My players just washed up at the shores close to the city without a single coin or pice of equipment after a shipwreck so this and the next video helped me a lot to get a full view of Saltmarsh for them. I usually have a lot of difficulty doing this in cities with only the book. Thanks so much.
I'm going to be running this as a first time DM and I'm so excited! You have put in a TON of work on this video and your Reddit that it's going to make it so much easier for me. Thank you!
I know this is from awhile ago, but I recently got into dnd (I have played for maybe a little over a year now). My friends and I have played, or, are currently playing LoP, where my friend is the experienced DM. However she has kind of been a «forever DM» so I told them that I can try my hand at DM’ing the next adventure/campaign. After some research (was quite overwhelming at first) I have decided to try my hands at Ghosts of Saltmarsh and have ordered the book (as well as dm guide, phb and monster manual). Hopefully I am able to provide an amazing adventure for them. But these videos are really helpful and make things seem a little less daunting for someone who has never DM’ed before. So thank you for this!
Thank you! Don't forget to use the maps, if you like to use maps. They should be scalable for Roll20 and other VTTs, I was able to use them there! May your group sail the high seas and plunder all the booty lol.
I'm actually just working on the downtime activities video so I'm sure that will have some helpful info, but off the top of my head. Try to get your players to push the narrative they want, talk to them, before hand if you can, to see if any of them want to start a merchant fleet, a pirate crew, join the town council. These can lead to really organic fun adventures. As for published modules, I didn't use any so I don't have any first hand experience to give. I would highly recommend using the rules from Baulder's Gate: Decent into Avernus for ship combat, the rules there are more engaging for the whole party, instead of mainly one person doing pretty mush everything.
you’re the best this is my first ever game as a dm. had two friends over last night and tried to run them through the game and kinda got along. but this is making me so excited. thank you so much those maps are huge !
@@HoodedKobold we finished chapter one and they really started to play on the towns folk and how to garner favor to gain more membership on the council.(one already took a spot) i’ve changed so much about the world. so many “side quests” for first time dm the group says i’m doing great but i feel like i’m not giving them enough of a challenge. i’m excited for when i just start throwing stuff at them!
@@xcandy007x That's awesome, whose spot did they take or did you make a new spot for them? Also, don't worry they will start feeling challenged once you start throwing krakens at them lol.
Like other commentors, I'm going to be using this adventure as my first as a DM and your videos, reddit posts, and maps are making things so much easier.
This is great stuff. The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh was the first adventure I played back in the 80s. I'm looking forward to running this campaign now. Great maps!
Thank you so much for this video series! I just ordered Ghosts of Saltmarsh. I'm prepping with your videos, and they are helping me feel so prepared. I'm excited to play!
@@HoodedKobold we just started yesterday and it was great to have any location in case for the unexpected. You put a lot of work there. Did you use Dungeon Painter Studio, Dungeondraft or something else to create them?
@@flodusishigh6607 I always fear the same with my group, they can be wanderers. I used Inkarnate, inkarnate.com/, but I'm going to be switching to Drungeondraft. Inkarnate is nice how they provide assets but the assets are limited and importing your own is a huge pain. But for quick and easy map making, Inkarnate is pretty good.
I paid $5 for 3 maps that sucked. You deserve some recognition for your videos and amazing maps. How can I get you the $5 you deserve way more than the other people I paid?
Nice video dude. I just had, however, to laugh that almost the first thing that happens is the video is you point to (at 10 seconds in) the Part 1 Overview link in the top left of the screen, but the link pops up in the top right. I couldn't help laugh at the rocky start. With that said, I do like the video and hope you keep making others.
Lol yeah definitely not a pro by any means but I hope to get better lol. I’m glad you liked it and will definitely be making more, and pointing to hopefully the correct part of the screen.
Could you do an eddit version of this that leaves out the secrets and is just the general info anyone who spends time here would know so it could be shared with players?
@@HoodedKobold I am slowly reading this campaign. Played a couple of the old TSR modules in the 1980s from this campaign. I am excited to rework some of the content, update the adventures, and weave in my own story. I really think Salt Marsh has it all (town encounters, sea encounters, dungeons, and everything). I am also writing my own RPG rule set, which I will most likely use for my version of Salt Marsh. Your videos are very helpful, as it walks through all of it, creates some high level understanding, and incorporates some great ideas. So far - your videos are the best I have seen on Salt Marsh. I still have a long ways to go to finish Strahd, but I am eagerly looking forward to setting up my next campaign in Salt Marsh, with my own rule set.
Thank you, I really appreciate that. I have a buddy who is really big into DCC, what are some of the old TSR modules you are running? Also, what are some rules you plan on changing for GoS?
@@HoodedKobold I had not played D&D since the 1980s and played a lot of modules back then, including U1 and U2 from Salt Marsh. I got back into D&D in 2020 after the lock-down. I was traveling and got stuck in Portugal, still here. I played online a few one-shots, then decided to shake off the dust of my DM jacket and jump in and currently DMing Curse of Strahd (which I heavily edited and included some homebrew rules). I jumped with both feet with a lot of first (first time playing online, first time using a VTT, first time making UA-cam videos, first time streaming) - I kind of went a little D&D Crazy. Then I started writing my own RPG, based off some homebrew and it is taking a life of its own. When I get the new rules done, I plan on running Saltmarsh with some of my own adventures and rules. My youtube channel has some Foundry Guides and my Curse of Strahd Stream. Do you play online?
@@PyramKing oh my bad I totally misread that lol, sorry. I haven't used Foundry before, I normally use Roll20. I'll definitely have to give it a try though, I'll be watching your series on how to use it. Also, yes I do play online, mostly Discord or Roll20.
Awesome guide and it helps alot when preparing for the campain! (which i am starting with a group on sunday) And thanks for the Maps! But is there any way to get the maps without the grid?
I know this is an old vid but it's new to me (and very well done I might add!) But I always tend to run either homebrew settings or classic Ravenloft so my familiarity with Greyhawk is for better or for worse based solely upon 3.whatever edition, and the Dungeon Masters Guide 2 described what I thought was Saltmarsh but it's way different than what 5e has done with it, if you know the book I'm talking about is that a different town or did they change it a lot between editions? Also if they did I wonder which is closer to the classic Greyhawk 🤔 anyway very cool video, as a long time DM I really dig your presentation of the setting in a concise manner.
Hi Greetings from Italy!! Do you have a profile on Inkarnate? In order to clonate maps from there and be able to edit them? Thank you and congratulation for your useful work!!
Hi! Do you happen to have a transcript for this video? I'm hard of hearing, with the background music it can be hard to understand certain points. Thanks for the awesome video series :)
Thank you for the feedback. I hadn't thought about that and I will make sure my sound is more balanced in future videos and I will also make sure my subtitles are updated. I've updated the subtitles on this one, so we should be good. If you still wanted the transcript though, here it is. docs.google.com/document/d/1reoIISiGs5k71tFY4i6MK5FhlZX_CUqsRmmJjvbJ-EE/edit?usp=sharing Again thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you like the video series, they are a lot of fun to make. If you have a recommendation on the next module I should do, please let me know!
Hey @@HoodedKobold, thank you so much! I'd love to see more Saltmarsh videos. I'm working my way through the book getting ready to DM the session with lots of prep time. Your videos *and* your maps have been invaluable resources! I'd love to see pretty much anything else saltmarsh-y! I'm a little nervous about traveling by sea and about sea based combat, too. Re: the transcript, FWIW the moments that are the hardest are when your mouth is off screen, so there's no additional support via lip reading. Generally speaking, the balance is pretty good, but I lose a few words here and there. Really appreciate you sharing the script and updating the subtitles!
I’ll definitely be making more videos, the next ones will be focused on each of the adventures. I’ll be going over it in more detail eventually, but I’d recommend for ship combat use the rules for Baldur’s Gate: Decent in to Avernus. They are more complex but will give all players more things to do, instead of just the captain choosing. But if you want simpler rules definitely just use the rules provided in the book.
@@HoodedKobold Incredibly! I listen to these every single week while doing my prep for the next session, and this specific episode every single time. It's great because it keeps me from tunnel visioning on certain parts, since you're so thorough and cover the full breadth of information. So many other channels just do an overall review of the whole campaign / book, which is great for deciding whether or not I want to run it, but your content actually helps me plan my sessions week-to-week. 3 weeks in, they just finished the sinister secret (we are a slow and drunken bunch) and they are all theory crafting between sessions about the meaning of the lizardfolk, whom I am shocked they not only didn't kill but really really really wanted to gamble with them.
Part 3 will come out faster than this one did haha
My players just washed up at the shores close to the city without a single coin or pice of equipment after a shipwreck so this and the next video helped me a lot to get a full view of Saltmarsh for them. I usually have a lot of difficulty doing this in cities with only the book. Thanks so much.
You are amazing. Brilliant for auditory learners and the maps are a godsend.
I'm going to be running this as a first time DM and I'm so excited! You have put in a TON of work on this video and your Reddit that it's going to make it so much easier for me. Thank you!
Really well put together dude! I love this “walkthrough” style approach for the town
There's a lot of info, so hopefully that style is good for soaking it all up lol.
@@HoodedKobold definitely man! This will be so helpful for annotating my world anvil map
The maps alone are invaluable and I'm looking forward to running this with my friends! Thank you so much for this guide!
is there a way to DL them in one chunck?
I know this is from awhile ago, but I recently got into dnd (I have played for maybe a little over a year now). My friends and I have played, or, are currently playing LoP, where my friend is the experienced DM. However she has kind of been a «forever DM» so I told them that I can try my hand at DM’ing the next adventure/campaign.
After some research (was quite overwhelming at first) I have decided to try my hands at Ghosts of Saltmarsh and have ordered the book (as well as dm guide, phb and monster manual). Hopefully I am able to provide an amazing adventure for them. But these videos are really helpful and make things seem a little less daunting for someone who has never DM’ed before. So thank you for this!
Love it, gonna Dm it soon, so your videos are priceless.
Thank you! Don't forget to use the maps, if you like to use maps. They should be scalable for Roll20 and other VTTs, I was able to use them there! May your group sail the high seas and plunder all the booty lol.
Any sea side quests youd recommend for GOS ? Thanks !
I'm actually just working on the downtime activities video so I'm sure that will have some helpful info, but off the top of my head. Try to get your players to push the narrative they want, talk to them, before hand if you can, to see if any of them want to start a merchant fleet, a pirate crew, join the town council. These can lead to really organic fun adventures. As for published modules, I didn't use any so I don't have any first hand experience to give. I would highly recommend using the rules from Baulder's Gate: Decent into Avernus for ship combat, the rules there are more engaging for the whole party, instead of mainly one person doing pretty mush everything.
you’re the best this is my first ever game as a dm. had two friends over last night and tried to run them through the game and kinda got along. but this is making me so excited. thank you so much those maps are huge !
Thank you, I’m so glad I could help. GoS has so much potential and I think it’s a forgotten gem. I hope your group has a blast navigating Saltmarsh.
@@HoodedKobold we finished chapter one and they really started to play on the towns folk and how to garner favor to gain more membership on the council.(one already took a spot) i’ve changed so much about the world. so many “side quests” for first time dm the group says i’m doing great but i feel like i’m not giving them enough of a challenge. i’m excited for when i just start throwing stuff at them!
@@xcandy007x That's awesome, whose spot did they take or did you make a new spot for them? Also, don't worry they will start feeling challenged once you start throwing krakens at them lol.
Like other commentors, I'm going to be using this adventure as my first as a DM and your videos, reddit posts, and maps are making things so much easier.
This is great stuff. The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh was the first adventure I played back in the 80s. I'm looking forward to running this campaign now.
Great maps!
I think its one of the better ones of the bunch, especially if you lean into the horror side of it, IMO.
@@HoodedKobold I've got some good spooky soundboards to help with ambiance.
@@jiml9856 if you can share them, or the info for them. I’d be all ears?
I really appreciate these videos as I prepare to run this campaign
I’m glad they are helpful, I hope you and your group have an amazing time sailing the seas!
Thank you so much for this video series! I just ordered Ghosts of Saltmarsh. I'm prepping with your videos, and they are helping me feel so prepared. I'm excited to play!
I'm glad I could help, I hope you and your group have a blast!
Absolutely fantastic! Earned my sub good sir
Thank you, always good to hear I was able to help someone with their game.
You have done great work. you sir are a hero! thank you for everything you have done here
LMAOOOO "I couldn't find a family-friendly image for blindfolded and manacled spellcaster"
DUDE! This is great. Very well made video. Thank you for the maps.
thank you so much. like this I can make an entire free-to-explore city.
i can't wait to play this.
It’s a prefect little sandbox. I hope you are your group have a great time!
@@HoodedKobold we just started yesterday and it was great to have any location in case for the unexpected.
You put a lot of work there.
Did you use Dungeon Painter Studio, Dungeondraft or something else to create them?
@@flodusishigh6607 I always fear the same with my group, they can be wanderers. I used Inkarnate, inkarnate.com/, but I'm going to be switching to Drungeondraft. Inkarnate is nice how they provide assets but the assets are limited and importing your own is a huge pain. But for quick and easy map making, Inkarnate is pretty good.
I paid $5 for 3 maps that sucked. You deserve some recognition for your videos and amazing maps. How can I get you the $5 you deserve way more than the other people I paid?
Nice video dude. I just had, however, to laugh that almost the first thing that happens is the video is you point to (at 10 seconds in) the Part 1 Overview link in the top left of the screen, but the link pops up in the top right. I couldn't help laugh at the rocky start. With that said, I do like the video and hope you keep making others.
Lol yeah definitely not a pro by any means but I hope to get better lol. I’m glad you liked it and will definitely be making more, and pointing to hopefully the correct part of the screen.
Very helpful as someone about to get into Ghosts of Saltmarsh on Roll20!
Thank you! Gotta put those maps to use lol.
you're a godsend!!!
wow, thank you! thats awesome
You rock. Keep up the videos pls.
Could you do an eddit version of this that leaves out the secrets and is just the general info anyone who spends time here would know so it could be shared with players?
Great video! I'm excited to run the module.
thank you, its a hidden gem for sure.
Thank you. I am looking to run this as my next campaign. Currently running Curse of Strahd.
Very helpful video.
Thank you, Curse of Strahd is another great book!
@@HoodedKobold I am slowly reading this campaign. Played a couple of the old TSR modules in the 1980s from this campaign. I am excited to rework some of the content, update the adventures, and weave in my own story. I really think Salt Marsh has it all (town encounters, sea encounters, dungeons, and everything). I am also writing my own RPG rule set, which I will most likely use for my version of Salt Marsh.
Your videos are very helpful, as it walks through all of it, creates some high level understanding, and incorporates some great ideas. So far - your videos are the best I have seen on Salt Marsh.
I still have a long ways to go to finish Strahd, but I am eagerly looking forward to setting up my next campaign in Salt Marsh, with my own rule set.
Thank you, I really appreciate that. I have a buddy who is really big into DCC, what are some of the old TSR modules you are running? Also, what are some rules you plan on changing for GoS?
@@HoodedKobold I had not played D&D since the 1980s and played a lot of modules back then, including U1 and U2 from Salt Marsh. I got back into D&D in 2020 after the lock-down. I was traveling and got stuck in Portugal, still here. I played online a few one-shots, then decided to shake off the dust of my DM jacket and jump in and currently DMing Curse of Strahd (which I heavily edited and included some homebrew rules). I jumped with both feet with a lot of first (first time playing online, first time using a VTT, first time making UA-cam videos, first time streaming) - I kind of went a little D&D Crazy. Then I started writing my own RPG, based off some homebrew and it is taking a life of its own. When I get the new rules done, I plan on running Saltmarsh with some of my own adventures and rules. My youtube channel has some Foundry Guides and my Curse of Strahd Stream.
Do you play online?
@@PyramKing oh my bad I totally misread that lol, sorry. I haven't used Foundry before, I normally use Roll20. I'll definitely have to give it a try though, I'll be watching your series on how to use it. Also, yes I do play online, mostly Discord or Roll20.
This is Amazing stuff man
Thank you!
thank you so much
Thanks for the maps!
You’re welcome!
Would it be possible to get your map links updated? Some of the images have broken links. Your work is great! I want all the help I can get lol
You rock man.
No, you rock 😄
Awesome guide and it helps alot when preparing for the campain! (which i am starting with a group on sunday) And thanks for the Maps! But is there any way to get the maps without the grid?
keep it up !
Thank you! Will do
So helpful to have all this, are there tokens for the named characters like kreb shenker in the roll 20 pack?
I know this is an old vid but it's new to me (and very well done I might add!) But I always tend to run either homebrew settings or classic Ravenloft so my familiarity with Greyhawk is for better or for worse based solely upon 3.whatever edition, and the Dungeon Masters Guide 2 described what I thought was Saltmarsh but it's way different than what 5e has done with it, if you know the book I'm talking about is that a different town or did they change it a lot between editions? Also if they did I wonder which is closer to the classic Greyhawk 🤔 anyway very cool video, as a long time DM I really dig your presentation of the setting in a concise manner.
Where did you get the maps? the digital version has nothing 😢
This was great. Would you be willing to share your character pictures for all the different residents in town?
Thank you! I just posted them over at Reddit, www.reddit.com/r/GhostsofSaltmarsh/comments/m6kmzc/saltmarsh_npcs/
Hi Greetings from Italy!! Do you have a profile on Inkarnate? In order to clonate maps from there and be able to edit them? Thank you and congratulation for your useful work!!
Why are there no bookshelves in Elianders house? No hate just wondering.
2:53 look at bottom left of map
Musics too loud
Hi! Do you happen to have a transcript for this video? I'm hard of hearing, with the background music it can be hard to understand certain points. Thanks for the awesome video series :)
Thank you for the feedback. I hadn't thought about that and I will make sure my sound is more balanced in future videos and I will also make sure my subtitles are updated. I've updated the subtitles on this one, so we should be good. If you still wanted the transcript though, here it is.
docs.google.com/document/d/1reoIISiGs5k71tFY4i6MK5FhlZX_CUqsRmmJjvbJ-EE/edit?usp=sharing
Again thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you like the video series, they are a lot of fun to make. If you have a recommendation on the next module I should do, please let me know!
Hey @@HoodedKobold, thank you so much! I'd love to see more Saltmarsh videos. I'm working my way through the book getting ready to DM the session with lots of prep time. Your videos *and* your maps have been invaluable resources! I'd love to see pretty much anything else saltmarsh-y! I'm a little nervous about traveling by sea and about sea based combat, too.
Re: the transcript, FWIW the moments that are the hardest are when your mouth is off screen, so there's no additional support via lip reading. Generally speaking, the balance is pretty good, but I lose a few words here and there. Really appreciate you sharing the script and updating the subtitles!
I’ll definitely be making more videos, the next ones will be focused on each of the adventures. I’ll be going over it in more detail eventually, but I’d recommend for ship combat use the rules for Baldur’s Gate: Decent in to Avernus. They are more complex but will give all players more things to do, instead of just the captain choosing. But if you want simpler rules definitely just use the rules provided in the book.
I love your content bud, just a little hard to hear.
Thank you, I think, and hope lol, I’ve improved in my newer videos.
Fantastic content, but you gotta speak up my dude!
I know, my first couple ones in the series are egregiously bad. I hope you still found it useful though.
@@HoodedKobold Incredibly! I listen to these every single week while doing my prep for the next session, and this specific episode every single time. It's great because it keeps me from tunnel visioning on certain parts, since you're so thorough and cover the full breadth of information. So many other channels just do an overall review of the whole campaign / book, which is great for deciding whether or not I want to run it, but your content actually helps me plan my sessions week-to-week.
3 weeks in, they just finished the sinister secret (we are a slow and drunken bunch) and they are all theory crafting between sessions about the meaning of the lizardfolk, whom I am shocked they not only didn't kill but really really really wanted to gamble with them.
Thanks for the maps!