How to gather intel from Merchant Tamao in Assassin's Creed Shadows

The shadowy tendrils of the Iron Hand Guild, a dangerous merchant syndicate, are spreading through Settsu, infiltrating its prosperous businesses. Among their many targets, one stands out as particularly elusive—Merchant Tamao. Uncovering his location requires cunning tactics, and dealing with him presents a moral dilemma. This guide will walk you through finding Tamao, extracting his intel, and deciding his fate—all while advancing the Iron Hand Guild questline in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Where to Find Merchant Tamao

Your search begins in Yamashiro Province, specifically east of Honnoji Temple. However, the mission hint may confuse players by referencing “Honpoji Temple”—a name strikingly similar to Honnoji Temple, which many discover first. Do not mistake the two!

Step-by-Step Location Guide:

Travel to Yamashiro and head east of Honnoji Temple.

As you approach the area, NPCs will engage in a conversation, hinting that Tamao is hiding in a nearby warehouse.

The warehouse is locked, and Tamao refuses to come out unless provoked.

How to Lure Out Merchant Tamao

Tamao won’t emerge willingly—you’ll need to create a disturbance. Here’s how:

• Locate the merchandise (large jugs) directly in front of the warehouse.
• Draw your weapon and destroy all the jugs.
  • Note: Destroying only one or two won’t be enough—Tamao only reacts if all merchandise is smashed.
• Once the last jug is broken, Tamao bursts out in anger and attacks on sight.

Should You Kill or Spare Merchant Tamao?

When Tamao confronts you, Naoe suggests sparing him, speculating that he might be acting against his will. However, unlike other missions (such as the Butterfly Collector quest), there is no explicit dialogue option to spare him.

Testing the Outcomes:

• Killing Tamao: The most straightforward approach.
• Attempting to Spare Him:
  • Even if you weaken him with non-lethal attacks, the game still registers him as “Killed” in the target log.
  • Unlike other targets, incapacitating him doesn’t change the outcome.

Rewards (Same Either Way):

• Letter Regarding Kyoto (Quest Item)
• Zashiki Hideout Room
• 280 Mon (Currency)

Since the rewards are identical, the choice is purely narrative. If you prefer role-playing Naoe’s merciful instincts, you can try subduing him—but mechanically, it makes no difference.

Continuing the Iron Hand Guild Questline

Eliminating Tamao is just the beginning. The Iron Hand Guild has four more key targets:

Kanta

Ginroku

Kin-nosuke

The Iron Hand Leader

Tips for Hunting the Remaining Targets:

• Use your Scouts to mark their locations on the map.
• Eliminating all targets rewards you with:
  • 5,000 XP
  • Gold
  • A Legendary Trinket

Final Thoughts

Merchant Tamao’s mission is a short but intriguing part of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, blending stealth, combat, and player choice—even if that choice is mostly illusory. Whether you kill him or try to spare him, the quest advances the larger conspiracy of the Iron Hand Guild, setting the stage for more dangerous encounters.

Will you embrace Naoe’s mercy or cut down Tamao without hesitation? The rewards may be the same, but the role-playing experience is yours to shape.

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