Background
Less than a decade ago, the Kingdom of Keoland entered into a trade agreement with the Empire of Iuz. Though the two realms are far from allies, Keoland’s diplomats reasoned that the enemy of their enemy might serve as a friend. Iuz’s armies are locked in conflict with Keoland’s northern rivals, and the crown saw benefit in maintaining a fragile neutrality even if it meant dealing with the demon lord himself.
The arrangement was pragmatic: Iuz’s realm, desolate and war-torn, cannot feed its own people. In exchange for gold, weapons, and rare arcana, Keoland agreed to provide preserved fish, salted for transport across the Azure Sea.
Saltmarsh, a remote and provincial port, was chosen as the site of this arrangement, distant enough from the heart of the kingdom to contain any trouble, yet close enough to watch carefully.
Thus, the Quartermasters of Iuz were established on the west bank of Saltmarsh, beyond the town proper but within sight of the Keoish garrison and barracks. Captain Eliander Fireborn was assigned direct oversight of the operation, ensuring the emissaries of Iuz remain under watchful eyes.
The compound itself is a weathered, two-story wooden structure shaped like a cross, marked by a crimson shield emblazoned with the Skull Sigil of Iuz. The lower floor functions as a storehouse and trade office, while the upper level conceals a private sanctum, the Oratory of Iuz, where Captain Xendros and her attendants conduct their secret devotions to the Old One.
Ships flying the black-and-red pennant of Iuz are permitted to anchor only offshore. Cargo is ferried by longboats under supervision and loaded at the Empty Net’s docks, where the rougher folk of Saltmarsh are less likely to ask questions. By royal edict, only Captain Xendros herself is permitted to enter the town proper as an official representative of Iuz.
Local Reaction
When the Quartermasters of Iuz first arrived, Saltmarsh was thrown into uproar. To see a tiefling, and one representing the Old One himself, walking openly through the market stirred old fears. The townsfolk had grown up on tales of Iuz: the Blood Lord of the North, the Flesh-Thief, the Fiend King who wears human skin. Myths of sacrifice and corruption.
For months, fear ruled the streets. Doors were barred at dusk, prayers whispered, and fishermen spat three times at the mention of Iuz’s name. The arrival of Captain Xendros only deepened the unease.
Traditionalist Relations
Within a season, Iuzian trade transformed Saltmarsh. The fish trade tripled, farms prospered, and Captain Xendros paid in gold, always on time, and twice the market rate. Her coin flowed through taverns, shipyards, and markets, raising wages.
By the second year, many who once cursed her name now toast her in the Empty Net. The Traditionalists, loyal to Saltmarsh’s prosperity above all, see her as a pragmatic ally, an unsettling one, but profitable. Some even defend her openly, calling her “the Crimson Captain.”
Loyalist Relations
The Loyalists remain staunchly opposed. To them, there is no honor in dealings with the Fiend King of the North, no matter the profit. They see Saltmarsh’s future tied to Keoland’s mines and dwarven industry, not infernal coin.
The garrison obeys the treaty but dislikes it. In taverns, soldiers mutter that “no good comes from dealing with demons,” though none dare act against her under Captain Fireborn’s strict command.
Eliander Fireborn, pragmatic and loyal to the Crown, maintains the fragile peace. He enforces the accord firmly but fairly, reminding his men that discipline, not emotion, guards Saltmarsh. Privately, he meets with Xendros on occasion has invited her to dine in his home, seeking to understand her realm and its wars, whether from duty or quiet curiosity.
Dwarven Relations
The dwarves avoid her entirely. Their people hold deep ancestral fears of demons and the underworld, and the sight of Xendros unsettles even the bravest miners.
Keoland–Iuz Trade Accord
(as ratified by the Royal Council of Keoland, Year 569 CY)
To preserve the tenuous peace between the Kingdom of Keoland and the Empire of Iuz, the following stipulations govern the operation of the Quartermasters of Iuz and their authorized trade delegation presently stationed in Saltmarsh.
1. Sovereign Enclave
The Quartermasters of Iuz are recognized under royal decree as sovereign soil of the Empire of Iuz, existing under its banner and internal law.
No citizen of Keoland, civilian, soldier, or councilor, may enter the compound without the express invitation of Captain Xendros, emissary of Iuz, or her designated aides.
Unauthorized entry constitutes a breach of diplomatic sovereignty and will be prosecuted under the Crown’s statutes of foreign engagement.
2. Religious Restrictions
Public worship of Iuz or any infernal entity remains strictly forbidden within Keoland’s borders.
Within the walls of the Quartermaster’s compound, however, the emissary and her attendants are granted leave to conduct private rites in accordance with their faith, provided such rituals remain unseen by the townsfolk and involve no acts of sacrifice, summoning, or conversion.
The upper chamber known as the Oratory of Iuz is tolerated under these conditions.
3. Trade Limitations
The delegation is authorized to purchase and export fish, seafood, and limited agricultural produce from Saltmarsh and its surrounding coast.
All other forms of trade are expressly forbidden, including but not limited to:
Weapons, armor, or implements of war.
Magical items, relics, or arcane materials.
Slaves, mercenaries, or illicit texts.
All outgoing cargo shall be inspected and recorded by Keoish customs officials prior to departure.
4. Restricted Movement
Citizens of Iuz may come ashore only upon the west bank, for purposes directly tied to commerce.
They are forbidden entry into the town proper unless granted written approval by the Captain of the Garrison or the Saltmarsh Council.
Captain Xendros alone may travel freely within Saltmarsh as a recognized emissary and merchant of her realm
5. Travel Oversight
Should Captain Xendros wish to journey beyond Saltmarsh, she must first file her route, purpose, and duration with the Captain of the Garrison, Eliander Fireborn.
An escort may be assigned at her request or at the discretion of the garrison to ensure her safety and the integrity of the accord.
Failure to report such movements will result in diplomatic review and possible suspension of trade privileges.
6. Security and Protection Clause
Under Article VI of the Accord, Keoland assumes full responsibility for the safety of the emissary and her retinue while they reside within Saltmarsh.
The Quartermaster’s compound, its personnel, and its property are placed under royal protection.
Any attack, act of sabotage, or unlawful intrusion upon the compound shall be treated as an assault upon the sovereignty of Iuz and an act of treason against the Crown of Keoland.
Furthermore, any violence, harassment, or discrimination directed toward Captain Xendros, her attendants, or any tiefling citizen of Iuz will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of Keoish law.
The people of Saltmarsh are reminded that the protection of envoys is a matter of honor and treaty, and that the punishment for violation shall be swift and absolute.
7. Enforcement and Oversight
The Saltmarsh Garrison, under Captain Fireborn’s command, shall enforce the above stipulations, conduct routine observation of the west bank, and maintain reports to the Royal Council.
Should any breach of the accord occur, the garrison is empowered to act in the Crown’s name to restore order and preserve the peace.
Closing Declaration
Though the presence of Iuz’s servants remains a source of fear and discomfort among the townsfolk, the Council of Keoland upholds this accord in the pursuit of peace, commerce, and stability. For as long as the trade flows and the terms are honored.