Episode 1: A Helping Hand

Captain Yokgrumli seems almost miffed that his opponent has been moved away. "Come back here, ya yellow-bellied mackerel!" he shouts, swinging his cutlass in an X-pattern. Once again, his attacks are parried by the fish-creature's trident with resounding clank of metal.

Shark-like eyes take in the situation. As the party rushes towards it, the fish-man considers its options and decides that it is vastly outnumbered and had not accounted for the ferocity in this ship's defense. It snarls and gnashes its teeth before diving off the rail and into the ocean.

Captain Yokgrumli barely has time to sheathe his cutlass when the ship pitches under the power of another wave. He makes his way to the wheel to help the helmsman keep the ship on course and ride the wave. The rest of the crew manage as best they can, even as the two bodies of the slain sailors risk rolling off into the water.

"They're called sahuagin," one of the crew says in response to Parallel. "I ain't seen 'em much, but I hear about 'em from time to time."

The ship manages to ride out the storm with minimal damage. The water and weather calm and tired hands begin settling things down. A brief ceremony is given to the fallen sailors before they are given burials at sea, then the crew prepare for rest without even trying to remove any remaining hooks and harpoons from the hull. Before they turn in, each man comes up to you and gives a short thanks, sometimes only as much as a nod or a handshake, in appreciation for your defense of the Red Cutter.

Captain Yokgrumli also approaches you. "You have my thanks, lads," he says, touching his forehead and sweeping into a bow. "Them raiders have been known to attack ships during a storm. Usually wrecks are left behind with nary a clue as to what did 'em. Before now I had the good fortune to avoid 'em, and by good fortune you were my passengers that I continue to live this day. Rest up, now. We'll be at Jyehm Cay before y'know it."

The Red Cutter has been at sea for the better part of a week and a half, and while the storm may have hindered your progress, you still expect to reach Jyehm Cay sometime within the next two days. During your travel, you have gained the respect of the crew for your contributions and are welcome to join their gatherings at meal time, should you desire. Even the captain has extended an open door for anyone that wishes to converse, so long as there's no work to be done.

It is night, and the ship has entered into treacherous waters where sea mounts have started to break the surface of the ocean. These cragged outcrops of rock and scrub range in various sizes, some little more than tiny pinpricks of dark stone while others are gigantic spires. These all lie to the west of the Red Cutter and pose little threat due to a well-navigated course, but Captain Yokgrumli has ordered several crewmen to stand watch and help maintain the safe route.

Below deck, the rest of the crew enjoy their meal, becoming a bit raucous thanks to a few servings of rum. One end of the table has broken into a rowdy song, accompanied by improvised musical instruments of spoons against wood and stomping feet. As they sing, there comes a strange undertone, a melody that seems ill-timed, like someone at the table has forgotten the words and rhythm. The rowdy verse continues as several crew join in, but the other song lingers.

Those above deck can faintly hear the raucous celebration below. Some of the sailors on watch seem to lament their lot, missing out on the action. As the song from the mess drifts across the deck, these sailors start bobbing their heads and tapping their toes in synchronization; one even hums along.

Then that strange counter-melody can be heard, faint at first, but rising in volume. Lacking the proximity to the singers below, those on the main deck pause as they listen to the new song.