The Garrison of Saltmarsh

The guards of Saltmarsh serve as watchmen, soldiers, and enforcers of the King’s Law in this quiet coastal town. Their duty is clear: keep the peace, defend against threats from land and sea, and ensure the town does not slip into lawlessness.

At the head of the garrison stands Eliander Fireborn, the Captain of the Guard, a steadfast leader with a strategic mind. Beneath him, the day-to-day operations fall to Kraddok Stonehorn, the Master-at-Arms and Jailer—a no-nonsense veteran who values order above all else. Kraddok is a man of few words, his presence alone enough to keep even the rowdiest troublemakers in line. His reputation is well-earned, and though some guards resent his strict rule, none question his ability to run the barracks with iron discipline.

A Force of Hardened Veterans

Saltmarsh’s garrison is a seasoned force, composed mostly of older veterans—soldiers who have seen their share of battle, bearing scars both visible and hidden. Their armor is worn, their movements measured, and while they remain disciplined, their urgency has faded with time. Many were once loyal warriors, now seeking a quiet post before retirement, while others were sent here as punishment—cast-offs from other commands due to insubordination, poor decisions, or making the wrong enemies.

Among them are a handful of younger recruits, still finding their place, and a few troublemakers, transferred here to serve out the remainder of their careers under Kraddok’s strict eye. Though the garrison follows orders and enforces the law, there is an unspoken resignation in their watchful eyes. Saltmarsh is not a place where careers are built—it’s where they end.

Forces on Duty

At any given time, 2d4 guards patrol the barracks and town (5e Guard stat block).

Two veteran soldiers oversee them, one of whom is Thorne Caldwell (5e Veteran stat block), the most senior guard beneath Kraddok. Thorne is an experienced soldier who understands the reality of Saltmarsh—he knows when to push and when to let things slide, a skill that has kept him in his position longer than most.

Master-at-Arms & Jailer

Role: Sergeant of the Guard
The most senior guard in Saltmarsh, Caldwell is Kraddok Stonehorn’s trusted second-in-command. When Kraddok is away, it is Caldwell who runs the barracks and jail, ensuring that order is maintained. A seasoned veteran, he has spent a lifetime in battle and wears the weight of his experiences with quiet dignity.

Background: Caldwell has seen war, bloodshed, and loss, but his greatest battle was losing his wife—a Saltmarsh native he married years ago. After decades of service, he chose to spend his remaining years in Saltmarsh, honoring her memory while continuing to serve the crown. With no family left, the guard is all he has now. His bond with Kraddok runs deep; the two have fought side by side and share a mutual respect forged in the fires of combat.

Personality: Stoic, disciplined, and deeply loyal, Caldwell is a man of few words but great wisdom. He carries himself with the calm authority of a soldier who has seen everything and survived it all. Though he follows the law, he is not without mercy, understanding when to show restraint. He has taken Rios under his wing, seeing in him the son he never had, and quietly guides the young guard toward becoming a great leader. Among the ranks, even the lazier and more bitter guards respect Stone—not out of fear, but because they know he is the kind of man they all once aspired to be.

Role: A young, dedicated guard, Rios is one of the few stationed in Saltmarsh who takes his duty seriously. Unlike many of his fellow guards, who see their post as a punishment or a retirement sentence, Rios views his service as an honor. He is compassionate yet firm, believing in upholding the law while understanding the struggles of the people he protects.

Background: Born and raised in Saltmarsh, Rios comes from a family of sailors, fishermen, and carpenters. He is the first in his family to serve the king, a fact he carries with great pride. While others may scoff at a posting in Saltmarsh, Rios embraces it, knowing firsthand the challenges the town faces. His familiarity with the locals and his genuine care for their well-being make him well-liked by both the townsfolk and his fellow guards.

Personality: Bright, capable, and respected, Rios is a rising star among the Saltmarsh guard. He is disciplined but fair, willing to listen before passing judgment, and Kraddok Stonehorn places great trust in him. While he tolerates the likes of Marcos and Ferrera, he does not share their bitterness or laziness. His easygoing nature and strong work ethic make him one of the few guards people in Saltmarsh actually admire—a rare thing in a place where most guards are just waiting for their service to end.

Role: A guard stationed at the Saltmarsh Barracks & Jail, Marcos is known for his harsh temperament and short fuse. Though disciplined in his duties, he often takes extra pleasure in enforcing punishments, using his authority to vent his frustrations on prisoners.

Background: Originally from Seaton, Marcos was transferred to Saltmarsh after repeated conflicts with his fellow guards. Rumors whisper that his troubles began when he discovered his wife with another man—another guard, no less. The betrayal soured him beyond repair, making him difficult to work with and quick to anger. Rather than dismiss him outright, his superiors sent him to Saltmarsh, a place where troublemakers are sent to be forgotten.

Personality: Marcos is short in stature but carries himself with a permanent scowl, his sharp tongue and bad temper keeping others at arm’s length. He is bitter, resentful, and always looking for an excuse to assert his authority. While he follows orders, he takes every opportunity to make life miserable for those under his watch, especially prisoners. His fellow guards tolerate him, but few would call him a friend.

Role: A demoted veteran guard, Ferrera has been sent to Saltmarsh to serve out the remainder of his years in quiet disgrace. Once holding a position of authority, he now spends most of his time seated, grumbling, and drinking more wine than he should. Though technically still on duty, he does the bare minimum, letting others handle the more demanding work.

Background: Ferrera was once a respected guard in Seaton, but his arrogance, poor temper, and fondness for drink eventually led to his downfall. Whether it was insubordination, neglect, or simply making too many enemies among his superiors, his fate was sealed with a transfer to Saltmarsh—a post meant for those who have outlived their usefulness. Here, he resents everyone, from the fresh-faced recruits to his fellow disgraced guards, believing himself to be the only one with true experience.

Personality: Overweight, red-faced, and perpetually sour, Ferrera looks down on everyone, convinced that they are beneath him. He treats his fellow guards with thinly veiled contempt, offering nothing but criticism and condescending remarks. He is tolerated rather than respected, and most prefer to avoid him. The only exception is Marcos, whose shared bitterness makes them unlikely drinking companions. Though too lazy to be truly cruel, Ferrera never lifts a finger to stop the injustices he witnesses, shrugging it off as "not his problem."