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

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.
Starting Location: Eliander's House
Levels: Any
Player Handout: Wreck of the Marshal
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.
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.
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:
This book serves as the introduction to the adventure “Wreck of the Marshal” found in Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Appendix A (with minor adjustments for your campaign).
Free Player-handout can be downloaded here: Wreck of the Marshal Player Handout
Astute readers will find subtle references pointing to the ship’s likely grave: Raven Rocks (see Javan Bay chart).
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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
"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
"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
"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.
"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

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.
Searching for the Dagger that Jander was looking for.
Adventure: Vecna's Twist GoSM p.220
Searching for any treasure for Gellan.
Adventure: Merrow Mayhem GoSM p.222
Seaching for the Statue of St. Cuthbert
Adventure: Golem Diver GoSM p. 222
Dealing with Xalatamos, the Dragon Turtle and Keledek and the stolen Staff of Power.
Adventure: Dragon Turtle Bandit. GoSM p.222