About Saltmarsh

History

Welcome to Saltmarsh, a bustling town perched on the precipice of both opportunity and danger. Nestled along the southern coast of the Kingdom of Keoland, sout of the Dreadwood forest Saltmarsh serves as a vibrant hub of commerce and a vital resource town for the surrounding region. Its strategic location and bountiful waters make it a prime spot for fishing, trade, and all manner of seafaring endeavors, attracting merchants, adventurers, and scholars alike.

Saltmarsh is a town rich in history and lore. As tensions rise and the world teeters on the brink of war, Saltmarsh has become even more critical. As tensions rise and the world teeters on the brink of war, Saltmarsh has become even more critical. The kingdom's ambitions and the encroaching threats from the sea and land alike have turned this once-sleepy fishing village into a focal point of intrigue and conflict.

Compared to the nearby city of Seaton, Saltmarsh has the potential to become an even greater center of commerce. Its markets often are teeming with goods from the realm to south, and its streets are alive with the bustle of traders, craftsmen, and adventurers. The town is a melting pot of cultures and a gateway to both the mysteries of the sea and the uncharted lands below.

Saltmarsh is also opening up to the lands below, uncovering ancient secrets and hidden treasures. This has attracted not only traders but also scholars and explorers eager to delve into the town's deepening mysteries. However, with opportunity comes peril. The town is rife with whispers of nearby haunted buildings, ruins, caverns, threats from underwater beings, and the ever-present danger of piracy and smuggling.

Surrounding Saltmarsh are numerous ruins and sites of ancient mystery, remnants of bygone eras waiting to be explored. These ruins hold the secrets of forgotten civilizations and lost magics, drawing adventurers from far and wide. The nearby ruins offer untold potential for discovery, from ancient treasures to powerful artifacts, and even answers to long-forgotten questions.

As you step into Saltmarsh, be prepared to navigate its treacherous waters, both literally and metaphorically. Whether you're seeking fortune, knowledge, or simply a place to call home, Saltmarsh offers a wealth of possibilities—but it is up to you to seize them. Welcome to a town where every shadow hides a secret, every wave carries a whisper of adventure, and every ruin tells a story waiting to be uncovered.

Town of Opportunity

For newcomers, Saltmarsh presents a land of opportunity. Those with the courage and cunning to navigate its complexities can earn wealth and status, as the town is ripe with potential. Whether by delving into ancient ruins, thwarting underwater threats, or simply engaging in the vibrant commerce, the chance to make one’s mark on Saltmarsh awaits.

In this land where every shadow may conceal a secret and every wave whispers of untold adventures, your journey begins. Welcome to Saltmarsh, where destiny awaits the bold and the wise.

Factions

Within Saltmarsh, one must be wary of the various factions vying for power and influence. Your actions will have great consequences, and the choices you make will shape the course of history

Traditionalists

They hold dear the maritime traditions that have sustained the town for generations and are wary of the crown’s ambitions, fearing they may lead to open war. They remember the days of the Sea Princes’ raids and have no desire to see their beloved town embroiled in further conflict. Many smugglers in the region pose as merchants, relying on their local contacts to move goods through without interference from the town guard or royal agents.

Loyalists

Headed by the retired officer Eliander Fireborn, the Loyalists aim to strengthen ties with the Kingdom of Keoland. They are champions of modernization and expansion, hoping to transform Saltmarsh into a prominent port town. Though Eda Oweland does not support them, the Traditionalists remain loyal subjects of the crown, weary of heavy taxation and minimal support.

Rumors of Secret Societies and Smugglers

Whispers abound of clandestine groups operating within Saltmarsh. Smugglers are said to have access to corrupted officials in various coastal towns, moving illicit goods with impunity. Secretive cabals and shadowy figures are rumored to weave intricate webs of intrigue and deception, their true motives unknown.

Common Workers

The backbone of Saltmarsh, these hardworking folk toil in the fisheries, shipyards, and markets. They are the lifeblood of the town, maintaining its daily rhythm and providing the essential services that keep Saltmarsh thriving.

Merchants and Vendors

A diverse array of traders peddle their wares in Saltmarsh, from humble fishmongers to prosperous merchants dealing in exotic goods. The town’s burgeoning trade potential attracts buyers and sellers from across the realm.

Among the many establishments, two stand out for their unique offerings:

• Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities: A purveyor of rare and powerful magical items, though each item is rumored to carry a mild curse.
• Hagrid's Hut: A cozy shop filled with exotic pets and familiars, each creature more wondrous and magical than the last.

Taxation

Despite the town’s prosperity, the crown's efforts to protect Saltmarsh have led to heavy taxation, straining the local populace. The kingdom’s coffers grow, but the promised protection often falls short, leaving the people increasingly discontented with the high price they pay.