NPCs

Master of the Mariners’ Guildhall
Loyalist • Late 60s • Tall, lean, sharp-eyed

A career officer of the Royal Navy, Henry was born in Seaton. Few sailors alive know the Javan Bay and hidden dangers better than he does.

When he retired, the Admiralty honored him with a special appointment: Master of the Saltmarsh Mariners’ Guildhall. Such a request is made only to the most trusted and respected naval officers. Henry accepted and moved to Saltmarsh with his wife nearly a decade ago.

Despite no longer serving in the Navy, Henry still wears his formal naval coat. Tradition allows the Guildhall master to maintain naval uniform.

Personality

Henry is disciplined, honorable, and steady.
He does not raise his voice, he doesn’t need to.
Years spent commanding sailors have given him a quiet authority that fills a room.

He believes in Keoland’s unity and security and holds firm Loyalist leanings, though he avoids political theatrics. He values order, but he also understands sailors, their flaws, humor, and superstitions.

Relationships

• Close friend of Captain Eliander Fireborn.
  The two often share dinner, discussing naval strategy, town politics, and nostalgic stories from the war years.

• Respects Bernard greatly, even when their views on the Keoland Navy clash. Their differences often spark spirited discussions in the Guildhall kitchen.

Hooks & Use In Play

• Henry may offer the party guild lodging, work opportunities, or trusted news from Seaton.

• He knows Navy movements, patrol routes, and rumors the average townsperson never hears.

• He disapproves of smuggling but understands Saltmarsh’s complexities and may hire the party quietly to investigate without causing panic.

• He is a steadfast ally, but not easy to deceive.

• If the party aligns with the Loyalist, they will earn his respect.

Guildhall Cook & Quartermaster
Loyalist-leaning • Early 60s • Stocky, half-shaven, always squinting

A lifelong sailor in the merchant marine. A quartermaster aboard the Dreaded Plum, a heavily armored merchant vessel famous for braving waters off the coasts of the Hold of the Sea Princes.

The Dreaded Plum made rare trade runs to Port Torvin and even Monmurg, ports of the Sea Princes. Because of this history, Bernard carries a unique perspective on Keoland–Sea Princes. While not disloyal, he is practical and unafraid to call the Navy’s policies “overreach."

After decades at sea, Bernard retired to Saltmarsh, joined the guild, and displeased with the food, he offered to become the cook. His cooking is hearty, seasoned sea stews, salted fish, fried potatoes, thick chowders, and strong coffee. It is very popular among sailors.

Personality

Bernard is blunt, sarcastic, and salty, but also warm-hearted.
He squints constantly from his years at sea.

He respects authority… when it earns respect.
He respects tradition… when it’s useful.
He respects fishermen and tradesmen.

Though technically a Loyalist, he is equally comfortable among Traditionalists and Saltmarsh’s working folk. He is well liked among the fisherman of Saltmarsh.

Relationship with Captain Henry

They often debate, but they have mutual respect for each other. They differ on Keoland's naval role as well as the value of the privateers and merchants.

Hooks & Use In Play

• Bernard overhears everything in the Guildhall and docks, he’s a gold mine of rumors, gossip, and ship talk.

• He knows hidden coves, and the politics of trade with the Sea Princes.

• He is friends with those in the Empty Net, but keeps his distance from the smugglers (would rather not know, as he would feel compelled to tell Captain Henry out of loyalty).

• If the party helps him with a personal errand (like tracking down an old crewmate or recovering a keepsake from the Dreaded Plum), they earn a lifelong friend.

• He may discreetly warn the party of trouble brewing long before anyone else.