Ghosts of Saltmarsh a Player Guide

Welcome to Saltmarsh

Our story begins in Saltmarsh, a nondescript fishing village tucked away on the southern coast of the Grand Dutchy of Karameikos that sits on the precipice of destruction.  Here smugglers guide their ships to hidden coves, willing to slit the throat of any who cross their path.  Cruel monsters gather plotting beneath the waves.  The cult of a forbidden god extends its reach hungry for fresh victims.  Drowned sailors stir to unnatural life, animated by the cults dark magic.  While Saltmarsh slumbers, the evils that seek to plunder it grow stronger.  Heroes must arise to keep the waves safe!

A Brief History of Saltmarsh

Years ago Karameikos campaigned to the north leaving the southern Baronies open to plunder. Pirates and smugglers slowly took over the south building a loose confederacy of Merchant Princes in the Minrothad islands. Saltmarsh suffered as the village succumbed to piracy and slavery under the cruel confederacy.  Suffering a number of defeats in the north, Grand Duke Stefan III looked inward and sent ships south, shattering the confederacy.  With the pirates on the run, the south began to flourish once again. A band of Dwarves carrying a royal decree, begin to mine in the nearby hills while fishing and trade have brought wealth to the, mostly human, residents of Saltmarsh.  Although the recent changes stand to bring new prosperity to the area, many locals do not want to see their home changed.

Notable locations

Within Saltmarsh locations include the temple of Moradin, Kester’s Leather Goods, the Mariner’s Guildhall and three Inns the Wicker Goat, Empty Net, and Snapping Line.

To the east the coast road continues through several small villages to the recently fortified town of Seaton.  Further east the road goes to the cities of  Kondrien, Rugalov and Alfheim forest.  While west, past the tower of Zenopus, lie the Hool Marshes and the Drowned Forest before, once again, reaching more civilized areas.

The Factions of Saltmarsh

The people of Saltmarsh find themselves split among the two following factions.

The Traditionalists: This faction is an alliance of the prominent fishing families and merchants in town, along with the workers who rely on those industries for a living. The traditionalists remember the terrible times during the pirates raiding and have no desire to see the crown’s ambitions lead to open war.

The Loyalists: loyalists consist of newcomers who arrived from the northern reaches of Karameikos, loyal to the Grand Duke as well as the town guard and local farmers. They feel that the town should focus on becoming a useful asset to the crown and value the good of the Grand Duchy before the good of the region. Above all else, the members of this faction put their faith in law

Who Are You?

One of you has inherited, or won at cards, the deeds to Warthalkeel house in Saltmarsh.  The rest of the characters are friends, hangers on or perhaps a local hired as a guide.   Together you are a band of adventurers who seek the betterment of the people.  Above all you are companions who seek to bring safety and prosperity to the village of Saltmarsh.

Image Credits
The Party by angevere on DeviantArt