A respected merchant and leader among the Traditionalist, believes strongly in preserving Saltmarsh’s autonomy and traditional way of life. She is deeply concerned about the growing influence of the Loyalists, who represent the Crown’s agenda of modernization and strict governance.

Eda views smuggling as a necessary evil—an age-old practice that benefits the local economy as long as it remains quiet and doesn’t jeopardize the town’s stability. However, the involvement of public servants like the City Gate guards crosses a line for her.

• On the Guard’s Disloyalty: Eda sees the rumored guard’s involvement with smugglers as a breach of trust that could erode the town’s security and expose them to unnecessary scrutiny from the Crown.

• On the Loyalists: She believes that Anders Solmor and Eliander Fireborn’s push for stricter laws and military oversight will harm Saltmarsh’s unique culture and stifle its independence.

• On Smuggling: Smuggling is acceptable when done discreetly and without harming the community. However, escalating tensions or public scandals, such as a corrupt guard, endanger this delicate balance.

• Eda will appeal to their sense of justice, emphasizing the importance of rooting out corruption to protect Saltmarsh.

• If the party uncovers evidence but hesitates to act, she may pressure them to bring the information to her, offering rewards or leveraging their reputation.

• Should the party side with Eliander or fail to deliver results, Eda will view them with suspicion, questioning their motives or allegiance.

• Eda wants the party to expose the guard if guilty, ensuring that the Loyalists’ reputation suffers while bolstering her position as a defender of Saltmarsh’s traditions. She frames the investigation as a matter of justice and loyalty but also sees it as a political opportunity.

The captain of the guard and a Loyalist leader, takes a pragmatic view of Saltmarsh’s challenges. A military veteran and a strong advocate for law and order, Eliander sees the town’s guards as aging but loyal servants of Saltmarsh. He suspects Eda’s accusations are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the Loyalists’ credibility.

• On the Guard’s Loyalty: Eliander defends his guards, acknowledging their imperfections but insisting that they are fundamentally trustworthy.

• On Eda’s Motives: He believes Eda is using this investigation as a pretext to weaken the Loyalists and further her Traditionalist agenda.

• On Smuggling: Eliander is firmly against smuggling, viewing it as a threat to Saltmarsh’s future prosperity under the Crown. However, he prioritizes the town’s stability and morale over public scandals.

• Eliander will approach the party privately, emphasizing the importance of discretion and warning against playing into Eda’s hands.

• He offers practical rewards for their cooperation, including gold and future support.

• If the party chooses to side with Eda, Eliander’s respect for them will diminish, and he may view them as politically biased.

• Eliander wants the party to conduct the investigation quietly and report their findings directly to him. He promises to handle the situation fairly, ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary political fallout.

Is one of Saltmarsh’s wealthiest merchants and a prominent Traditionalist on the council. Outwardly, he supports Eda’s concerns about the guard’s loyalty and agrees that an investigation is necessary. However, Gellan’s motivations are far from pure—he secretly benefits from the smuggling operation and knows exactly which guard is involved.

• The identity of the guilty guard and the extent of their involvement in the smuggling network.

• Key details about the smuggling routes and operations tied to the Sea Princes.

• The names of a few Scarlet Brotherhood operatives in Saltmarsh, which he uses as leverage when necessary.

1. Exposing His Role: If the party uncovers Gellan’s involvement, he will use every resource at his disposal to protect himself, from bribery to sabotage to outright violence through hired thugs.

2. Keeping His Secret: If the party accepts his bribe or chooses to overlook his role, Gellan will view them as useful allies and potentially offer future work tied to the smuggling network.

3. A Calculated Betrayal: Should the party publicly expose the guard while leaving Gellan untouched, he may quietly support them in future ventures while ensuring they remain unaware of his deeper schemes.

• Friendly Manipulation: Gellan will charm the party, offering assistance, funds, or information to steer the investigation away from the guard or the smuggling network.

• Feigning Concern: He may offer false leads or encourage the party to investigate other guards or suspects to deflect suspicion.

• A Calculated Gamble: If cornered, Gellan might offer the party a bribe to keep his involvement secret or attempt to frame the Sea Princes or the Scarlet Brotherhood for the smuggling operation.

• Protecting His Interests: Gellan profits heavily from the smuggling network, using his influence to ensure shipments move through Saltmarsh without interference. The guard in question is on his payroll, bribed to look the other way when contraband passes through the City Gate.

• Manipulating the Investigation: Gellan supports Eda’s call for an investigation but sees it as an opportunity to control the outcome. He hopes the party either fails to uncover the truth or pins the blame on someone expendable, ensuring his operation remains intact.

• Undermining the Loyalists: Like Eda, Gellan opposes the Loyalists’ efforts to tighten Crown control over Saltmarsh. If the investigation damages the Loyalists’ credibility, it’s a win for him, regardless of the results.