Background
Iuzian Trade Post
Less than ten years ago, Keoland entered a tense trade accord with the Empire of Iuz. Though enemies in spirit, Keoland’s diplomats judged the arrangement useful: Iuz’s armies war with Keoland’s northern rivals, and a fragile neutrality served the crown.
Iuz’s realm cannot feed itself. In exchange for gold, weapons, and rare arcana, Keoland supplies preserved and salted fish.
Saltmarsh was chosen deliberately — remote enough to contain fallout, close enough to monitor.
Captain Xendros is the ambasador assigned to the Faithful Quartermaster and representative of Iuz.
The Quartermasters of Iuz
The Iuzian trade compound stands on the west bank of Saltmarsh, outside the town proper but within sight of the garrison.
Overseen directly by Captain Eliander Fireborn
Purpose: monitor Iuzian activity and enforce the treaty
Structure:
Weathered, two-story wooden building shaped like a cross
Marked by a crimson shield bearing the Skull Sigil of Iuz
Lower floor: storehouse and trade office
Upper floor: concealed sanctum — the Oratory of Iuz, used for private devotions
Trade & Security Rules
Iuzian ships fly black-and-red pennants and must anchor offshore
Cargo is ferried by longboat under guard
Goods are loaded at the Empty Net docks
By royal decree, only Captain Xendros may enter Saltmarsh as Iuz’s official representative
Local Reaction
Initial Response
The arrival of the Quartermasters caused panic. A tiefling emissary of Iuz walking openly through town revived old fears: sacrifice, corruption, and demon-rule.
For months:
Doors barred at dusk
Superstitions flourished
Iuz’s name spoken only in whispers
Traditionalist View
Within a year, trade transformed Saltmarsh:
Fish exports tripled
Wages rose
Gold flowed freely — always on time, above market rate
Many Traditionalists now see Captain Xendros as a necessary evil, or even a benefactor. Some openly defend her, calling her “the Crimson Captain.”
Loyalist View
Loyalists remain firmly opposed:
Profit does not justify dealings with a demon lord
They favor Keoland’s mines and dwarven industry instead
The garrison enforces the treaty but resents it. Soldiers grumble in private but obey.
Eliander Fireborn’s Role
Eliander enforces the accord strictly and without favoritism. He reminds his men that discipline, not fear or hatred, keeps Saltmarsh safe.
Privately, he meets with Captain Xendros on occasion, even hosting her for dinner. Whether this stems from duty, pragmatism, or quiet curiosity remains unclear.
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.