Location
The wind shifts as you climb the worn, rocky path leading to the crest of the rise. Ahead, built into the stone itself, stands Hoolwatch Tower, its thick stone walls weathered by decades of marsh wind and rain. The tower rises above the small attached garrison hall.
From here, you can see for miles: the edge of the Dreadwood, the Kingfisher River, and the fog of the Hool Marshes.
Just outside a sturdy wooden job board creaks softly in the breeze.
Quests
Decanter of Endless Water
If players are already interacting with Torren from the Dwarven Mining Co., he refers them to Captain Fireborn or Tomas Rios at Hoolwatch Tower.
Dialogue Prompt (Torren):
“There’s been word from the tower—strange goings-on near the Drowned Forest. Waters rising where they shouldn’t, and scouts whispering of shadows moving like they’ve got purpose. Captain Fireborn’s keeping a close watch. You won’t find steadier eyes in Saltmarsh. Head up there. If he trusts you, he’ll show you what he sees.”
From here, you can direct the players to either Job #6: Investigate strange things in the Drowned Forest or Job #8: Recover Lost Patrol Logbook, both tied to the Drowned Forest—or use this moment to introduce a custom quest hook of your own.
Job Board
Upon closer inspection, several notices catch your eye—weathered parchment, some fresh, others faded with age.
Job Board Roll Table
One or more postings stand out (roll a d12 or choose from the list below).
d12 | Goal | Threats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | “Wagon raided, goods stolen. Goblin tracks lead into the marsh. Recover what you can. Payment for proof of recovery or goblin heads. Inquire at the tower.” | Goblins | Hool Marshes |
2 | “Wanted: Smuggler fled justice. Last seen heading into the Hool with a local guide. Dangerous terrain—beware swamp beasts and ghost lights.” | Crocodiles & will-o’-wisps | Hool Marshes |
3 | "Escort needed: Local herbalist seeks rare marsh flower. Trip to old druid grove. Expect wildlife and hostile terrain. Pay in coin or potion.” | Wild beasts | Marsh Edge |
4 | “Young farmhand vanished after leaving Saltmarsh for Burle. Last seen on road south of the Burle. Suspected bandit activity.” | Bandits | Dreadwood |
5 | “Old ruins discovered overrun with webbing and strange creatures. Captain wants it cleared before scouts are sent deeper.” | Giant spiders | Dreadwood |
6 | “Hunters report shadowy figures and signs of dark rituals in the Drowned Forest. Discretion advised.” | Cultists | Drowned Forest |
7 | “Militia skiff never returned. Last sighted south of the Burle. Strong current, possible ambush. Retrieve logbook and flag.” | Bullywugs | Kingfisher River |
8 | “Scouting party never reported in. Headed toward the Drowned Forest. Find them or what happened, their logbook may have valuable information." | Unknown | Drowned Forest |
9 | “Deserted camp found, scattered bones, no signs of life. Track activity and report findings. Caution: marsh insects thick this time of year.” | Insects & slimes | Road to Burle |
10 | “Old druidic altar twisted by something foul. Strange growths and animal behavior reported nearby. Purge the place of any foul creatures.” | Fey or twisted dryad | Dreadwood |
11 | “Three merchant wagons gone missing, south of the Burle. Suspect raiders or gnolls. Rewards offered for survivors or cargo.” | Gnolls or Bandits | Road to Burle |
12 | “Fisherfolk claim to see dancing lights beyond the old reeds on the marsh edge. No one who’s gone looking has returned. Proceed with caution.” | Unknown | Hool Marshes |