Most of the fishermen are gruff and occupied with their work, but are willing to talk when money appears. A large number haven't noticed anything strange. If pushed, they'll acknowledge there've been an increase in dead fish and lobster caught in their nets, but many grumble that this isn't the first time. They blame the Free Cities' developing industries, lingering effects from the land blights, and the beached jellyfish last month.

Others point out that seabirds and other flying beasts can cover vast distances and drop things as they go, so that might be the cause.

Eventually, one elderly fisherman pulls them aside. He describes that 2 weeks ago, his nephew went out to sea and didn't return. There was no storm, and his nephew was a skilled seaman so his disappearance is unusual. No wreckage was found.