Episode 1: A Helping Hand

Jandral believes he sees something along the silhouette of the spire. Whether or not it is the creature he spotted before or just a peculiar rock formation is difficult to tell.

Golwen, perhaps, sees the same thing as Jandral. Again, it is difficult to tell if what he sees is a creature, or part of the rock spire.

The arcane bolt of flame splits the night sky. It illuminates the rock spire and splashes against not stone, but flesh. For a brief moment, everyone can see a winged woman clinging to a niche in the rock. She is disheveled and lean with long claws at the end of her hands and sharp talons on her feet. Her wings briefly flare out as Jandral's fire bolt impacts, and a harsh unnatural shriek can be heard. The song, however, continues.

Inside the boat, the sailor in Rhodrick's grasp is knocked unconscious and becomes limp in his lap.

Another blast of fire illustrates the impact of Golwen's magic upon the creature, followed by another shriek of pain. Still, the song continues. Everyone sees the figure withdraw further into the rocky spire as the flames die out.

The dwarf manages to catch up to the two sailors facing the illusory mermaid, with Parallel nearby. "My love! I'm here!" cries one of the men. "Take me in your arms, fair lass!" speaks the other, after coughing out some water.

Captain Yokgrumli, seeing the magical Fire Bolts strike the creature at the spire, shouts, "Get some light up there!" The first mate hurries to retrieve some longbows, while the crewmen begin to wrap oil-soaked rags around a few arrows.

The third charmed sailor continues swimming as fast as he can, drawing to within 60 feet of the spire.