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"Some say the sea forgets all things... but the Marshal remembers—and so do those who want its secrets kept buried."

Storyline

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Eliander Fireborn, renowned for his extensive collection of rare books, has made a troubling discovery—one of his most prized tomes has vanished. The theft was meticulous—no forced entry, no signs of disturbance, and only someone with a keen eye for antiquities would have recognized its true value.

The missing tome details the Wreck of the Marshal, a ship lost under mysterious circumstances. Rumors whisper that within its pages lie clues to the wreck’s final resting place—a secret that many would pay handsomely to uncover.

Basics

Adventure Hooks

  • Benedict: Deeply troubled by the breach of security, Benedict is determined to recover the stolen tome. It’s not just valuable—it’s part of a carefully curated legacy. He discreetly asks the party for help, insisting the matter be handled with discretion and urgency.

  • Eliander Fireborn: If informed of the theft, Eliander demands the book be recovered quickly and quietly. He’s less concerned with punishment and more with containment—the fewer who know, the better. The party is entrusted to act as his eyes beyond the Guard.

  • Skerrin Wavechaser: Skerrin, ever the observant manipulator, has noticed Benedict and Eliander acting unusually tense. With a smile and subtle nudge, he encourages the party to look into “whatever’s troubling the old captain and his shadow,” feigning concern while secretly enjoying the unraveling threads.

About the Missing Book

The Wreck of the Marshal

This rare tome chronicles the tragic voyage of the Marshal, a missionary vessel commissioned by the followers of St. Cuthbert to bring law and order to distant shores. The ship set sail during Azure's Tide, a time of open conflict between the Kingdom of Keoland and the Sea Princes. The Marshal never reached its intended destination—and was never seen again.

Theories of Its Fate:

  • Some believe the ship fell prey to harpies, lured to destruction by haunting voices near Saltmarsh’s coast.

  • Others insist it was sunk by the Sea Princes, its fate buried with the secrets of war and silence.

Note:


Clues Within the Book – Locating the Wreck

Astute readers will find subtle references pointing to the ship’s likely grave: Raven Rocks (see Javan Bay chart).

Key Passages from the Text:

"We set our course northward, threading the narrow passage between Angler Island and Redshore Island, steering well clear of the danger behind us."

"Then, without warning, the wind turned—a fierce gust from the east, driving us westward. Strange, but not unnatural—at first."

"And then—the rocks. Jagged and black, they rose from the sea like the fingers of some drowned god."

These entries suggest the Marshal was driven off course by unnatural forces, unknowingly steered into the treacherous Raven Rocks, where it was claimed by the sea.


Suspects

Choose one suspect to be the true thief—but remember, each has a motive.

No matter who you pick, their involvement can lead to deeper adventures tied to the Wreck of the Marshal.

Gellan Primewater

Adventure Tie: Merrow Mayhem
Connection: Gellan’s smugglers run goods through the waters near Raven Rock, avoiding patrols by using the secluded route. When one of his ships was attacked by a merrow, Gellan grew suspicious—legends say merrow guard old wrecks. Believing the wreck might be the Marshal, he wants the stolen book to confirm its identity and assess its value before others get involved.

Captain Xendros

Adventure Tie: Golem Diver
Connection: Xendros seeks the statue of St. Cuthbert from the Marshal, intending to defile it as a gift to Iuz. She has discovered the book holds the secret to the Marshal's location. She offers the party magical rewards to retrieve the statue, but if denied, retaliates violently.

Keledek the Unspoken

Adventure Tie: Staff of Power / Dragon Turtle Bandit
Connection: Keledek learned a Staff of Power was hidden aboard the Marshal. When he discovered Eliander had the tome The Wreck of the Marshal, he had it stolen to pinpoint the wreck’s location. Using summoned magic, he retrieved the staff in secret. His theft enraged Xalatamos, the dragon turtle, who now blames Saltmarsh and is extorting its fishers in retaliation.

Jander Caudron

Adventure Tie: Vecna's Twist
Connection: Jander Caudron, a visiting priest staying at the Temple of Procan, is in truth a secret member of the Cult of Vecna, sworn enemy of St. Cuthbert. He is searching for a cursed ceremonial dagger believed to have been lost aboard the Marshal—a relic capable of twisting the souls of the faithful into undead servants of the Maimed God.

Jander believes the spirits of the missionaries aboard the Marshal can be corrupted and turned into an unholy force to strike Saltmarsh. To locate the wreck, he stole the rare book from Eliander’s library and has been planning a ritual to recover the dagger and awaken the dead.

Clues

Each suspect has three possible clues tied to them. To guide the investigation, select one clue from each suspect—and three from the actual culprit. Everyone has a motive… but only one stole the book.

Gellan Primewater
  • Torn Receipt in Library: Found under the desk. It reads: "Repairs to Primewater's skiff – hull damage near Raven Rock." The receipt is dated just days before the tome went missing.
  • The library smells faintly of Kingfisher’s Green, a rare and expensive pipe tobacco.
    Players who pass a DC 12 Investigation or Insight check can recognize the distinct scent, or NPCs (like Benedict or a tobacconist) can confirm it. Gellan is one of the few people who smoke it.
  • Skerrin Wavechaser’s Gossip: If questioned, Skerrin mentions overhearing whispers in town that Primewater has been asking about old shipwrecks—particularly those near Raven Rock. (Unknown to most: Skerrin is secretly gathering intel for his own ends.)
Captain Xendros
  • Unusual Jewelry Found in the Library: A small piece of gold jewelry, dropped near the library shelves, bears sinister, grime-darkened engravings. A successful Religion DC 13 reveals the design is associated with Iuz—a clear sign of infernal allegiance.
  • Salt Residue at the Display Case: Near the pedestal where the book once rested, a fine crystalline powder is found. A Nature or Investigation DC 12 identifies it as salt used in fish-drying, common in dockside rituals or arcane preparations—especially linked to Quartermasters of Iuz.
  • Inquiries About an Artifact: Eliander recalls that someone from the Quartermaster's Guild—a rarely seen affiliate—visited the week prior, inquiring if the library held any texts referencing ancient sea-buried relics. Benedict noted that Xendros later arrived, also asking about “religious objects lost at sea.”

Keledek the Unspoken
  • Red Silk Thread Found in the Cabinet: A thin shred of red silk is caught in the edge of the glass case where the book was stored. A DC 13 Investigation identifies the fabric as imported silk from Ket—the kind used in Keledek’s distinctive red turban. Characters who later speak with Keledek may notice a small tear in the edge of his turban (Passive Perception DC 14), suggesting recent damage.
  • Faint Arcane Markings on the Floor: A faint ring of chalk dust and arcane residue surrounds the spot where the book once rested. A DC 15 Arcana check reveals it was the remnant of a summoning circle—recently used, likely to conjure or bind a magical servant. Detect Magic shows faint conjuration energy still lingering.
  • Eyewitness Report – A Tall Figure Spotted: Benedict reports that a very tall, cloaked man was seen walking past the manor grounds a week before the theft—around the time the book likely disappeared. The description matches Keledek, who stands out for his imposing height and red garments.

Jander Caudron
  • Strange Visit: Benedict recalls that a visiting priest from the Temple of Procan struck him as oddly inquisitive, especially about St. Cuthbert’s relics. “He asked more about our relics than our hospitality. Didn’t feel right.”
  • Forgotten Prayer Book: A small, sea-worn prayer book of Procan was found in the Grand Hall after the priest’s visit. Benedict assumes it belongs to the visiting cleric and may ask the players to return it to the temple—leading to questions about Jander’s identity. A Religion DC 14 reveals strange, altered verses—perhaps Vecna’s doctrine hidden within.
  • Dockside Gossip: Fisherfolk whisper about a strange visiting priest of Procan who insisted on sailing beyond the safe fishing waters, claiming he needed to “pray where the sea forgets names.” Several mention he was seen heading toward Raven Rocks at dawn. A DC 13 Insight suggests this wasn’t normal devotional practice—it felt like something darker.

Rewards

Benedict's Reward

Trusted Guest Privileges

"Master Eliander may keep his distance, but I see how you've carried yourselves—with discretion and discipline. From this day forward, you are welcome within these walls."

The party becomes trusted guests of the Fireborn estate, earning:

  • Access to the manor’s sitting room and kitchen.

  • Permission to request private meetings with Eliander

  • Benedict will personally vouch for them in matters of protocol or access to town guard leadership


Custom Tailored Travel Cloaks

"Salt air ruins everything—unless it’s properly lined. I’ve taken the liberty of preparing something for your future endeavors."

Each party member receives a tailored cloak or travel coat, expertly stitched by Benedict’s personal tailor.

  • Stylish, subtly marked with Eliander’s crest or symbol of Saltmarsh

  • Resistant to damp and salt

  • Hidden interior pocket

Suggestion: +1 bonus on Charisma (Persuasion) checks with Saltmarsh officials or nobility when worn in appropriate settings

Eliander's Reward

Handwritten Letter of Recommendation (Free PDF)

"Saltmarsh could use more hands like yours. If you ever find yourselves in Seaton or Gradsul—show this."

Eliander pens a formal letter of recommendation, written in his precise, naval script and sealed with his crest.

  • Grants advantage on Persuasion or Charisma checks when dealing with local or regional authorities (Loyalist)

  • May open doors to exclusive contracts, nobles, or council audiences elsewhere in Keoland


Rare Map of the Javan Bay (Player Handout)

"This is one of the oldest surviving charts of Javan Bay—copied from an original made during Azure’s Tide. I trust you’ll put it to better use than letting it collect dust."

Eliander gifts the party an antique map annotated with:

  • Includes Raven Rocks, Angler Island, and Redshore Island (for help with finding the Wreck of the Marshal)

  • Javan Bay Player-Facing map can be downloaded here.


Supervised Access to the Private Library

"Very few are granted access to the collection. Some of these works predate Keoland itself. But you’ve earned more than my thanks—you’ve earned my trust."
He pauses, then adds with a faint smile, "Of course, either I or Benedict will be present... just in case any pages try to walk away."

The party is granted supervised access to Eliander’s private library, a two-story archive of rare tomes, scrolls, and military records.

May research topics including:

  • Naval history, Sea Princes conflicts (Azure's Tide)

  • Religious texts, Vecna lore, St. Cuthbert missionary records

  • Local geography, ruins, or political history

Suggestion: Gain advantage on Arcana, History, or Religion checks when using the library for research

Requires the presence of Eliander or Benedict, who may assist or intervene during study

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Future Hooks

Four suggested adventure hooks connected to The Wreck of the Marshal can be drawn from Appendix A of Ghosts of Saltmarsh, with slight modifications to better fit with Legends of Saltmarsh.

Level 5: Vecna's Twist

Searching for the Dagger that Jander was looking for.

Adventure: Vecna's Twist GoSM p.220

Level 7: Merrow Mayhem

Searching for any treasure for Gellan.

Adventure: Merrow Mayhem GoSM p.222

Level 11: Golem Diver

Seaching for the Statue of St. Cuthbert

Adventure: Golem Diver GoSM p. 222

Leve 15: Dragon Turtle Bandit

Dealing with Xalatamos, the Dragon Turtle and Keledek and the stolen Staff of Power.

Adventure: Dragon Turtle Bandit. GoSM p.222