Conspiracy Theory
Two years ago alchemists discovered that the mineral
Simmerstone , when heated in an acidic bath, produces a noxious gas. In addition to being poisonous, simmergas is significantly lighter than air and gives off an unpleasant smell.
Manistrad Copperlocks and her alchemists have been tasked by
King Scotti to mining and refining simmerstone in the
Saltmarsh area. Locals are unaware of the project's specifics, but both loyalists and traditionalists distrust the increased military and mining activity, leading to several pointed rumors and theories, often targeted at each other.
History
There is a small guardhouse outside Saltmarsh that, while abandoned for years has recently seen more action. 18 months ago visitors to the town started making minor restorations. The workers were overheard talking about building a greenhouse, although none of the traditional greenhouse elements were added. Shortly after construction finished, mainland army presence increased, followed by an influx of dwarven minors. Manistrad Copperlocks was placed on the Saltmarsh Town Council by royal decree of King Scotti, and the
Mining Company Headquarters expanded. This led to rising tensions between the traditionalists and loyalists in town. Two months after mining operations expanded, villagers started noticing an unpleasant odor outside the city gates and rumors started spreading.
Government Misdirection
In an effort to prevent information about this new discovery spreading to the
Sea Princes directly, he has instructed
Eliander Fireborn to tell the people of saltmarsh that gas leak has been discovered, and the government is looking into the situation for the village's protection. As most of the operation occurs in the guardhouse, the limited involvement in the mines have most villagers suspicious.
Variations and Mutations
The
Scarlet Brotherhood has used the uncertainty surrounding the minds and the tensions between the traditionalists and loyalists to spread targeted rumors and increase tension in the area. Traditionalists are told that the odor is part of a mind control research project designed to create absolute obedience upon the masses, allowing for the continued development of Saltmarsh and invasion of domestic military forces. Loyalists' rumors talk about how the dwarven population is developing a weapon to overtake the city. Dwarves have naturally started wondering if the humans are creating some sort of bomb to destroy the mines and drive them from the city. Some fisherman think the Dwarves are using the foul stench to create a mind control fog to take control of the city. A few of the local youth have attempted to modify that rumor to their advantage, usually without success.
"Momma, you want to go to see the The Fors Elande [Circus Ship] with me and Jaydn tonight. You want to buy extra sweets and stay up extra late because you love me."— Tillez (age 5) attempting to mind control his mother, Danyad Venturz, after farting
Simmerstone Experiments
In truth, King Scotti is planning on using Simmerstone to rebuild the
Keoland Navy after the devastating war against the Sea Princes. In its natural state, it's an unremarkable, soft, flaky gray rock. But when heated in an acidic bath, it produces simmergas, a
noxious fume far lighter than regular air. King Scotti hopes to mine enough of this material to fuel the currently cumbersome Keoland Navy Airships
Saltmarsh
Both King Scotti and Manistrad Copperlocks believe there’s enough simmerstone in the saltmarsh mines to provide profits and significant military advantage. King Scotti has declared simmerstone operations a kingdom priority and has ordered
Eliander Fireborn to support Manistrad in her efforts, and has issued him a royal writ, allowing him to seize authority over the town guard in an emergency. Eliander tries to keep the towns guard involvement in city affairs to a minimum, but the increased military presence attached to the mining operations is an unavoidable and conspicuous reality.
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