Qirel Aloro, denizen of Waterdeep, is engaged by a sketchy local wizard, Phineas, to travel north to as small fishing town called Saltmarsh in search of a secluded alchemist's abode and see if there is a so called Philosopher's Stone in his possession. He travels with kakke, an unknown acquaintance and is equipped with 4 magical cards to help him locate companions with unknown and possibly arcane potential.