Episode 1: A Helping Hand

For the time being, it would seem as though the crew does not think your group is to blame for the appearance of... whatever that was. However, it's hard to tell given that they're currently not feeling sociable with anyone, even themselves. Each hand seems intent on their task, as though it requires their entire focus to stop their rampant imaginations from taking over.

The cook shakes his head, and moves past Parallel carrying a pot of fish soup. He does not look at the halfling.

Jandral senses little deception amongst the crew, and they all appear to be in somber contemplation and perhaps a bit of shock, coming to terms with what was witnessed. Neither Jandral nor Rhodrick can immediately recall ships matching the description. Perhaps with access to proper resources, some research could be conducted.

As you've spent time in reflection, you notice that the mist is dissipating. The mid-morning sun warms the ocean and clears the air, bringing in scattered clouds. As the last of the mist clears, you see no other vessel sharing these same waters. You are alone.

It isn't long before the crew returns to conversation, but it still takes the better part of an hour before any mirth can be heard. The sailors talk of other port towns and remote cities. They speak and laugh about acquaintances there and adventures had, or vice versa.

No one makes mention of the apparition.

Several days pass in your journey, and life onboard the Red Cutter has returned to some semblance of normalcy. The strange encounter in the past is brushed off as an effect of the mist and reflections of the sunlight against the fog and water, or perhaps something the cook made.

The weather has been very nice, and you seem to be making excellent time according to Captain Yokgrumli. Assuming the weather holds, he expects to reach Jyehm Cay two days earlier from the expected 14. Of course, the sea is never constant, so he advises that his estimate should not be taken as a promise.

As if on cue, the evening of the eighth day finds a sudden storm has swirled into the region. The wind and rain pummel the Red Cutter and all crewmen struggle to maintain the ship's course; no one is sleeping tonight. The vessel rises and falls with each swell, pitching and yawing seemingly at the whim of the ocean. Thankfully this storm was spotted early, and everything on deck had been taken below or lashed down, and the mainsails reefed with storm jib loosened. The captain and helmsman manage the wheel to heave-to when needed, shouting between themselves in order to be heard.