The warm, wood-paneled chamber fills with the faint scent of ink, wax, and parchment. A broad desk stands at the center, flanked by two tall candelabras upon a polished parquet floor.

Behind the desk, a woman with ink-stained fingers looks up briefly from her papers, then returns to her work. Without a word, she gestures toward one of the benches along the wall.

To the north, the blue-and-white banner of Saltmarsh hangs from a flag stand. A heavy double door behind the clerk.

Brida, the overworked Clerk of the Hall, manages the flow of visitors, records, and permits from behind her cluttered desk. She looks up as the party enters and asks in a flustered voice:

“Do you have an appointment? Here for records, permits, or council business?”

She’s earnest, talkative, and easily overwhelmed, often humming sea shanties when nervous. Loyal to Saltmarsh and proud of her post, she tries to be helpful but struggles to keep pace.

Hooks:

• Can issue or locate permits, tax papers, or notarized documents.

• Knows gossip from council meetings and rumors about missing records. (see whispers / rumors)

• If treated kindly, may provide insight or access to the Hall’s archives.

You step into a grand chamber of polished wood and carved stone. Two statues of mounted kings stand proudly at opposite ends of the hall, each resting upon a stone pedestal with a bronze plaque beneath. A circular staircase dominates the center, winding upward to the second floor.

To the east, steps lead up to a pair of doors marked Council Chambers. To the south, a heavy locked door opens toward the street, while a smaller door to the west leads back to the reception hall.

Four finely carved pillars support the vaulted ceiling, and the air carries the faint scent of oil and polish.

Statues & Plaques:

• King Tavish III (453 CY) visited Saltmarsh; later slain at the Siege of Westkeep.

• King Kimbertos Skotti, known as “The Commoner,” current King of Keoland.

Doors:

• South Door: Locked; used only during festivals or official processions.

• East Door: Leads to the Council Chambers (2nd Floor).

• West Door: Leads to Reception.

Use:

• The Public Hall hosts ceremonies, council events, and seasonal festivals.

• Darrak decorates the space for each occasion, garlands, banners, and lanterns.

• It’s open to the public during holidays, when townsfolk gather for announcements or celebrations.

NPC:

• Darrak, Keeper of the Hall is present 70% of the time. Often seen cleaning, adjusting decorations, or quietly listening near the stairwell.

A raised half-circle desk dominates the chamber, lined with five high-backed chairs, one for each member of the Saltmarsh Town Council. The center of the floor bears an elegant wood inlay compass, its points marking the cardinal directions.

To the north, the flag of Keoland stands proudly on a brass pole, while to the south, the flag of Saltmarsh mirrors it in balance. Large arched windows line the east wall behind the council seats, flooding the chamber with daylight that glints off polished wood and brass fittings.

The room serves as the site of council meetings, votes, and official hearings. It is also where the party may be formally received, commissioned for missions, or recognized for service to Saltmarsh.

Council in Session:

• Eliander Fireborn – First Councillor (center)

• Eda Oweland – Second Councillor (right of Fireborn)

• Anders Solmor – Councillor (far right)

• Copperlocks – Councilor (left of Fireborn)

• Gellan Primewater – Councilor (far left)
  

• Cora Underbough, Keeper of Records, sits quietly near the back, recording the proceedings.

Access:

• The double doors remain locked when the council is not in session.

• Entry is granted by appointment, summons, or escort from the reception clerk.