The main difference between Midas and Hamlet was the terrain. Midas was a series of mountains and valleys, with many more streams and lakes along the way. The main problem for Midas was agriculture, and the main problem for Hamlet was metal. So there was a strong bond of trade, metal for food. And skills one way or another. They both had place for both, but the balance towards one and the other was clear.
There were many more forge towns on this side of the border. As well as shepherds for goats and sheep rather than grains, and fruits. Joshua had suggested to Carl an idea of a refrigeration, with magic filling the building. Bring down the temperature. This means the fruit would fresher further and longer. Apparently inside the cave system the goblins had similar rooms to keep food longer. But the process worked for fruits as well.
