Stena gives a Galingal a cold look after he says whatever he said to make Ranador distressed but her attention pulls back to Ranador after he straightens and picks up the stick again.

"Good lad. Aye think we can start without the stick and ye can just practice the forms today. That's where aye started."

As she begins going through the beginner forms she give a small nod to Lia but in doing so, again, notices Buppy creeping. She clenches her teeth in frustration before turning her full attention back to Ranador.

((Another d20 I guess is needed: 12

If it is a 1 again we should maybe see if Lia can teach him magic.))

((Would Lia have sensed any Bardic / magical potential from Ranador? In the way he speaks or moves?…))

((She can make an arcana check.))

Ranador does better with the footwork and movement, his natural elven agility serving him well as he follows through the forms. You find a place to anchor the boat, and you rest without issue.

The following day, Jimjar mentions that Buppido told him that you were almost halfway to Gracklstugh.

((Are you wanting to mix up the 'teams'? I'd had Jimjar on helm for Stena and Galingal, and Buppido for Neth and Lia, with Ranador doing watch when he can. Let me know if you want to change anything, or order of which team goes when.))

((Stena is pro being separated from Buppido. She doesn't like Neth but she'd be okay at this point with doing a watch with Lia.))

"Well done lad, keep practicing these whenever you get a chance and we'll add some complexity to them as we go."

((Lia is fine with the current teams but would be happy to mix it up if asked)).

Lia arcana check on Radanors latent Bardic abilities (if any): 19 

(Galingal can move over to when Buppido is on the rudder)

((The first shift the next day passes without issue. Whoever's on the second shift, give me Perception checks please? So that'd be two of the PCs and either Buppy or Jimjar.))

((Stena and Lia can take second shift with Jimjar.

You wanted a roll for Jimjar?)

Jimjar perception: 7 +?

Stena Perception: 22

Lia’s perception: 8 

None of you hear the sounds of another boat until you round a bend and come prow to prow with a keelboat crewed by five duergar.

Lia and Stena would be the first to spot them, at the same time they are spotting your vessel and those of you out on duty. Jimjar is towards the rear, and doesn't immediately see them.

On spotting the boat Stena immediately disappears, involuntarily, and moves back to inform the others and Jimjar.

"Duergar. Up."

She says to everyone.

If she has time she'll mark one of the duergar.

((Forgot to roll for illumination. 1-3 it's dimly lit, 4-6 it's dark. 5.))

Jimjar sucks in a breath through his teeth. "Maybe best keep you and Buppy out of sight... Ranador too, but get Gal and Neth out here. If they think it'd be easy to take us, they're more likely to try. Show of force and all that. Be ready to send a warning shot at their boat if they get frisky."

He hurries towards the front of the boat, spreading his hands wide and putting on a good show of cheer and unconcerned friendliness. "Greetings, fellow travelers! I wager you're coming up from Gracklstugh, what news from the great Duergar city?"

Galingal steps forward to join Jimjar. He keeps his rapier visible and his shield handy while keeping watch on the other boat, waiting for their response.

If Galingal and Jimjar are at the front of the boat (at 12 o’clock) then Lia takes up a position on the starboard side (3 o’clock) just to keep an eye on everything. She holds her lyre in a relaxed fashion to her side.

She is beautifully clean, as always, with her white hair and pale skin. She stands confident and up straight, looking on with just a hint of a slightly stiff smile towards the other boat and it’s crew.

One of the duergar stands up, eyes roaming over the cheerful deep gnome, the pale woman unconcerned by the appearance of a boat full of duergar, and a grim looking shadow elf (and the unsettling gaze of a bald blue tiefling, if Neth pokes his head out).

He flicks his fingers at his side, and the duergar behind him visibly relax their tense postures, a strained smile stretching across his face.

"Well met, friend gnome! The City of Blades is as industrious as ever! Is that where you are headed? Traders of some sort?", he peers at your boat, looking for signs of goods. "Or a traveling group of curiosities? If you seek to perform for the Deepking, he does appreciate acts that amuse him."

"Uhhh...", Jimjar stalls, looking around at those of you he can see. "Yes! I'll wager you've never seen such as us! We'd offer you a show, but a pair of boats met by chance is a poor place for a true performance, but perhaps our songstress can give you a taste? Any insights into the Deepking's tastes would be most appreciated..."

He turns to Lia, and hisses under his breath, "Can you play something? WITHOUT causing a riot? Just simple?

Lia indeed bows and plays a little something. A melancholy tune fitting for two ships passing in the night. If that’s not poorly received she may quicken the tempo a little to something more seaworthy. Not quite a shanty, but something with a bit or rhythm and energy. She attempts to read the mood of the audience and adapt on the fly as needed…

Performance: 18 

Stena stays near the entrance to the cabin so she can keep an eye on the duergar and on Buppy and Ranador.

Unlike the others she has her bow at the ready.

"A fine bit of playing, I think she'll do well there! If you get that audience to preform for the Deepking, he lost his brother many years ago, songs about lost siblings and the like always strike a chord with him. What news from up-current? You been wandering the Lake long?"

When Jimjar discretely translates for Lia she gives another a polite bow.

((Lia will remember that))