A bustling seaside town serving as the western anchor of the Sword Coast trade network. Saltmarsh is a merchant's town built on fishing and maritime commerce, with a busy harbor and a market that reflects its access to both sea and overland routes.

The Harbor and Market

Saltmarsh's economy is built on fish — the market along the waterfront sells fish, more fish, and fishing equipment. On occasion, other goods appear, but the seafaring trade dominates. The public waterfront caters to merchants and sailors, while private docks belong to wealthy families and organizations.

Key Contacts and Locations

Zendris Curio Shop operates on the far side of the harbor bridge, run by a handsome middle-aged tiefling woman with striking glowing red eyes. She deals in rare and unusual items, including treasured diamonds and Netherese antiquities. Zendris is well-informed and perceptive, recognizing Netherese coins immediately and inquiring into their origins.

The Prime Water family manor occupies a private dock location, serving as a noble residence and the base for legitimate maritime operations.

Notable Encounters — Session A14

Jonah traveled to Saltmarsh in search of a Temple of Selune. The party visited in session A14, where Kelvin secured a 300gp diamond for resurrection magic from Zendris. While the others shopped, Othorion independently boarded the flagship Limerith's Bane — a dragon-headed pirate ship belonging to Gum-Gum, the Goblin Queen of the Moonshade Isles. This meeting resulted in Othorion signing a contract granting exclusive trade rights through the Port of Luskan to the Moonshade Pirates, contingent on his future ascension to control of the port.

The Shark Fin Bridge

A notable structure on the bridge crossing carries an anti-elf property. Othorion failed a Constitution save crossing it and suffered acute nausea as a consequence.

Significance

Saltmarsh serves as a waypoint connecting the inland Sword Coast settlements to the sea. It is where Othorion made a consequential deal that ties his future to pirate interests, and where the party proved they have connections and leverage beyond their origins in Phandalin.