Hi everyone!
The Arbor Ocean may seem like an unforgiving place at times...
Mutiny Island was developed with the idea of trial and error as a central mechanic. Deaths and potential restarts may occur while you learn the in's and out's of the world and how you may interact with it.
--SWIMMING--
Take swimming for example. It might not seem like you're able to swim very far at first, but testing/learning the limits will allow you to then use swimming as a tool to "Island Hop" or reach items and treasure floating in the water. Try seeing just how long you can swim before drowning and then use it as an additional tool when exploring. You can even hang onto certain rocks to increase your swimming distance!
--TEMPORARY RAFTS--
Temporary Rafts, although not necessary to play the game, definitely make navigating the Arbor a whole lot easier in the beginning. They can either be crafted straight from your inventory or stolen in the waters nearby. Rafts can also be destroyed for loot and EXP.
When placing a crafted Temporary Raft you will have to be in the water.
Rafts which are found sailing on the water can be boarded by pressing the interact button. You will either steal the Raft immediately or enter into a scuffle with the Raft Owner. Winning the scuffle will pull the sailor out and allow you to steal the boat for yourself.
Press the interact button to hop on once the scuffle has concluded. If you win a scuffle and return to the shore before collecting your Temporary Raft, the Raft will sink. Raft Scuffles are also affected by some of your stats. Try equipping the Captain's Pistol.
--DEATH--
When you first start learning the game, you will most likely die at some point while trying to test out its boundaries. Although you will lose items when respawning, your EXP, Perks, and Equipment remain in-tact. As do your purchases. If you have not made a designated area your home, you will respawn on Mutiny Island. Buying a house in one of the Ports or renting a room at an inn will allow you to change your respawn point.
--ITEMS--
If you're concerned about losing items from drowning/death, drop them into a Storage Chest. Storage Chests can be crafted at any time. Your inventory within the chest is universal. That means any crafted storage chest will link into the same inventory cache, making your items accessible from almost anywhere!
--THE RED DAWN--
The Red Dawn is an almost constant threat while playing. You will receive notifications of the Red Dawn's current whereabouts on the side of the screen in the form of a text notification. Be very wary if the Red Dawn enters your current region.
Good luck!