Random Encounter: The Giant Octopus in the Net
A heavy haul is being dragged up one of the ramps when a sudden shout splits the air.
A massive tentacle bursts from the water, curling around a basket of fresh fish, then around the leg of a screaming fisherman, dragging him into the water.A giant octopus breaks the surface, some of it's tentacles are twisted in the fishing net. Still half-submerged, the creature flails wildly, smashing its tentacles against the wooden floor of the Fishworks and sending workers scrambling. Fish scatter everywhere as panic spreads across the hall.
Combat Notes
The octopus remains in the water, anchored at the edge of the ramp.
Several tentacles
(treat as reach attacks) lash into the Fishworks, seizing crates, tools, and unfortunate workers.
Escape Check:
At the start of each round, the octopus makes a Strength check (DC 18) to break free of the net.
Success: It escapes and immediately dives into deeper water, dragging any creatures it currently has grappled. It releases them about 100 feet offshore before disappearing.
Failure: It lashes out, using one tentacle to randomly grapple the nearest creature within reach.
Workers flee in all directions, a few are ensnared and pulled dangerously close to the water’s edge.
Damaging the net may free the creature faster…but this only accelerates the chaos.
Creature Behavior
The giant octopus is not acting out of malice.
It is trapped in the net and thrashing purely to free itself.
Once freed, naturally or by the party, it immediately withdraws to deeper water.
It does not pursue, attack out of the water, or return.
Outcome Benefits
If the party helps drive off or subdue the creature:
Donall Oweland shows gruff but genuine gratitude, possibly granting a favor or future assistance.
Gitta Primewater is impressed and quietly notes the party’s competence for future dealings.
Gain favor from the Traditionalist and the fishing families.
Saltmarsh Folklore Impact
This incident becomes an instant legend along the docks. Within a day:
Every tavern retells the story, each version more embellished than the last.
Fishermen swear they heard the screams all the way from Sharkfin Bridge.
Sailors argue over the size of the beast (“bigger than a skiff!”).
Dockhands claim, “it nearly dragged the whole Fishworks into the sea!”
If the party helped:
Workers, sailors, and fishmongers greet them everywhere.
Taverns like the Wicker Goat, Snapping Line, and Empty Net constantly ask them to “tell the tale.”
Fisherman quiz them on how many arms it had, what the suction felt like, and whether it was “as big as those sea devils off Javan Bay.”
Barnacle Bob on Sharkfin Bridge wants to hear the story in detail and will offer them information and gear for 1/2 price.
The story quickly becomes part of Saltmarsh legend, retold for years, growing taller with every retelling and the characters’ names are forever woven into it.