In the aftermath of Gellan Primewater's death, the party and Eliander Fireborn conduct a thorough search of the ship. They pay their respects at the scene of Shardona’s murder in Primewater’s quarters before finally searching the room properly. Hidden in a secret compartment, they discover his journal, filled with various incriminating entries.
Upon returning to Saltmarsh, the party escorts Kes Bickle to the Temple of Procan . Through a sizable donation of 5,000 gp—intended to compensate for the loss of regular revenue from Primewater’s operations—Bickle’s tongue is restored. In exchange for his freedom, he translates the cipher in Primewater’s ledger and testifies before the council, providing enough evidence to posthumously prove Primewater’s criminal activities and his likely support for the Sea Princes’ operations to seize control of Saltmarsh.
Victory comes at a heavy price, however. With Shardona dead, the party suffers one final loss: Durik Ironhide resigns from the group. Claiming the adventuring life no longer suits him, he uses his earnings to purchase Primewater Shipping. Leveraging his popularity with the sailors of the Empty Net, he sets out to reboot the business along more legitimate lines, forming a strategic partnership with his cousins at Copperlock Mine company. Finally earning the grudging respect and partnership of Manistrad Copperlocks.
The party retires to their house, where they mend wounds, sort through loot, and make general preparations for what lies ahead.
Those seeking to purchase items from Xendros Magic Shop discover that Captain Xendros has closed shop. A sign on his property announces his return in three weeks—a somewhat curious development given the timing of Primewater’s exposure and Welgar Brinehanded's less-than-complimentary words toward the magic shop owner.
Three days later, a runner arrives with word that the Saltmarsh Town Council l requests the party’s presence. When asked why, the messenger explains that various strange beings arrived the day before last: Lizardfolk, Merfolk, and other lesser-known aquatic types. There is talk of an alliance against a shared threat.
The time to put an end to the Sahuagin menace has come… adventure awaits.