Post by Derek Raines on Jul 5, 2019 15:30:53 GMT -5
Part 1: Saltmarsh
Saltmarsh is a nondescript fishing village (Around 5000 folk) tucked along the Sword Coast, north of Waterdeep and south of Neverwinter. For generations the people have lived free, toiling the seas and roaming the marshland, but it has recently garnered the attention of the Lord's Alliance. Saltmarsh is rumored to be a favored location for Luskan smugglers, and newly discovered gold found within the low hills of the Sword Mountains has many interested in the potential prospects.
While the land falls under the ancestral territory of House Alicard of Waterdeep, staunch supporters of the Lord's Alliance, Saltmarsh has always been left to itself. During the recent rise of Giants that threatened the smallfolk of Faerun, Saltmarsh's calls for assistance were largely ignored. While the Lord's Alliance funneled soldiers and resources to cities, backwaters like Saltmarsh were left to defend themselves. And NOW they decide to show up?
The official word is that the Sword Coast is finally without some realm-shattering conflict, and the Lord's Alliance can begin to turn its attention to assisting smaller towns and villages. A hardline on piracy and unchecked smuggling has been announced while good, honest trade cultivated. Saltmarsh, remote though it might be, is perfectly poised to be center of commerce between the larger port cities. That is why the Lord's Alliance has sent down 100 trained guards to serve as a point of protection and authority. This was a year ago, but the people of the town are still uncertain of these soldiers.
Additionally, a band of dwarves - bearing a degree from the Lord's Alliance- has arrived just a season ago. They have begun to excavate the hills and seaside cliffs near town in search of precious metals. If their work bears fruit as expected, the mine stand to become a major factor in Saltmarsh- and the entire region's- prosperity.
Naturally, not all of the residence of Saltmarsh feel the same way about the recent developments. Their way of life is threatened and many don't want to see their home changed.
Part 2: The Saltmarsh Council
Anna Oweland:
(female, human) The current senior member of the Saltmarsh Council, as well as the owner of three large fishing boats. She has lived here all her life and has been elected to council three times. She is a gruff, pragmatic woman whose graying hair is cut short and whose face bears the marks of a life lived outdoors. Anna is keenly interested in expanding Saltmarsh's fishing industry, her sights set on a wild section of coast where she hopes to build a new dock. However, she feels the people of Saltmarsh can prosper without the influence of the Lord's Alliance. She is suspicious of the dwarves' mining enterprise and doubts it will amount to much.
Gellan Primewater:
(male, human) A well-spoken, dapper older gentlemen with a neatly trimmed beard and a fancy wardrobe. He has a keen eye for trade and has positioned his family as the most prominent merchant in all of Saltmarsh. Because he is the wealthiest man in town, he garners a great deal of popular support from the many feasts, events and donations he extends to the town. This has earned him a seat on the council, where he is liked almost as much as Anna Oweland.
Eliander Firebane:
(male, human) A soldier who has served the Lord's Alliance all of his adult life, Eliander earned his name by slaying a Fire Giant during the siege of Triboar. He suffered a tremendous injury during the battle and now walks upon a finely carved wooden leg. Despite his injury and advancing age, the burly captain of Saltmarsh town guard remains an imposing figure. Eliander is a local celebrity of sorts, thanks to his facility with languages, and is often called upon by the town's various organizations to translate. He has joined the Saltmarsh council thanks to a writ granted by the Lord's Alliance.