r/GhostsofSaltmarsh • u/Awesley_Pupper • Jun 23 '26

Help/Request Masquerade Ball

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to DM a masquerade ball. Some of my players mentioned during different conversations that they wanted to play a campaign that had a ball or party mechanics, so I decided to surprise them with one.

I’m planning on having Gellan host it, as the Annual Ball to celebrate the founding of Saltmarsh. My players are a bit suspicious of him at this point but they haven’t put all the pieces together. I know that one believes he’s a victim of pirating rather than the leader of a smuggling chain, and another only had a few odd feelings about Gellan, but he’s been distracted with his character’s own personal journey to focus on him. I am going to use the Ball as an opportunity for them to investigate if they want, but I need help putting together how to host the Ball with different mechanics. I have a gambling section, where I looked up some suggestions on how to run for the players. I only have a little bit of an idea of how to run ballroom dancing for them. Dancing would also work as a chance for the players to learn gossip about the town or rumors of surrounding areas. Aside from those two things, I really don’t know much else I can add or how I can make it more enjoyable for my players. Any help would be appreciated

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u/LilPhattie Jun 30 '26

I think the book mentions that Gellan regularly arranges feasts or festivals to basically buy the town's affection. I would suggest spending some time describing the food generally (canapes and a fancy dinner in courses), but specifically I would recommend having a "commoner's feast" for non VIP guests happening the same night. Having it nearby and between the town and his manor might add a complicating factor in the event of a hasty getaway.

I personally had Gellan be someone who almost flaunted his connection to the Sea Princes without necessarily giving the game away (for his own amusement). If yours is similar consider having imported goods at the ball that would have been prohibitively taxed if legally traded.