Saltmarsh
Drawn generations ago by the wealth of the nearby fisheries, hardy folk scratched out this small village in the shadow of the dangerous Dreadwood Forest to the north and the Hool Marshes to the west. The village has survived countless storms, monsters, and invaders. So when the great Keoland families sought glory and fortune expanding the border, these folk kept to their boats and their farms and were comfortably ignored by the economics and policies of the King. Not seeking (and certainly not receiving) royal attention, the people of Saltmarsh have survived for generations through sheer strength of will.
A town of deep roots, the residents of this little village have spent generations of blood, sweat, tears maintaining their lifestyle. Pride in what they have accomplished fills each resident. Some speak of monuments built by their forbearers, others readily recount the tale of how some heroic ancestor defended the village from harm. And, like fisherfolk everywhere, they all have a tale about surviving a terrible storm through the grace of Procan, the capricious god of the sea. Though proud, the people of Saltmarsh seclude themselves from the world and greet the rare stranger coolly, preferring to be left to their own devices.
Saltmarsh is fairly isolated in the County of Salinmoor. There are only a few neighboring settlements with the closest being the large town of Seaton that functions as a regional naval port for the duke of Salinmoor. In addition, there is the outpost, Burle, to the north that patrols the edge of the Dreadwood. Finally there are a few farming enclaves that provide rations to all three communities, and beyond if the year was plentiful.
Demographics
Majority human
Government
A town council provides leadership, interprets the King's Commands, and passes local ordinances. In addition, they collaborate on a weekly report to the Duke in Seaton, who represents the King's interest. Mostly, the council's focus is on managing the fishing industry and establishing practices that will allow for fishing growth without damaging it as a resource.
Defences
Hool Watchtower
Industry & Trade
Fishing is the predominate industry.
Woodcutting and lumber are a far second in importance.
To the east along the coast, dwarves are attempting to make inroads on mining precious metals.
Trade vessels take cargo from settlements upriver like Burle and Nine Oaks and then ship them across the seas.
Infrastructure
Hool Watchtower, Sharkfin Bridge, Council Hall, Fishmongers' Plants, Carpenter's Guildhall, docks, etc
Guilds and Factions
Carpenter's Guild
Mariner's Guild
Loyalists - Those appointed by the crown to bring urbanization
Traditionalists - Native Marshans who prefer the settlement prioritize fishing
Fishing industry - The bread and butter of Saltmarsh but will it stay the most populous economic endeavor
Miners - Dwarves from the mine to the east are starting to look at Saltmarsh for a way to let loose
History
Saltmarsh was founded by fishermen because the deep narrow bay provided a safe haven for their boats. With the natural harbor for boats and a fresh source of water in the Kingfisher River, the settlement had most immediate resources to survive. And survive it did and even incrementally expanded as the townfolk remained moderately prosperous. It would've kept expand more rapidly, except the dangers surrounding this village keep all but the most adventurous from approaching.
Tourism
Effectively none.
Architecture
Mostly wooden, but there are a few stone buildings.
Geography
Nestled between rolling hills to the east and marshes to the west, Saltmarsh brackets a larger river bay that stretches up to Burle and beyond.
Natural Resources
Coastal fishing grounds
Wood from local forests
image from Ghosts of Saltmarsh module published by WoTC.
Maps
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Saltmarsh - Player View
The town council once commissioned a wizard to provide an accurate map of their town.
Fishing village Saltmarsh in the county of Salinmoor
Suffered damage from a Lizardmen raid in 522CY
In 568CY, a horde of Goblins streamed out from the Dreadwood forests, devastated farmland, and swarmed the village. However, Capt. Fireborn used his superior tactics to turn the brunt of the attack aside. Once broken, the goblins dissipated and melted back into the countryside and presumably headed back into the depths of the Dreadwood Forest.
Founding Date
263
Type
Village
Population
756
Inhabitant Demonym
Marshans
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Related Plots
