If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, read our Terms of Use.
Dungeons and Dragons’ next adventure, Ghosts of Saltmarsh, will recount some of the most popular high-seas adventures from earlier editions, Wizards of the Coast announced today.
Slated to release on May 21 for $50 USD with a standard [which you can preorder] and a gorgeous alternate cover version, the 256-page book will combine elements and content from classic sea-themed adventures adapted for play with D&D’s current fifth edition.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh can be run a single adventure arc taking players from level 1 through 12, or played piecemeal allowing dungeon masters to pull out chapter sections of the adventure to use in home games, similar to previous books like Dungeon of the Mad Mage and Tomb of Annihilation.
In addition to the story, Ghosts of Saltmarsh will introduce new mechanics for ship-to-ship combat, details the port town of Saltmarsh and the surrounding areas, alongside new magical items, and of course, new monsters to throw at your adventurers.
“The Saltmarsh series consistently ranks as one of the most popular classic D&D adventures,” said Creative Director of D&D Mike Mearls. “With its ties to ocean-based adventuring, it was an obvious step to augment it with additional sea-based adventures and a robust set of rules for managing a nautical campaign.”
Wizards of the Coast’s description of what awaits inside Ghosts of Saltmarsh hints at some of the exciting obstacles and stories waiting for you, or for your players:
Nestled on the coast of the Azure Sea is Saltmarsh, a sleepy fishing village that sits on the precipice of destruction. Smugglers guide their ships to hidden coves, willing to slit the throat of anyone fool enough to cross their path. Cruel sahuagin gather beneath the waves, plotting to sweep away coastal cities. Drowned sailors stir to unnatural life, animated by dark magic and sent forth in search of revenge. The cult of a forbidden god extends its reach outward from a decaying port, hungry for fresh victims and willing recruits. While Saltmarsh slumbers, the evils that seek to plunder it grow stronger. Heroes must arise to keep the sea lanes safe for all.
While you’re waiting for Saltmarsh to open its briny depths, you can check out our Unboxing of Beadle & Grimm’s Platinum Edition of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and its incredible contents.
There’s also a Stranger Things Dungeons and Dragons starter set coming later this year, based on the campaign created by Mike in the show. If you’re a Stranger Things fan and want a cool 5th edition starter set, you can preorder it right now.
Brandin Tyrrel is IGN’s Xbox Editor and resident D&D nerd. You can find him on Unlocked, or chat over on Twitter at @BrandinTyrrel.