the largest and most successful of the goblin cartels in the Undermine. It is a neutral organization that controls several cities and towns around Azeroth. They have made a great deal of profit from maintaining neutrality in the conflict between the Horde and the Alliance. Their services are always available to the highest bidder, employing anyone regardless of their affiliation if they can produce results.

Background

Great Wars

Prior to the First War, the goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel managed to drive out the trolls from a small port town inhabited by humans which had been overrun. They claimed control of the immediate area and the shores of the cove for their new center for operations in the Eastern Kingdoms — Booty Bay.

During the war, the goblins witnessed the Old Horde's arrival and the conquest of Stormwind. With more conflicts on the horizon, they were determined to profit from it. Trade Prince Steamwheedle allied his cartel with Orgrim Doomhammer's Horde and offered aid in the form of new technologies, maps, and other useful information to the orcs for the right price. Orgrim treated his new allies as equals and paid them gold from Stormwind's coffers. The Warchief also hired them to oversee the construction of the Horde's fleet. The cartel also sold them the employs of their alchemists, sappers and zeppelins, also providing the watertight pilot-shacks for use on the enslaved giant sea turtles. However, following the war, the Steamwheedle Cartel and other goblins realized that it was much better to remain neutral due to thriving trades.

Approximately four years after the Second War, the goblin city of Gadgetzan had already been built in Tanaris on Kalimdor, as it was visited by Greydon Thorne.

World of Warcraft

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Gadgetzan, capital of the cartel in Tanaris.

The Horde in various points of the world, notably Durotar, the Undercity and Stranglethorn Vale, built zeppelin towers. Operating them and their zeppelins are goblins from the Steamwheedle Cartel as evidenced by the presence of Steamwheedle Bruisers. They, along with the staff, are tagged with the Orgrimmar faction.

The Cartel tasked Security Chief Bilgewhizzle‎ with teaching the Southsea pirates in Tanaris a lesson.

The Burning Crusade

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

During the invasion of Outland, the Steamwheedle Fighting Circuit started their operations, taking over the Ring of Trials in Nagrand and the Circle of Blood in the Blade's Edge Mountains, and later setting up an arena in the Ruins of Lordaeron. Meanwhile, a group of goblins, also from the Steamwheedle Cartel, presumably, started organizing the Horde Brewfest celebration outside of Orgrimmar for the first time.

Wrath of the Lich King

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

During the war against the Lich King, the Steamwheedle Fighting Circuit expanded its operations into the Underbelly, managing the Circle of Wills arena, as well as the Ring of Valor in Orgrimmar. The Steamwheedle zeppelin, the Mighty Wind, transported passengers between Orgrimmar and Warsong Hold, while the Cloudkisser, operated routes from the west zeppelin tower in Tirisfal Glades to Vengeance Landing.

In the Howling Fjord, the Alliance shot down Harrowmeiser's zeppelin, the Lady Lug, as it was transporting men and materiel for the Horde. They captured Harrowmeiser and forced the Lady Lug to circle the Shattered Straits to bomb the Northsea Freebooters.

It was also around this period that investigators from the Steamwheedle Cartel, with the help of adventurers, uncovered a sinister scheme between the Venture Company and the Crown Chemical Company about the Love is in the Air event and put a stop to it.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Mayor Marin Noggenfogger in Hearthstone.

By the time of the Cataclysm, the cartel expanded itself and established new towns such as Fuselight in the Badlands, Bogpaddle in the Swamp of Sorrows, and an unnamed goblin resort in the Steam Pools. Despite the Bilgewater Cartel joining the Horde under Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix, the Steamwheedle Cartel maintained its neutrality.

On Kezan, they had a footbomb team called the Steamwheedle Sharks, which were later hired by Gallywix to defend and work in the Bilgewater Lumber Yard on the Lost Isles.

Warlords of Draenor

This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

Ever looking for new ways to make a profit, the Steamwheedle Cartel has traveled back to the alternate Draenor thirty-five years in the past. They make their base at the Ring of Trials and surrounding parts of Nagrand, with their main problems being the local saberon.

A new group within the Cartel known as the Steamwheedle Preservation Society focuses on archaeology and wishes to bring valuable artifacts and antiquities back from Draenor to Azeroth to sell to the highest bidder. One member of the Society, Bing Zapcrackle, can be found at Warspear on the island of Ashran, where he is arguing with members of the Reliquary over the price of artifacts the Horde wishes to purchase.

In the Spires of Arak, the Steamwheedle goblins have built two towns: Pinchwhistle Gearworks and Pinchwhistle Point. When Pinchwhistle Point is overwhelmed by invading fungus and its citizens zombified by fungal spores, the goblins of Pinchwhistle Gearworks ask for aid from the Alliance and Horde to save their brethren.

Legion

This section concerns content related to Legion.

During the Burning Legion's invasion, Steamwheedle Cartel's holdings in Northern Barrens and Tanaris came under attack by the Burning Legion. During the attack on Ratchet a group of Ratchet Bruisers were controlled by one of the nathrezim until they were rescued, while others united under Gazlowe to defend the town. Meanwhile, Gadgetzan was defended by Marin Noggenfogger and its inhabitants. Both towns were ultimately saved by the combined efforts of the Steamwheedle Cartel, the Horde, and the Alliance.

Battle for Azeroth

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

Despite declaring its neutrality, the Steamwheedle Cartel city of Ratchet secretly funneled supplies to the Horde during the Fourth War. The Alliance were beginning to become suspicious about it, but the Horde was determined to keep their operations a secret.

During the conflict, Monte Gazlowe and his crew of Greasemonkeys actively take part in Horde's campaign on Mechagon Island, and Gazlowe is referred to as a member of the Horde by his rival Tinkmaster Overspark. Despite this, the Bilgewater Cartel was still economically competing with the Steamwheedles.

In the aftermath of N'Zoth's death and the end of the Fourth War, Gazlowe fully threw his support behind the Horde by becoming the new Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, taking over from Jastor Gallywix who had abandoned the Horde. Steamwheedle Cartel's reaction to Gazlowe's defection is unknown and as is how they intend to handle the void of leadership in Ratchet.

Exploring Azeroth

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

After the Horde Council decided to send Rexxar and Zekhan to look over the Horde holdings within Kalimdor, Monte Gazlowe wrote them a letter as a pass for any goblin they might encounter on their journey. In the letter, he indicated that he "owns" whoever read it, their Steamwheedle boss, their Bilgewater cronies, and their shoes, and that the duo can therefore go where they want just like him on his property.

The Goblin Way

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Marin Noggenfogger was convinced by Trade prince Monte Gazlowe to align the Steamwheedle Cartel with the Bilgewater Cartel to help improve the goblin's way of doing business: to treat workers better, stop cutting corners, and provide safer conditions.

The War Within

This section concerns content related to The War Within.

Steamwheedle Cartel headquarters in Undermine.

At some point, Marin Noggenfogger rising to the position of Trade Prince of Steamwheedle opened the door for the Blackwater Raiders to become a cartel of their own, with Baron Revilgaz becoming its Trade Prince.

After Jastor Gallywix entered into a deal with Xal'atath, he had arranged for the kidnapping of Sprinkle Noggenfogger. This act forced the Steamwheddle to fall in line with Gallywix's takeover over of Undermine, while Marin was forced to work directly on repairing the Dark Heart. During the process, he accidentally discovered that kaja'mite stabilized the Black Blood.

Gallywix's enforces of the Darkfuse Solutions later firmly established themselves within the Vatworks, keeping a close eye on Marin and the Steamwheddle. In time, Monte Gazlowe, Renzik "The Shiv", Alleria Windrunner, and champions arrived seeking answers, Marin was able to distract the Blackfuse guards, while directing them to the Venture's kaja'mite mines. While Alleria stayed behind with the cartel, the others departed.

In time the Steamwheddle within Steamwheedle Laboratories came under attack by ethereals seemingly led by Phase-Thief Azir. After the ethereals were dealt with, Marin revealed that his wife had been kidnapped, and where both the hostages and Dark Heart resided. However, Phase-Thief Azir then revealed himself as he promised that they would be retrieving the Dark Heart. While Alleria hunted down the Phase-Thief, Gazlowe, Renzik, and the champion set off to rescue the kidnapped hostages. They instructed Grimla Fizzlecrank and Marin to go to Bilgewater's headquarters and to send word to Revilgaz. Marin was soon after reunited with his wife.

Not long after, Renzik was killed by Nikki the Fixer while protecting Gazlowe from a shot meant for him. After informing Marin and the other cartel leaders of Renzik's sacrifice, they united behind Gazlowe to put an end to Gallywix's tyranny. As part of their plan to eliminate Gallywix's supply of Black Blood weapons, Gazlowe sent Revilgaz and Noggenfogger to end the shipments from Blackwater. As the champions struck against the Darkfuse in the area, Marin directed them to collect Sliced Lime to finish Sprinkle's elixir, which was subsequently used to empower Fleet Master Seahorn.

Together, the cartels and the people of Undermine marched on the Gallagio. Gallywix ordered Nikki and Darkfuse to end their rebellion, but they were able to defeat his goons, forcing him to bunker within the hotel.

Following the death of Gallywix, Marin and the other leaders came together to build a new tomorrow for Undermine.

Territories and groups

Territories

Ratchet in the Northern Barrens.

An older Steamwheedle banner design.

Name	Location	Leader	Status
Bogpaddle	Swamp of Sorrows	Trade Baron Silversnap	Active
Booty Bay	Cape of Stranglethorn	Baron Revilgaz	Ceded
Circle of Blood	Blade's Edge Mountain	Steamwheedle Sam	Unknown
Everlook	Winterspring	Unknown	Active
Fuselight	Badlands	Dolph Blastus	Active
Fuselight-by-the-Sea	Badlands	The Great Pisani	Active
Gadgetzan	Tanaris	Marin Noggenfogger	Active
Mudsprocket	Dustwallow Marsh	Drazzit Dripvalve	Active
Pinchwhistle Gearworks Pinchwhistle Point	Spires of Arak	Kimzee Pinchwhistle	Unknown
Ratchet	Northern Barrens	Unknown	Active
Alternate Ring of Trials	Alternate Nagrand	Dexyl Deadblade	Unknown
Ring of Trials	Nagrand	"King" Dond	Unknown
Ruins of Na'gwa	Alternate Nagrand	Gazmolf Futzwangler	Unknown
Steamwheedle Port	Tanaris	Chief Engineer Bilgewhizzle	Destroyed
Steam Pools Resort	Feralas	Lasha Gearwheel	Active
Steamwheedle Laboratories The Vatworks	Undermine	Marin Noggenfogger	Active

Groups

Name	Description	Leader	Status
Smokywood Pastures	Organizers of the annual Feast of Winter Veil celebration.	Unknown	Active
Steamwheedle Fighting Circuit	They organize gladiator arena matches across Azeroth and Outland.	Unknown	Unknown
Steamwheedle Preservation Society	Archeological branch of the Steamwheedle Cartel.	Gazmolf Futzwangler	Unknown
Steamwheedle Sharks	A footbomb team belonging to the Steamwheedle Cartel.	Unknown	Unknown
Gadgetzan Water Company	Responsible for building wells across Tanaris to farm fresh water.	Chief Engineer Bilgewhizzle	Unknown
Sparkle Entertainment Lightning & Fireworks	The company responsible for publishing the Gadgetzan Times.	Sparkle Steamburst	Unknown

Reputation

In patch 3.1.0, a new Feat of Strength was added,  [Insane in the Membrane], which, when exalted with the four Steamwheedle Cartel cities, honored with Bloodsail Buccaneers, and exalted with Ravenholdt and Darkmoon Faire, will give the player the title "<name> the Insane".

Killing the Southsea Swashbucklers, Southsea Pirates, and other related mobs in Tanaris around Lost Rigger Cove (the area to the east of the Caverns of Time). Each mob gives 5 rep with Gadgetzan plus 2.5 rep with each of Booty Bay, Everlook, and Ratchet.

Rebuilding lost reputation

Each of these quests gives 500 rep with the Steamwheedle Cartel faction listed next to it and 250 rep with the other Steamwheedle Cartel factions. Each turn in also gives -500 to Bloodsail Buccaneers.

• Mending Old Wounds ( [Linen Cloth]) Ratchet
• Traitor to the Bloodsail ( [Silk Cloth]) Booty Bay
• War at Sea ( [Mageweave Cloth]) Gadgetzan
• Making Amends ( [Runecloth]) Everlook

These quests do not work once Neutral.

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

During the Second War, a Horde ambassador met with a single trade prince and convinced him and his subordinates to join the Horde (while the rest of the goblin race stayed neutral). Years later, some Horde members tried to improve relations with the Steamwheedle Cartel. Perhaps with enough persuasion, the goblins could be convinced to rejoin the Horde for the first time since the Second War. This is unlikely to happen, however, as the trade prince realized his mistake and left the Horde, and the goblin race remembers the mistake and remains neutral to this day.

The Steamwheedle Cartel runs Ratchet. The Venture Company has also been said to run Ratchet, possibly in error.

Notes

• The goblin death knight adventurer appears to have been originally part of the Steamwheedle Cartel, as they once helped their friend Gally Lumpstain to join the cartel in Kalimdor, although they later join the ranks of the Bilgewater Cartel.
• The Steamwheedle Cartel appears to apply the death penalty for its criminals by hanging as gallows can be seen in Ratchet.
• Patch notes for 0.9 jokingly mentioned the Goblin Transit Authority not being responsible for jumping off the transportation.
• Early maps for World of Warcraft show a location in northern Kezan labeled as "Steamwheedle."

Patch changes

• Patch 1.6.0 (2005-07-12): If you resurrect after being killed by goblin guards, they will no longer re-attack.
  
• Patch 0.9 (2004-08-17): Added.
  

External links

• Wowhead
• WoWDB