Eda Oweland, a Traditionalist on the Saltmarsh council, suspects a City Gate guard of disloyalty, possibly tied to smuggling activities. She hires the party to investigate discreetly, but the situation is more complex than it seems. Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard and a Loyalist, believes Eda is stirring up trouble for political gain, while Gellan Primewater, a Traditionalist merchant secretly profiting from the smuggling operation, seeks to manipulate the investigation to protect his interests. The party must navigate this web of intrigue, uncover the truth, and decide how to handle the fallout.

Their choices will affect their reputation with Saltmarsh’s factions and could have long-term consequences for the town.

The culprit is Teagan "Silkhand" Varnell at the City Gate

• Starting Location: City Gate

• Levels: Any

• Eda’s Concern: Eda approaches the party, explaining that she suspects a gate guard of disloyalty and possible ties to smuggling. She asks the party to investigate quietly and report back to her.

• Rumors at the Wicker Goat: The party overhears gossip about a guard seen gambling with shady individuals or acting suspiciously near the docks.

• Eliander’s Request: Eliander hears about the investigation and requests that the party report to him instead, promising rewards for their discretion.

• Building loyalty with a faction

• Potential Reward (depending on who)

• Creating an Ally

• Eda Oweland

• Eliander Fireborn

• Gellan Primewater

• Captain Arlen Vorth

• Olin "The Tankard" Greybuckle

• Teagan "Silkhand" Varnell

• Marked Coin

• Observing the Guard: The guard’s routine includes shifts at the City Gate and evenings at the Wicker Goat. Shadowing the guard may reveal suspicious behavior or meetings.
• Talking to Fishermen: Fishermen near the docks may have seen the guard meeting with smugglers or acting strangely.
• Searching the Guard’s Quarters: A search may uncover:

• A marked coin tied to smuggling.

• A journal with cryptic notes about suspicious shipments.

• Evidence of gambling debts, suggesting a motive for bribery.

• Marked Coin: Found in the guard’s possession, engraved with the symbol of the Sea Princes.
• Witness Reports: Fishermen recall the guard speaking with cloaked figures or disappearing toward the docks.
• False Leads: Evidence planted by Gellan to misdirect the investigation.

1. Who to Trust: The party must decide whether to side with Eda, Eliander, or Gellan based on their findings and alliances.

2. Handling the Guard: Options include exposing the guard, offering redemption, or covering up the involvement.

3. Factional Impact: The party’s actions will affect their reputation with the factions and shape future events in Saltmarsh.

1. Exposing the Guard:

   • Eda uses the evidence to damage the Loyalists.

   • Eliander is forced to discipline the guard, damaging morale.

2. Covering It Up:

   • Gellan rewards the party, but they lose standing with Eda and Eliander.

3. A Balanced Resolution:

   • The party convinces Eda and Eliander to handle the matter quietly, preserving stability.

1. The Haunted House: Evidence points to the old haunted house, setting up The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh.

2. The Styes: Leads suggest the smuggling network ties back to this decrepit seaport, opening a larger plotline.

3. Faction Rivalries: The party’s decisions create lasting alliances or enmities among Saltmarsh’s factions.