Meet The Trading Companies
Pirates are a lawless bunch, but the potential chaos of the Sea of Thieves is largely kept in check by the Trading Companies. These organisations bring some much-needed balance to the seas. When a pirate wants to make some money and earn acclaim, taking jobs for the Trading Companies is the obvious choice... well, aside from robbing other pirates.
The Gold Hoarders
Pirates love their gold, but this Trading Company craves it. The Gold Hoarders have been around for a long time and jealously guard the keys that open all the chests scattered around the Sea of Thieves, meaning that pirates must deal with them in order to claim any of the treasure within.
The Gold Hoarders exploit this mercilessly and enjoy taking a cut of whatever you find, but they also reward those who regularly add to their coffers. Know them by the curses that turn their skin to gold, the price of handling so much treasure.
The Order Of Souls
The most mysterious Trading Company by far. The Order of Souls' representatives take an interest in the skulls of skeleton pirates, from which they can extract memories and the locations of treasure and artefacts. Who knows what other secrets the pirates of yesteryear held?
This has effectively established the Order of Souls as the bounty office of the Sea of Thieves, paying pirates to track down risen skeletons and relieve them of their heads. Work with this cabal of mystics if you dare to take on the deadliest of the undead.
The Merchant Alliance
The most sensible Trading Company is the Merchant Alliance, a body of stiff and proper businesspeople who simply wish to trade goods and make money on the seas. Some of them find it rather unfortunate that they've had to resort to employing pirates to achieve their goals.
Generous pay is available for delivering animals caught on islands, goods sourced in the world and delicate cargo that can perish if not handled with care. So the Merchant Alliance certainly look after their own... but do they truly understand the calling of a pirate?
Reaper’s Bones
Others may call them a Trading Company, but The Reaper’s Bones stand in direct opposition to anyone who seeks to turn the pirate life into an honest living. They champion the freedom to act however they please, and that includes preying on other pirates – particularly those serving as Emissaries for their enemies.
The Reaper’s Bones will accept almost any valuables if it means keeping them out of Company hands, but are most interested in Broken Emissary Flags. Those are proof that the Reapers’ own Emissaries have scuttled a Company ship and struck a blow for a pirate’s right to rule the waves!
The Hunter's Call
Some Trading Companies are concerned with wealth and power. Others just want to eat well! Those of The Hunter's Call, founded by the indomitable Merrick and his family, encourage all pirates to learn to fish, hunt and cook properly (instead of just living off bananas).
These folks are scattered around the Seaposts of the Sea of Thieves and will gladly pay for your fresh catch – the rarer, the better! They'll also pay well for impressive dishes, and have some unique rewards tucked away for the best hunters.
Athena’s Fortune
Though many consider them to be the most esteemed of all the Trading Companies, less experienced pirates would be forgiven for not even knowing of the existence of Athena’s Fortune. This elite group is made up entirely of Pirate Legends – rogues of renown who have reached rank 50 with at least three other Companies across the seas.
Pirate Legends gain access to a secret hideout where many wondrous things can be purchased, including Legendary Voyages to further increase your Athena’s Fortune reputation. There are also exclusive cosmetics for sale down in the Tavern of Legends, although their prices are often as imposing as the mighty Pirate Lord…
Reputation and Rank
Whenever you get paid by the Trading Companies, either because you accepted a voyage from them or sold them some loot, you also improve your reputation in their eyes. Keep doing that and you'll go up in rank, unlocking better voyages and special cosmetic items!
Although they have their own agendas to pursue, these Companies understand the realities of business and you can take voyages from any or all of them with no repercussions. Attain a rank of 50 with any three Trading Companies to earn the coveted title of Pirate Legend…