In the vast realm of Eterra within Last Epoch, players encounter a variety of choices, some appearing trivial while others carry significant consequences. A notable decision occurs during the 'Stolen Goods' quest in the Council Chambers segment of the campaign: should you hand Ezra's Ledger to Ezra or to Artem? This seemingly straightforward choice affects your standing with the Merchant's Guild and Circle of Fortune factions, influencing your trading abilities and item procurement as the game progresses. Therefore, which option is the most advantageous? Let us analyze the ramifications of each choice to assist you in making a well-informed decision Last Epoch Gold.

Understanding Faction Reputations

Before diving into the specifics of the quest, it's crucial to understand the importance of faction reputation in Last Epoch. The Merchant's Guild allows you to trade with other players, creating a player-driven economy for buying and selling gear. The Circle of Fortune, on the other hand, focuses on increasing your chances of finding specific items and influencing your loot drops. Building reputation with these factions is essential for endgame progression and optimizing your character build.

The "Stolen Goods" Quest: A Fork in the Road

During the "Stolen Goods" quest, you discover that Ezra's Ledger, containing valuable information, has been stolen. You are presented with the option of returning the ledger to either Ezra, the rightful owner, or Artem, a contact in the Council Chambers with ties to... well, less reputable circles.

Option 1: Give the Ledger to Ezra

Reputation Impact: Choosing to return Last Epoch Gold to Ezra will grant you a positive reputation increase with the Circle of Fortune. This aligns with the Circle's values of justice and restoring what was lost.
Gameplay Implications: Boosting your Circle of Fortune reputation will contribute to a more consistent and potentially lucrative item hunt as you progress through the game. It enhances your ability to find specific items you need for your build.

Option 2: Give the Ledger to Artem

Reputation Impact: Handing over the ledger to Artem will provide a boost to your Merchant's Guild reputation. This decision favors the Guild's focus on profit and connections, even if they are through less-than-ethical means.
Gameplay Implications: Increasing your Merchant's Guild reputation provides access to better deals and a wider selection of items when trading with other players. This can be a valuable asset for gear upgrades and acquiring Last Epoch Gold.

The Verdict: Which Is Better?

Ultimately, the "better" choice depends on your preferred playstyle and endgame goals.

Circle of Fortune (Ezra): For those who favor a more independent method of acquiring gear through item drops and focused farming, selecting Ezra and enhancing your Circle of Fortune reputation is advisable. This strategy increases your likelihood of obtaining the specific items you require without a significant dependence on trading. 

Merchant's Guild (Artem): Conversely, if you relish the excitement of trading, buying, and selling items to refine your gear while engaging in the player economy, aligning with Artem and elevating your Merchant's Guild reputation is the preferable option. This choice grants you access to a broader selection of items and improved trading prospects, enabling you to accumulate Last Epoch Gold and secure powerful equipment Last Epoch Gold for sale. 

There's no objectively "wrong" choice in the "Stolen Goods" quest. Both options offer valuable benefits that cater to different playstyles. Consider how you plan to approach endgame gearing and choose the path that aligns best with your preferred method of acquiring Last Epoch Gold and improving your character's power. While the initial reputation gain might seem small, these early choices contribute to the long-term relationship you build with each faction, shaping your experience in the world of Last Epoch. Good luck, and happy looting!