After the Second War all five Trade Princes made a declaration of neutrality in any future conflicts which may arise between the Alliance and the Horde. Trade Prince Steamwheedle, formerly supplier of arms and mercenaries to the Horde, realised that he could get twice the profit by selling to the Alliance as well and so tried to turn the Steamwheedle Cartel into a neutral organisation. However he was only partially successful - many goblins continued to be employed by the Horde as engineers, and the Warsong Clan relies on goblin shredders to deforest Ashenvale.

Trade Prince Boltstorm on the other hand argued for continuing in the mercenary business, and instructed one of his moguls to start a business renting out skilled soldiers to any who could pay...