I just tried the Banded Orc Vest quest (
https://wiki.project1999.com/Orc_Vest) and Linadian won't accept turn in at dubious, so the quest isn't possible to raise faction to apprehensive with merchants :/ It's a shame, since I accumulated so many belts and pads from killing orcs to get amiable with guards.
I guess the Emerald Warrior Items is still our best bet!
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BLUE
Nadoom Battlemage (Archmage), Eolia Tournevent (57 Preserver), Momtaz (53 Disciple) & Dwaric McClerf (52 Vicar)
RED
Xeptna Stargaze (53 Channeler), Skraaa Katau (40 Shaman) & Ashnod the Uncaring (36 Cleric)