The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.18 & Vol 1.19

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.18 – Starday, 1st of Patchwall, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

THE CURSE OF THE SPOILED SHELLFISH

Sickness spoiled the last few days of Brewfest, as many citizens of this fair town were grievously ill with complaints of the stomach. It is suspected that a large portion of the shellfish provided as part of festivities are responsible for the illness. Unfortunately the editor and reporter of the Saltmarsh Register were among those struck and so the entire staff of this esteemed paper must apologize for this abbreviated edition.

VOL 1.19 – Starday, 8th of Patchwall, 570 CY

WRATH OF PROCAN STRIKES

On Watersday the 5th, Saltmarsh, and from the sounds of rumors heard from ships limping into port for repairs, much of the rest of the Azure Sea, was struck by an intense hurricane, the likes of which has not been seen for decades. Several ships sailing out of Saltmarsh are presumed to have been lost, including the Caretaker, Toward the Low Sun and Tanith and the Lion Tree. Could this have been the storm foreseen by Mabel Twicedrowned? So far the potential prophetess in residence at the temple of Procan has refused to confirm that this was the storm she saw in visions.

FLOODING IN COPPERLOCKS MINE

The great storm damaged pumps and caused flooding in the Copperlocks Mine east of Saltmarsh. Three miners are said to have drowned, unable to escape lower levels before the rising water. It is thought that repairs to the mine might last through the winter, causing delays in the output of ore.

REBUILDING BEGINS

With the winds and storm surge having damaged many buildings in Saltmarsh, the citizens of the town will be spending the next few weeks making repairs. It is thought that the price of timber will increase greatly due to the demand for wood for both ships and buildings.

FISHING TIDBITS

The skeletal fish have not been seen since before the great storm, causing some sailors to reiterate claims that they were an ill omen all along.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.17

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.17 – Starday, 1st of Brewfest, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

PANDELUME THE MAGNIFICENT AND HIS PREPOSTEROUS CIRCUS ARRIVE

Dulcinea Gideon and Davus Raal have arranged for Pandelume the Magnificent and his Preposterous Circus to entertain all of Saltmarsh to celebrate Brewfest. Pandelume, an illusionist who claims to be from far off Embelyon, will entertain crowds the evening of Godsday and Freeday and his crew of clowns, funambulists, fire-eaters and jongleurs will provide other shows and wandering entertainment during the festival week.

A SHORTAGE OF CLAW WINE!

With a combination of the festivities and several leaky barrels, Hanna Rist, proprietor of the Snapping Line, as admitted to the Saltmarsh Register that her supply of Claw Wine might run out by the end of Patchwall and more of the heady brew, a local delicacy or acquired taste, might not be fermented until well into 571. Hanna was quick to say that there would be plenty for any who desire it as part of Brewfest celebrations.

PIRATES FOILED!

Tamsyn Muir, brave captain of the Swift Blade, prevented a ship of pirates from launching an assault on Abbey Isle. Though this paper suspects that perhaps the pirates were on a smuggling run to the shady Mariner’s League outpost being established on the isle.

FISHING TIDBITS

Still no skeletal fish captured, but a great harvest of oysters has been harvested in time to provide plenty for the citizens of Saltmarsh to enjoy during our great Brewfest celebration.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.16

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.16 – Starday, 22nd of Harvester, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

ALBERTO SKOTTI NAMED KING, LONG LIVE KING ALBERTO SKOTTI

As was expected, the Royal Council of Keoland has confirmed Alberto Skotti, younger brother of the lake Kimbertos Skotti as King of Keoland. The editor and staff of the Saltmarsh Register send best wishes and congratulations to King Alberto, long may he reign.

A PROPHECY OF STORM?

This esteemed paper has learned that Mabel Twicedrowned, who lost her memory, was found at sea and now resides at the Temple of Procan, has had a vision of a terrible storm wracking sea and shore. Though unable (or unwilling?) to remember anything of her previous life, when asked by the reporter of the Register, Mabel claimed that she was certain a terrible storm would strike the Azure Sea early in Patchwall. The truth of the matter, of course, remains to be seen.

WEALTHY ROMANCE?

It is whispered in the taverns of Saltmarsh that the young, wealthy and handsome Anders Solmor has been seeking the hand of Dulcinea Gideon, despite the wealthy heiress of the Primewater fortune being over a decade his elder. Will Saltmarsh see a lavish wedding in its future? If so, you can count on the Register to provide you all you need to know about it.

FISHING TIDBITS

The skeletal school of fish has been spotted several times but none have been lucky or daring enough to capture a fish for the Saltmarsh Register, as a reminder the Saltmarsh Register is offering 50 gold for any skeletal fish that is caught and brought back to Saltmarsh while still moving

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.15

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.15 – Starday, 15th of Harvester, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

MYSTERY OF MABEL TWICEDROWNED

The woman found by crew of the Pink Dot, who was brought to the temple of Procan to recover has woken. She claims not to remember anything from before she was found by the Pink Dot and has taken the name Mabel Twicedrowned. Is she telling the truth about her amnesia? Count on the Saltmarsh Register to try and find out.

KING KIMBERTOS SKOTTI DIES

King Kimbertos Skotti, beloved king of Keoland, is said to have perished from his illness on the 7th of Harvester. It is expected that the royal council will confirm his younger brother, Alberto, as his heir and new king.

NOBLE DELEGATION ARRIVES

A group of nobles have arrived from Niole Dra, seeking to hire a yacht to take pleasure cruises along the coast of the Azure Sea. They are rumored to have engaged the services of the Leaping Frog, a trading vessel that usually makes runs between Saltmarsh, Seaton and Gryrax.

FISHING TIDBITS

Several fishing boats from Saltmarsh have reported seeing schools of skeletal fish swimming through the waves. The Saltmarsh Register is offering 50 gold for any skeletal fish that is caught and brought back to Saltmarsh while still moving.

2020 Extra Life Replay - Tea-Time with Granny Bonechewer

A replay video from the 2020 Known World United Extra Life Event.

Tea-Time with Granny Bonechewer

Somehow the PCs ended up owing the Bheur Hag, Polly Bonechewer, a favor some time back… Now she has asked them to her ice castle for tea and biscuits with her and her coven of sisters. While the invitation might have been worded as an innocent social gathering, they are certain she is going to collect on the debt she is owed. A D&D game about the choices that adventurers make and the consequences that can follow.

You can support my Extra Life fundraising efforts at: extra-ife.org/participant/AntagonistRelations

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.14

 The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.14 – Starday, 8th of Harvester, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

DROWNED WOMAN FOUND!

The crew of the Pink Dot, a fishing vessel, has recovered a drowned woman as sea on the 7th of Harvester. They found her clinging to driftwood. The woman, who is not known to any in Saltmarsh, has been brought the temple of Procan to recover.

PRAY FOR KING SKOTTI

The cherished and wise king of Keoland remains ill and prayers are needed from all true citizens of the kingdom for his swift and complete recovery.

THE BROKEN MAUL BACK IN THE DREADWOOD

Saltmarsh’s most beloved adventurers have returned to the Dreadwood to avenge the death of their fallen comrade and end the menace of Granny Nightshade.

DEATH OF A CHARLATAN!

Mikos Alter arrived from Niole Dra last week to sell various potions and tinctures of dubious efficacy. While in town he began claiming that Garret Axehandle was an impersonator and not the true Assessor Axehandle. Unable to provide any proof, the charlatan retreated to the Wicker Drunk and drank for two straight days. He was last seen alive after midnight on Godsday the 4th of Harvester belligerently pounding on the doors of Solmor Manor and demanding an audience with Anders to provide his proof. His body was found washed up near Crabber’s Cove on Earthday the 6th. The generous councilor Axehandle has graciously agreed to cover the drunken grifter’s funeral expenses.

FISHING TIDBITS

After finding a strange golden coin in the belly of a fish she caught on Sunday 2nd of Harvester, rumor has it that Polly Wavestrike has lost every hair on her body. The editors of this august institution have not been able to reach Polly to ascertain the truth of this matter as she has spent every moment she can on her fishing boat at sea.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.13

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.13 – Starday, 1st of Harvester, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

THEFT MOST FOUL!

A dwarf named Morley Tobe, briefly employed by Copperlocks Mining, has apparently stolen items of great value from Davus Raal, as well as robbing a cart laden with offerings for the Temple of Procan in Saltmarsh. Davus Raal is offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Tobe, and has already personally replaced the estimated value of the offerings meant for the temple. Tobe was apparently last seen in Seaton searching for a ship that would take him on as crew.

THE KING ILL!

King Kimbertos Skotti has fallen ill with the sickness sweeping through Niole Dra. He is being attended by the best healers and clerics in the kingdom, but all true citizens of Keoland should keep our beloved monarch in their prayers.

THE BROKEN MAUL RETURNS TO SALTMARSH

After several months away, the Broken Maul has returned to Saltmarsh after laying Horatio Threesilvers to rest after his untimely death. The legendary adventuring group intends to delve back into the Dreadwood and to avenge their bard’s death.

PRIMEWATER MANSION TO BECOME PUBLIC PROPERTY

Dulcinea Gideon has informed the Town Council that she intends to sign over Primewater Mansion, which she inherited, to the town of Saltmarsh starting in Needfest 571. The Town Council has not yet indicated how it will be decided what will be done with the mansion.

FISHING TIDBITS

Fishing is beginning to recover after the devastation of the Hangman’s Storm, though there are wild rumors of ghost ships sailing the Azure Sea, sailed by crews sunk during the tempest.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.12

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.12 – Starday, 22nd of Goldmonth, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

STORM, WRACK AND RUIN!

The storm that blew in on Watersday 19th, as Billy Gibson was being hung, cost the lives of three in Saltmarsh and destroyed the rebuilt area known as Crabber’s Cove. It is thought that Gibson was dead when the tidal wave hit and pulled his body out to see, but it had not been confirmed yet by any magistrate. As Saltmarsh rebuilds, many wonder if some terrible magic protected the cruel pirate, Billy Gibson and have taken to calling the disaster, the Hangman’s Storm.

A VAULT UNLOCKED!

Dulcinea Gideon has unlocked the secret vault of Gellan Primewater and given all the treasure inside to Saltmarsh to help rebuild the town after the disastrous Hangman’s Storm. Davus Raal, who handles the mercantile business that Gideon inherited frome Primewater, made a statement for Dulcinea, saying “Dulcinea, having grown fond of Saltmarsh, thinks it only fitting that the treasures earned from smuggling and perhaps even worse and hidden for years by Gellan Primewater go towards rebuilding the town.” The funds have been entrusted jointly to the Town Council and the Temple of Procan to administer.

SICKNESS IN NIOLE DRA

Word has reached Salinmor that a strange and virulent sickness has swept through Niole Dra, the capital of Keoland, reaching, it is rumored, even the royal court.

FISHING TIDBITS

With much of the fleet destroyed in the Hangman’s Storm and many of the fishers showing their civic spirit by helping with recovery and reconstruction, not much fishing has occurred, though it is said that the golden scaled fish have been sighted by those few fisherfolk who have ventured out of the harbor.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.11

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.11 – Starday, 15th of Goldmonth, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

THE HAUNTED STREETS OF SALTMARSH!

On Moonday 10th, just at midnight, the determined and fearless reporter of the Register, along with a brave companion, saw the GHOST that haunts the streets of Saltmarsh. It was the phantom of Ol’ Norbert, dripping with saltwater and wailing of a cursed treasure and the call of sirens. Before the spirit could be interrogated more, it vanished, but rest assured, dear reader, that this publication is dedicated to getting to the bottom of this mystery.

GOBLINS DEFEATED

Ingo the Drover has returned to Saltmarsh victorious, having defeated the marauding goblin band and driven the remnants back into the Hool Marshes. Ingo and his company rescued three traders who had been taken and a feast has been ordered in his honor by the merchant Davus Raal, who employed one of the merchants who had been captured by goblins.

MINERS NEEDED

The Copperlocks mine is hiring. Any interested should see the Copperlocks office in town, no previous experience needed, novices will be taught.

THE SWIFT BLADE OF VENGEANCE

Captain Tamsyn Muir and the Swift Blade have sunk two ships of the Sea Princes and captured Billy Gibson, a cruel captain who serves as a ruthless enforcer of Grand Captain Regnault Bonebreaker. The register has learned that a strange treasure chest of ancient gold coins stamped with a strange spiral symbol was also captured with Billy Gibson. The pirate captain will be hanged until he is dead on Watersday 19th.

FISHING TIDBITS

The fisherfolk of Saltmarsh are abuzz with stories of a school of strange fish, never seen before in these waters, with scales as golden as coins. None have been caught so far, but many fishing boats have been going out for longer hours, in the hopes of being first to catch one of these strange fish.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.10

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.10 – Starday, 8th of Goldmonth, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple

THE GHOST OF SALTMARSH

Readers of this publication have sent in reports of a GHOST stalking the foggy streets of Saltmarsh near midnight the last two Moondays… Rest assured that the intrepid editor of this publication intends to get to the bottom of these haunted happenings.

STRIKE RESOLVED

The strike in the Copperlocks mines has ended, with many of the former strikers leaving in frustration after claiming their leaders struck an inadequate deal with Manistrad Copperlocks. The Copperlocks clan has given a token raise to wages and claims that agents of the nefarious Scarlet Brotherhood were behind the sabotage of supplies.

GOBLIN ASSAULT

A tribe of goblins, thought to have left the Hool Marshes, has attacked a caravan coming from Burle to Saltmarsh. Ingo the Drover has been deputized by Captain Eliander Fireborn to lead a band of the guard and mercenaries out to deal with the goblins.

FISHING TIDBITS

Sailors have reported strange things at sea, with some claiming that a kraken was seen just north of Seaton.

So Many Games... So Little Time (to blog)...

 

Some games I hope to run during 2021...

I keep meaning to update here more... I had a week off earlier in January but spent a lot of it away from my home office taking a much needed break from sitting at a desk staring at computer screens for 8-12 hours a day. (Though I did devour the excellent Raised By Wolves while laying on a couch staring at a TV screen...)

More than needing a break, though, I'm realizing that most of my RPG energy these days is spent on actually running games, something that I did a metric-fuck-ton of during 2020. With alternating 5th Edition D&D games running Saturday Afternoons, games most Thursday evenings, every other Wednesday, a couple of stints running games every other Sunday morning and at least one one-shot game each month plus the one to two games I play in... well, I average two to three games per week most weeks...

While the downside of all this gaming is less blogging, the upside was running a lot of games, including a bunch of games I hadn't run before. Here is a quick break down...

• Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition

• I'd run CoC back in high school, so that would have been back in the 5th edition was still relatively new.. Ending up running several one shots and a short campaign and definitely think it works best in the one shot format. Highlight was running The Lightless Beacon, a free one shot scenario which is where I'd recommend starting if you're interested in running (also conveniently free on Roll20).

• The Quiet Year

• Ran (or facilitated rather, as its GM-less) this post-apocalyptic map game using Roll20 and would definitely give it another whirl. It is on my list of backup games for when my groups are down a few players.

• The Sprawl

• Finally ran a one-shot of the Sprawl, the Powered by the Apocalypse Cyberpunk Game and was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked, even in a one-shot. Many PbtA games really take more than one session to get cooking, but ran a one-shot using the Downtown Dataheist quickstart mission and had a blast.

• tremulus

• also ran the Cthulhu mythos themed PbtA game, tremulus, using the Ebon Eaves scenario and it was fine? Would try it again, but really, what I'm jonesin' to run is the frozen wasteland playset.

• Fiasco!

• Had played the original version, but the revised version that swaps in cards in place of dice was a marked improvement and quite enjoyed running through the Suburbia scenario and looking forward to being able to game in person again to take advantage of having the big boxed set and all the expansion packs.

• The Forest Hymn and Picnic

• I've now run the Last Winter Holiday quick-start adventure included in A Cursory Guidebook To The Forest Hymn & Picnic twice now and each time was a lot of fun, so I cannot wait until the full game is done and I can run a party through a campaign of the Forest Hymn and Picnic...

• Alien the Roleplaying Game

• This was the big one that I went into 2020 determined to run after getting it late in 2019... and run it I did... I ran six separate one shots of Alien, plus the Destroyer of World module as a three session mini-campaign. The system is pretty elegant and cinematic and I fully intend do a fuller review sometime soon.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.9

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.9 – Starday, 1th of Goldmonth, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple

MERCHANTS FROM AFAR

Davus Raal, a merchant from Nyrond has set up an office in Saltmarsh, seeking to establish trade from Salinmoor to Nyrond through the Sea of Gearnat. He seems to have been invited by Dulcinea Gideon, nee Hargrave, who has taken over the Primewater estate and fortune. Merchants from Ellred have also arrived in Saltmarsh, seeking to sell the fine timbers of the Wild Coast for ship repair and building.

STRIKE CONTINUES!

The strike in the Copperlocks mines east of Saltmarsh continue, with Manistrad Copperlocks maintaining that it must have been the employees themselves who sabotaged the supplies as an excuse to strike. The register has learned that negotiations are ongoing.

SMUGGLERS HUNG FOR STEALING FROM THE CROWN!

Marne Seashine and Bertrand Ravenshield were found guilty of theft and smuggling by Duke Marik Feldren and hung on Moonday, 24 of Reaping. Despite a warning from Garrett Axehandle that such an event could be seen as disloyal, many of the fisher folk of Saltmarsh plan a vigil for the criminals on Godsday 4th of Goldmonth and perhaps in a move to soothe tensions, Wellgar Brinehanded has agreed to say prayers on behalf of Procan at the vigil.

FISHING TIDBITS

While the Saltmarsh register always strives to bring news of the catches and notable events at sea, the fishers of Saltmarsh have refused this week to provide any information to our intrepid reporter. We were able to determine that Ol’ Norbert has still not been seen and perhaps is still in Seaton…

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.8

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.8 – Starday, 22nd of Reaping, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

HEARTBREAK IN DREADWOOD!

The Saltmarsh Register has received word that Horatio Threesilver, of the Company of the Broken Maul, was killed by werewolves in the Dreadwood. The Company of the Broken Maul escaped from the Dreadwood and is traveling to Niole Dra to lay Horatio to rest in the place where he was born.

STRIKE IN THE MINE!

The Dwarven miners east of Saltmarsh have gone on strike after food supplies were found to have gone bad and ale casks were found drained. Manistrad Copperlocks has left Saltmarsh to negotiate with the strikers. In a statement to the Register, Manistrad said that the Copperlocks Clan has always treated its employees well and she is determined to get to the bottom of how such lax care of supplies happened.

THE GUARD ON WATCH!

Goblins have been seen leaving the Hool Marshes as the Lizard Folk take more complete control of it. As travelers from Burle have spoken of bands of goblins headed west from the swamps, Eliander Fireborn as put the guard on watch. Mercenary Ingo the Drover has been offering guards for hire for any who want protection traveling by land out of Saltmarsh as well.

SMUGGLERS CAUGHT WITH GOLD IN HAND!

Marne Seashine and Bertrand Ravenshield were caught by Royal Tax Assessor Garrett Axehandle trying to smuggle freshly minted coins from the Keoland Mint into Saltmarsh on their fishing vessels. While both claim never to have seen the gold before, they are being sent to Seaton to be tried by Duke Marik Feldren himself.

FISHING TIDBITS

Tierney Fishspout claims to have seen a great fleet of small vessels below the cliffs of the promontory just east of Seaton. She claims that robed figures on the boats pushed what looked like human figures into the water just as dusk fell but admits she did not get a good look as she fled before they could spot her.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.7

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.6 – Starday, 15th of Reaping, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

THE SECRET OF DULCINEA GIDEON

The Saltmarsh Register has learned that Dulcinea Gideon is actually Dulcinea Hargrave and is originally from the small village of Uskarn on the Nesser River where it flows inot the Sea of Gearnat. Rumors in Seaton have it that she was a member of the an offshoot of Raal merchant family, a family of great import in the Kingdom of Nyrond and fled to Seaton to be free of her familial responsibilities.

VAMPIRES ABOUND!

A gnome corpse, drained of all its blood was found by merchants traveling by road from Seaton two miles west of the Dwarven Mine.

KELEDEK ABSENT?

Strange sorcerer, Keledek the Unspoken has left Saltmarsh, according to sources for our reporter. While the wizard’s tower still has lights in it at night, we have reason to believe that the warlock has left Saltmarsh to research an arcane mystery. Will the mage return once his errand is completed or has he fled Saltmarsh completely for his distant homeland of Ket for reasons unknown?

THE ANSWERING CALL AND THE ISLE OF DREAD?

Rumor has it that the adventuring party which calls themselves the Answering Call has set sail for a distant land called the ISLE OF DREAD. What terrible curses, monsters and evil might these adventurers bring back to Saltmarsh from such a place?

TREMBLE AND THINK OF THE ORPHANMAKER!

Brave Captain Tamsyn Muir and her ship the Swift Blade encountered the pirate ship, the Orphanmaker, captained by the infamously cruel Anne the Red, three days ago in the Azure Sea. The Swift Blade was able to chase the Orphanmaker away from the merchant vessel they were robbing but not before Anne the Red and her pirates exacted a bloody cost and abducted several passengers. Again, this paper encourages all true and loyal citizens of Keoland to volunteer to serve in the Royal Navy to keep the Azue Sea save from the deprivations of the Sea Princes.

FISHING TIDBITS

Ol’ Norbert has not been seen in a week, though his fellow fisherman say he is likely spending his coin in Seaton on unsavory pursuits.

Catches have been bountiful and with the extra fish and coin being tithed to the temple of Procan, Wellgar Brinehanded has declared a Feast at the temple open to all on Godsday, 18th of Reaping.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.6

 The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.6 – Starday, 8th of Reaping, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

NEW TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER NAMED

After the shocking death of Gellan Primewater, Garrett Axehandle has been named as the fifth council member of the Saltmarsh Town Council. Eda Oweland opposed Axehandle, claiming it was improper for him to serve as a representative of the crown and on the town council, but the other three council members approved his appointment, which was suggested by Anders Solmor who told the Register, “After the death of Primewater and the suspicion that he was loyal to the Scarlet Brotherhood and not the people of Saltmarsh and the Kingdom of Keoland, the council wanted to show the crown we are acting in good faith.”

RECRUITS STILL NEEDED

Captain Tamsyn Muir still needs brave recruits willing to sail on the Swift Blade for the navy of Keoland. Bold sailors of Saltmarsh, show your loyalty and volunteer in the war against the sinister pirates who claim to be Sea Princes. Let us show that Keoland rules the Azure Sea and not these bandits of the waves.

WHO IS DULCINEA GIDEON?

The suspicious heir of the Primewater fortune has arrived in Saltmarsh with a dozen mercenaries and has arrived to take possession of the Primewater estate. She and her lackeys have refused all efforts by the reporter of this fine publication to sit for an interview or provide any information about herself. Dear readers, if you know anything about this mysterious woman please reach out to the editor of the Saltmarsh Register.

FISHING TIDBITS

Much to the shock of his fellow fishermen and fisherwomen, Ol’ Norbert has caught a monster kingfish over 2 stones in weight and decidedly the largest kingish known to have been caught in Salinmoor!

Waterdeep Dragon Heist - Dungeon Master Resources

Relaxing after by making a landing page for my upcoming #Roll20 #WaterdeepDragonHeist game... #dnd pic.twitter.com/pE0Ug6KpRc

— Antagonist Relations (@antag_relations) May 16, 2019

Since my local group still can't meet in person, I'm re-running Waterdeep Dragon Heist with Roll20 for them. I've run it before using Roll20, and thought I'd put a blog post together with some things I found helpful since I was rounding them up again. Fair warning, minor Waterdeep Dragon Heist spoilers in the post and definite spoilers in the linked material...

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.5

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.5 – Starday, 1st of Reaping, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

GELLAN PRIMEWATER, SECRET TRAITOR TO SALTMARSH, DEAD!

Unwilling to confess his guilt as an agent of the Scarlet Brotherhood and knowing that the Saltmarsh Register had information implicating him that this publication planned to make known to all the very day of this printing, Gellan Primewater died after he threw himself from the Leap while wearing a suit of plate armor to weigh himself down. While this is not the outcome the Saltmarsh Register wanted, we cannot argue that justice has not been done. Having no children or spouse, Gellan has apparently left all his worldly possessions to one Dulcinea Gideon, a woman said to reside in Seaton. Rest assured, dear readers, the Saltmarsh Register shall report more on the secret doings that Gellan undertook for the Scarlet Brotherhood as we decipher more of the cryptic notes we secured from Ionna Bors. We shall also endeavor to learn more about this Gideon woman to determine what the good folk of Saltmarsh should know about the new heir of the Primewater fortune.

BROKEN MAUL DELVES BACK INTO THE DREADWOOD

After hosting the wonderfully grand Midsummer Night festivities, the Company of the Broken Maul, true heroes of Saltmarsh and Salinmoor, have left for another expedition to the Dreadwood. Fear not, dear reader, they have again promised this publication all the details of their exploits and our editor has every confidence in the skill and heroism of the band of bold adventurers!

CLASH WITH PIRATES!

The Swift Blade, a warship of the Keoish Navy under the command of the brave Captain Tamsyn Muir has seen battle with pirates south of Abbey Isle. While they prevailed in their contest, they lost many good sailors and have come to Saltmarsh to recruit. Brave Sailors of Saltmarsh, it is you duty to volunteer for service in the navy if you are able. Let us show Captain Muir and the crew of the Swift Blade that Saltmarsh is as loyal to the crown as any city in Keoland and provide the good captain with more recruits than she needs!

FISHING TIDBITS

The eel run has ended and you’ll have to wait until the young eels spawn in the spring and come down the Kingfisher river.

Ol’ Norbert claims he saw a giant sea serpent swim below his boat, but his fellow fishermen believe that he stole a cask of ale from the Midsummer festivities and was drunkenly finishing it off.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.4

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.4 – Starday, 1st of Richfest, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

SECRETS OF SEATON REVEALED!

As this publication’s intrepid reporter suspected, the Mariner’s Guild of Seaton harbored dark and sinister secrets! One of the members of the council of the guild, Luka Rejec, turned out to be A VAMPIRE! In uncovering this secret, the Saltmarsh Register also discovered that another high up in the guild, one Ionna Bors, was an agent in the employ of the malign and secretive Scarlet Brotherhood. While Ionna disappeared after her true affiliation was revealed, the Saltmarsh Register was able to recover a cache of notes she left behind and will be publishing any news and secrets that emerge from these cryptic papers. When confronted with the evidence of the wrongdoing of her underlings, Thordis Steelfist, the head of the Mariner’s Guild, claimed that the guild itself had nearly completed an investigation into embezzlement that would have uncovered the secret agents in the guild’s very highest ranks and pointed to the fact that the Guild had turned the vampiric Rejec over to the Order of Saint Cuthbert immediately and had worked with the army of Keoland to attempt to capture Bors before she fled. The editor of the Saltmarsh Register leaves it up to you, dear reader, to decide whether to believe Guild Head Steelfist, but rest assured that this reporter does not and intends to

CONFIDENTIAL TO THE HIGHLY PLACED MEMBER OF THE SCARLET BROTHERHOOD IN SALTMARSH, BEWARE! THE TIME OF YOUR UNMASKING IS COMING!

Your name was in the notes recovered from Ionna Bors and I know it was you who attempted to ransack the Saltmarsh Register Office while our dedicated reporter was discovering your darkest secrets in Seaton. You have until the First Day of Reaping to confess your crimes and turn yourself over to the law of the crown! If you do not, this publication shall name you in the next issue of the Register. And don’t think about threatening the personnel of the Register, as we have made arrangements for our safety and if those fail, we have made arrangements for the information we have about you to be made known should any harm befall us!

VAMPIRES STALK THE NIGHTS OF SALINMOOR!

With at least one Vampire (the aforementioned Luka Rejec) operating in Seaton and rumors of travelers around Saltmarsh being found drained of blood with no memory of who or what assaulted them in the night, it has become clear to the Saltmarsh Register that VAMPIRES have become a problem for the good folk of Salinmoor. While traveling from Seaton to Saltmarsh, the Register’s reporter met up with the Company of the Broken Maul who have agreed to look into the problem. Horatio Threesilver, learned bard for the adventuring band, suspects that Granny Nightshade, the evil hag who rules the depths of the Dreadwood, is behind the vampires, as she is known to have vampiric consorts. Leta Flamefingers, sorcerer extraordinaire for the band speculates that the hag is worried about the Company of the Broken Maul’s successful expeditions into the Dreadwood and these vampiric spies have been sent out in response.

DARKNESS DEFEATED IN THE DREADWOOD

The Company of the Broken Maul continues to triumph over evil in the Dreadwood. After defeating a pack of werewolves and a green dragon, they drove deeper into the Dreadwood, following rumors of a lost dwarven artifact that was stolen years ago and may have made its way deep into the dangerous Dreadwood. While they did not yet find the artifact they search for, they dispatched a gorgon and a banshee and cleared out a tribe of hobgoblins who served the sinister Granny Nightshade.

GLAD TIDINGS AND GOOD CHEER FOR RICHFEST COURTESY OF THE COMPANY OF THE BROKEN MAUL!

Returning from Dreadwood with GOLD & GLORY, the Company of the Broken Maul intends to make good on their promise to the fine people of Saltmarsh. They wish to proclaim through this publication that they will throw a fantastic celebration on Midsummer Night (Richfest 4). They have paid for the finest cooks from Seaton to come to Saltmarsh to prepare a gourmet feast that will be FREE TO ALL. They have commissioned a small ship to bring a hold full of wine and ale up from Seaton to accompany the dinner. Furthermore, Horatio Threesilver shall sing and play his lute to tell the tales of the triumphs of the Company of the Broken Maul and the other members of the company will show the many treasures and trophies they have claimed, including the preserved tongue of a green dragon and the severed foot of a troll that Dagnal Durthane will prove to be authentic by showing how it regenerates any and all damage done to it that is not fire or acid. The grand celebration will take place in the clearing east of Hoolwatch Tower and again, ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTAKE IN THE GOOD CHEER AND GENEROSITY OF THE COMPANY OF THE BROKEN MAUL!

SECRET ASSAULTS AGAINST SAHUAGIN, SALTMARSH COIN WASTED AND SALTMARSH LIVES SPENT TO SATISFY THE BLOOD LUST OF STRANGE LIZARDS

The secretive maneuverings and whispered plans of the Town Council have finally become clear! Apparently they have been making arrangements to smuggle weapons to a tribe of Lizardfolk who had a rivalry with Sahuagin. With the assistance of the sometimes suspicious Answering Call, the town council armed this primitive tribe of lizard folk and other aquatic creatures and then coordinated an assault with them against a tribe of Sahuagin at a fortress some thirty-plus miles from Saltmarsh. With the secrecy and expense, this publication must ask why the town council thought that arming potential enemies of Keoland was prudent. Yes, Sahuagin are dangerous creatures, but from what the Register has been able to apprehend, these particular Sahuagin had not been attacking any of the boats of Saltmarsh or of Keoland. Futhermore, the fortress assualted was apparently the former home of the Lizard Folk tribe, meaning that good Saltmarsh blood was spilt and Keoland coin was spent on helping one hostile tribe take back a location they had lost to another hostile tribe. Was it worth the death of three good members of the town guard were slain? Can the Town Council and the Answering Call tell the families of Jorie Boland, Frederick Schwalb and Johann Magary that the death of their loved ones and the gold of Saltmarsh was not wasted in the squabbles of non-Keoland citizens? The editor of the Saltmarsh Register sincerely doubts they would have any good answer to that question.

FISHING TIDBITS

Many eels have made their way back to Saltmarsh and can be easily caught as they swim back up the Kingfisher River.

Ol’ Norbert claims to have seen a school of nearly three dozen octopi while he was fishing east of the Dwarven Mine, but his fellow fisherman say he is mad and prone to flights of fancy.

The Saltmarsh Register - Vol 1.3

The Saltmarsh Register is the in-game newspaper I invented for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh game I run online every other Saturday. It is reprinted here to give others a taste of how that game has developed. WARNING, it may have spoilers for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh adventure, though I have deviated a bit from the published module.

The Saltmarsh Register

VOL 1.3 – Starday, 15th of Wealsun, 570 CY

Salinmoor’s Finest Catch of Tidbits and Tattle printed weekly each Starday, publisher Tyna Hilltopple 

PIRACY!

Rumors out of Seaton speak of nearly half-a-dozen ships lost to the Sea Princes! All loyal citizens of Keoland must continue to pay their full share of taxes to help build the Royal Navy to help deal with this great threat!

PIRATES GUILD?

The intrepid reporter of the Register has heard from Seaton that the Mariner’s Guild has been opposing efforts by the Crown to collect more taxes, saying it would be bad for the margins of their members, arguing that they are making private investments in infrastructure to improve trade, like repairing and constructing lighthouses. But! Perhaps they are instead in cahoots with the dastardly Sea Princes and rely on piracy and smuggling? This publication certainly cannot rule that out!

THE ANSWERING CALL?

The secretive adventurers have spoken with our intrepid reporter and declared their name to be the somewhat confusingly named “The Answering Call”. They say they work to reduce the evil plaguing Salinmoor and working for the council of Saltmarsh. They say they rescued a ship that had been beset by a kobold attack and an evil cleric who raised the dead as zombies. Then they debunked the haunted house east of Saltmarsh discovering a band of smugglers operating out of a sea cave there. They say they also fought an army of undead on Abbey Isle to clear out a sinister temple and gave the isle over to the clutches of the Mariner’s Guild. Lately they searched the Drowned Forest for lost clerics of St. Cuthbert and battled an evil cult in a ruined temple. Are these adventurers exaggerating their exploits or merely leaving many details out? This reporter cannot say, but “The Answering Call”, as they declare themselves to be, certainly seem to be more than they let on...

DAWN RAIDS!

The Answering Call assisted the militia of Saltmarsh on a raid of Little Orlane to root out a hidden cult that had taken up residence in a secret underground tomb below Crabber’s Cove. The cult apparently venerated an evil snake god and Wellgar Brinehand of the temple of Procan is hard at work attempting to break the brainwashing of the cult. It is unclear why the Answering Call was investigating the refugees, but they seem to have uncovered a secret danger.

PHANATON OR PINT-SIZED HADOZEE? EITHER WAY A TALE OF WOE

A strange creature, resembling a Hadozee but half the size and slightly less ape-like has arrived in Saltmarsh. Muz, as he calls himself, is a Phanaton and claims that he comes from the Isle of Xolec far across the Azure Sea. He tells a sad tale of his clan being attacked by savage pirates and forced to work for the pirates for the last three years. Muz was apparently being brought by the pirates to Monmurg when the ship he was on was shipwrecked in a storm and he made his way to Saltmarsh where he is seeking a ship to bring him home. He claims that his home isle has many strange creatures and lost treasures that might repay an adventurous crew.

WORD FROM THE DREADWOOD – THE BROKEN MAUL TRIUMPHANT!

Your devoted correspondent has receive a message from the Company of the Broken Maul, currently adventuring in Dreadwood. Their fearless leader, Vorka Cleaveshield writes, “We had a scare when Rurik Brazzik was knocked down by a troll, but he has bounced back and we have delved deep into the Dreadwood and slain a pack of Werewolves as well as a Green Dragon.” The Company of the Broken Maul enclosed a dragon scale with their missive, which the curious can see on display at the Saltmarsh headquarters of the Register. Vorka writes that the Company expects to return to Saltmarsh in time for Richfest when they will throw the town a party in celebration of their deeds.

FISHING TIDBITS

Ol’ Norbert claims to have seen a titanic octopus near the wreck of the Marshal, but his fellow fisherman say that his cataracts are getting worse.


Fishermen beware! Many swarms of quippers have been seen recently in the waters off Saltmarsh...

Sample 5e D&D Google Document Template

 

I'm gearing up to start a new online Waterdeep Dragon Heist game, and since I was adjusting the previous google document template I use for my online 5e D&D games, thought it was a good time to make a template that could easily be shared. 

Click here to create your own copy of the Antagonist Relations 5e D&D Google Document Template.

I've touched on using a google document for online games before, way back in April 2018, and this version of the google document has almost two additional years of refinement. Feel free to adjust it for your own use. Clicking the link will create a copy that you can modify and share with your players as you want.

Notes and comments about the document follow...