Shawm of the Dead

The Shawm of the Dead is a legend of a haunted shawm that, when played, summons the soul of its first owner, a hubristic young sea captain. It is a common subject for theater and music in the southern Aquatic Kingdoms, particularly around the island of Malakar, where it is supposedly set.

Summary

Long ago, a dashing sea captain was known across the land for being ready and willing to sail dangerous waters, faster than any around. He was a bard as well, handsome and talented at the shawm. Though the diviners foretold of an earthquake that would cause great waves to rise and crash boats against jagged rocks, the captain laughed in their faces, and sailed his cargo of precious goods out of port in Cape Hildegard, bragging that he would make port in Cantonova before even the first rumble of trouble.
However, the sages were right, and a great earthquake ripped through the land and sea just as the captain's ship came upon the shores of Malakar. The ship was lost, and all its cargo sunk and scattered, but for one piece that washed up onto the island's black shore: a haunted shawm. A pearl-diver came across the shawm and played it, only to discover that the soul of the captain stood beside her, clear as day. He bade her leave the shawm and take his hand, for he was still looking for a bride. Transfixed by the spirit, she followed him down into the depths where he had died, and she returned no more.