Eda Oweland

"The sea is life, and life is hard—but we make do with what we’ve got."

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Overview

  • Faction: Traditionalist

  • Council Role: Senior Member

  • Race: Human

  • Gender: Female

  • Alignment: Chaotic Good

  • Profession: Owns a fishery (3 fishing boats)

  • Age: Approximately 50

  • NPC Type (5e): Noble

Appearance

A heavy-set woman in her fifties, Eda has broad shoulders and weathered hands that speak of a lifetime of hard work mending nets and hauling in the day's catch. Her shoulder-length hair, streaked with gray, frames a face marked by the lines of both laughter and hardship. When attending council meetings, she trades her practical work clothes for a simple yet well-made green-blue dress that evokes the colors of the sea, paired with a thick woolen shawl draped over her shoulders.


Personality

Eda is pragmatic and unflinchingly direct, with little patience for nonsense. While she’s sharp-tongued and fiercely protective of Saltmarsh, she also has a warm, maternal side for those she trusts. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, both in the fishing trade and local politics, and values hard work above all else.

Traits

  • Personality Traits. Eda swears like a sailor when angry, earning respect for her fiery spirit and loyalty to the townsfolk. She values those who stand their ground and despises insincere flattery.

  • Ideal. Community is strength. Eda believes unity and mutual support help Saltmarsh endure even the fiercest storms.

  • Bond. Saltmarsh is her heart and soul. Eda would defend it with her life to ensure its people thrive.

  • Flaw. Eda distrusts outsiders but can be too trusting of familiar faces, sometimes to her detriment.

Allies

Enemies

Background

Eda is a fifth-generation fisher whose family has lived in Saltmarsh since its founding. She grew up on the docks, learning the trade from her parents and taking over the family business after their passing. Her life has been shaped by the sea and the struggles of the hardworking folk who rely on it, fostering a deep connection to the town and its people. Over time, Eda became a prominent voice for the fishing community, eventually earning a seat on the town council.

Eda is well aware of the smuggling that has been part of Saltmarsh’s undercurrent since the days of Azure’s Tide. She understands that for many fishermen, especially during hard times, smuggling is a way to survive. While she doesn’t condone it outright, she chooses to look the other way so long as it remains discreet, avoiding attention from the guards and the crown’s loyalists. For Eda, the priority is keeping the peace and ensuring the town can quietly navigate its way through both prosperity and hardship.

Role

Eda Oweland serves as the senior councilmember of Saltmarsh, representing the interests of the working-class fishermen and their families. She is a tireless advocate for the fishing community, using her position to ensure they have a voice in the town’s decisions. Eda frequently meets with fishermen and fishmongers to hear their concerns, working to improve their conditions and safeguard their livelihoods. Whether it’s pushing for fair regulations, securing better prices for their catches, or advocating for infrastructure that supports the industry, Eda is deeply committed to ensuring their businesses thrive.

Beyond her political role, Eda remains deeply involved in the day-to-day life of the town, making her a trusted figure among the working class. Her leadership and dedication have earned her the respect of those who rely on the sea for their survival, but her unyielding support for traditional ways often places her at odds with those who wish to modernize or expand Saltmarsh beyond its current identity. For Eda, the wellbeing of the town’s people and preserving its way of life always come first.

Authority and Conflict

Eda’s authority comes from her position as the senior councilmember and her strong ties to Saltmarsh’s fishing community, who trust her to fight for their interests. Her no-nonsense leadership and deep connection to the town’s heritage make her a respected figure among the working class. However, her staunch opposition to outside influences often places her at odds with other councilmembers, particularly those who favor modernization and increased trade.

Eda is particularly vocal in her disapproval of the recent dwarven mining operations near Saltmarsh. She believes the mines are desecrating the land, stripping it of its natural beauty, and that the run-off from the mining activity is polluting the waters and killing the local fish population. This, in her eyes, is not just an environmental disaster but also a direct threat to the livelihood of the town’s fishermen. Her resistance to the crown’s push for development and expansion into Saltmarsh has created ongoing tension with loyalist factions and other profit-driven figures on the council. Her refusal to compromise on these issues often makes her a divisive figure, but one deeply admired by those who share her values.


Legacy

Eda Oweland’s family has deep roots in Saltmarsh, being among the town’s first settlers, long before it was officially incorporated into the Kingdom of Keoland in 465. Her ancestors helped build the foundations of the town, carving out a life from the harsh coast and establishing traditions that endure to this day. The Owelands were here even before the days of Azure's Tide, giving them a legacy of resilience and deep connection to the land and sea. Eda takes immense pride in her family’s history and sees herself as a steward of their enduring values, determined to protect Saltmarsh and its people for future generations.