Triäsa nods as she starts to head out, "I would love to learn a bit captain. Thank you."  She then proceeds to head back to her room.  

(And ready to move forward as well!)
(And... I obviously posted this as the previous was being done.  This was from before retiring for the evening.) 

As Fembris speaks, Triäsa puts an arm around her as she gets flustered at her profanity. "You have every right to feel that way. I am so sorry that we have to be off already. Especially with your loss.  I cannot imagine what it is like. But we will be back as quickly as we are able."  She gives her a hug before they set off across the Exultation.  

As the heavy wooden door is pushed open to the blast of salty air, Triäsa smiles broadly.  She steps out into the cavern, following the others towards The Dog Ear She feels a tiny bit of trepidation about being out on the sea, but it is far overwhelmed by her excitement at actually being on the water.  She admires the ship and the work of the crew as they approach.  She is hardly paying attention when Fembris hands over the bags of coins, only belatedly realizing it is a payment for their prior work.  "Oh, thank you Fembris. Hopefully we will find good use for this." 

Then once aboard the ship, she responds enthusiastically to Captain Jois. "I am very glad to be ready to set sail! Do we get a tour of the ship? When do we get underway?"

Ludolf heads out with the others, giving Fembris a reassuring nod as Triäsa comforts the halfling. He seems a bit...uncomfortable with the captain eyeing the young half-elven bard but says nothing, instead following along to his cabin to settle in. It wasn't the first time he had been on a ship and he had seen enough of them to last a lifetime living most of his life in the City of Sails. He would prefer getting back on land soon though and even looked forward to eventually visiting Waterdeep.

(Previous night)

Daventry wishes Triasa and Ludolf a good night, and sits with the Captain a bit longer, offering another round.

"Before I parted ways with my last ship, I'd begun training as a navigator. I loved looking at the stars, especially how clear the sky was on the open water. The sight of the band of infinite stars and galaxies is such a secret known only to those like us who travel away from the firelight of shore. I know it's different now, but perhaps I can still join you on those lessons?"

She will continue conversing with the Captain, wanting to learn a bit more about him, how he began his trade as the leader of Candlekeep's fleet of one, and so on, until eventually retiring to bed herself. 

Daventry joins the group wearing the same duelist gear as their trip to Vermeillon: blue shirt with black slacks, polished reinforced leather chest and boots, and a white-feathered hat with a blue ribbon. As Fembris says her goodbyes, Daventry leans down and gives the gnomish woman a hug. "We'll get to the bottom of all of this, Fembris, I promise you. Thank you for holdin' the fort while we're off."

She whistles at the sight of the ship. "Captain Jois, you're tellin' of your ship left out that she's a clipper! Absolute beauty. So swifter than the Waterdhavian galleons or Neverwinter's brigs. How fast have you gotten her? 15 knots?"

She looks at Ludolf and Triasa with an almost Fembris-like level of excitement. "Ships up north are built fat and wide. More cargo, sure, but slower than a snail and they take half the Sea of Swords to make a turn. Clippers, though, are built narrow, so they cut through water like a knife."

She seems excited to jump aboard and tour the ship. 

Waking up in the morning, Pardot looks to Pockets while in their room and wishes the cat goodbye for now, though has some ideas to see him later. Before leaving his room he takes a deep breath and looks up at the stars one last time and then heads out towards the ship. Stuffing his pockets with muffins and fruit and bacon that he'd set aside the evening before, he walks towards the dock munching on an apple.

Arriving at the dock he breathes deeply of the sea air, listens to the waves and birds, and feels the mist upon his cheeks, taking a moment to get a feel for the atmosphere of the sea. Boarding the ship he greets the captain saying, "May I come aboard? Sorry I missed you yesterday, I was out dealing with the crops. I'm Pardot." He then opens up his hand as a small node of weather appears above his palm and says, "Here's our weather for the next day at least. Please let me know if I can be any help on the ship." And with a slight bow heads towards where the crow's nest is and climbs up, hoping his sharp eyes will be able to see far out as they sail. In the nest above, he pulls out his pipe and some (normal) herb and begins puffing away while the crew ready themselves.

Daventry -- Captain Jois sits, talks and drinks with you as late as you can handle. He talks of his adventures and time on the sea, compared to yours they are rather meager and fairly unexciting. Mostly runs from the Grippli to Candlekeep but he has traveled further north, Baulder's Gate and Waterdeep are common destinations. When you ask about his past he simply chuckles and says it's a story for another day though he promises to tell it. He stays long after you leave.

Pardot --Pockets purrs softly as you say your goodbye and weaves in and out of your legs gently. She then races to the mansion door ahead of you lies down. You step over her as she meows, perhaps pleading you to stay.

"Ah so you are the missing member of our seafaring band. I'll say, between you and Daventry our trip will be a smooth ride." He looks carefully at your druidcraft. "Beautiful skies it seems! If that changes let us know! Welcome aboard and I'll give you all a grand tour just as soon as we set sail, which shall be any moment now." He walks swiftly across the gangway and boards the ship. "And you're right, this ship was built for speed. We don't carry heavy cargo, mostly tomes of every shape and size along with food from the grippli outpost. Otherwise this is a research vessel." He smiles widely, "Now come let us wave to dear Fembris as we depart." He lead the group of you to the stern rail. He stands between Ludolf and Triäsa and calls out loudly, "Raise the anchor, secure the gangway! The Dog Ear takes the sea!" A hearty cheer rises from the crew as the boat rocks and sways as it departs from Candlekeep. As the boat rocks Captian Jois places a soft, balancing hand on Triäsa's back, "The seas can be unpredictable always tossing you side to side without warning. But don't worry you'll get your sea legs in no time." He smiles again and removes his hand from Triäsa's back and walks toward the other end of the ship. Back on land you see Fembris, tears in her eyes once again. She waves as fast and enthusiastically as she can. She doesn't move from her spot until you are well out of sight.

Pardot and Triäsa need to make con saves for sea sickness! <10 you don't stop vomiting the entire trip 10-15 you are sick for most of the first day but then get used to it. >15 you are just fine!

(Triäsa CON Save: 5)

Triäsa gives Captain Jois a quick glance with narrowed eyes as he puts his hand at her back to help balance.  "I will have it down in no time!" she says enthusiastically.  At the mention of being a research vessel, she is even more interesting. "What sorts of research do you do?  Studying marine life? Mapping the currents?  I had no idea Candlekeep would sponsor such a thing.  Will you be doing any research on this trip?  If so, I would love to see what you do."  

And that was about the end of her excitement.  Once out to sea, even her usually tanned skin looked rather pale.  Much of the time she spent grasping tightly onto one of the rails, trying to keep out of sight of anyone else. When not doing that she tried to retreat below deck, but more often than not it only meant she had to race back out onto the deck a short while later.  It takes most of a day before she finally manages to collapse into an exhausted sleep.  

((thank gods a 16 (rolled on sheet) - Pardot is better on the Sea than Kev is :D ))

After a minute or two on the ship, Pardot starts to feel a bit funny. Having spent no time on boats before, the way the boat underneath him moved was unsettling. Just as he was trying to get control of his head he looked down to his feet and saw Pockets rubbing against his legs, Meowing to the cat, who responded with a soft trilled mew in return, Pardot immediately started to feel better, and over the first few hours of their journey used the bear skin he'd be holding since their mountain adventure, and his leather working tools, to create a soft harness Pockets can use to rest in while Pardot hikes, or can be set down as a nice cat bed.

Pockets will also quickly make herself known as a keen mouser aboard the ship, keeping the food stores clear of any rodents.

 Ludolf too would wave at Fembris with a compassionate smile, feeling quite sorry for the poor halfling who had just lost the love of her life. He glances briefly over at Triäsa and the captain but decides jealousy isn't a very attractive trait so he instead turns to find his cabin or whatever is meant for him to use for resting. During the journey north he would walk across deck and admire the view, letting Edgar take to the air regularly to spot any threats on the horizon. He would also do his best to tend to Triäsa, taking care of her wherever she would lie and rest from her sea sickness.

Edgar perception: 15
Medicine to take care of Triäsa: 5 + Guidance: 4

 (Lucky reroll on the medicine check: 20 )

"The Dog Ear is a special vessel, beyond our shipments we carry out a number of scientific endeavors. Mostly we study the fascinating creatures who live in the ocean, it's been a special interest of mine since I was a child. Not to brag but I've written a few books on the matter thanks to the work we do here. In addition to sleeping quarters and a small mess hall the ship has an anatomy and chemistry lab. I don't know of any other ship so equipped." The Captain beans with pride as if talking about a well loved child. 

He quickly walks you around the ship, it's nice but extravagant. The entire crew sleep in one giant room with comfortable appearing cots and footlockers. "Just find a place to bunk down at night, there all the same." There is a kitchen area in the midship complete with a brick fire pit and plenty of iron pots and ceramic bowls. "The food is meager at best but you get used to it." He says simply as you pass through. He shows you the door to the captain quarters which are directly across from the lab. "Now if you'll excuse me I do need to check on the crew. The remainder of the ship is for cargo though it is mostly empty given the purpose of journey." He bows and smiles politely before taking his leave.

Shortly after the quick tour Triäsa falls ill and retires to the common area with bunks. Thankfully, Ludolf intervenes and knows the best course is stay above board and watch the coast line. Captain Jois also stops by to check on Triäsa. He bring a warm cup of a soothing tea. Between the two men your nausea passes mercifully quickly and by the time the sun sets Triäsa feels much better. 

Your meals are a basic beef broth with vegetables, nothing fancy but it serves the purpose. You are free to do as much as you can on the ship before retiring to the large common area to sleep. 

The next morning you again rise with the sun another clear and hot summer day. In the distance you can see your destination "The winds were with us last night, we've made excellent time and will be docked soon." True to his word the ship deftly navigates a small cove as it docks and you get your first good look at the grippli trading post. A few ramshackle buildings are clustered around the docks. There is the soft sound of croacking coming from the shore where two grippli bearing simple wooden weapons are waiting to meet you. "That's odd. We don't usually have a welcoming committee... I don't suppose any of you speak primordial?"

Although no longer feeling queasy, Triäsa is still a bit wary about eating much or straying too far from the railing of the ship.  Which is fine with her as she is really enjoying the feel of the sea breeze as the ship sails and watching the water and waves. It's all fascinating and new to her.  As Captain Jois mentions they will be docked soon, she tries to catch a glimpse of the place they are approaching.  She tries to keep out of the way as the ship docks but is very interested to see everything that is happening. 

As the captain mentions the welcoming committee, Triäsa steps forward. "Oh yes, I know Primordial.  How can I help?" 

Ludolf would stay near Triäsa, watching the shoreline in the distance, later finding a bunk near the others, giving him a decent sleep.
As the captain mentions they are close to their destination, Ludolf brings his gear and make ready to debark, sending Edgar ahead to scout out the shoreline for any threats.
"It seems you will be our spokesperson Triäsa." The old man says with and encouraging smile.
As they near the shoreline, Ludolf would peform a ritual to be able to understand the grippli.

Cast Comprehend Languages.
Edgar perception: 8

Approaching the frog-like people, Pardot climbs back up into the Crow’s nest to observe the area, looking specifically at the small wildlife, as well as how the ‘ambassadors’ are approaching, and from where. ((Perception 33))

Daventry would have spent the first day of the voyage helping on the top deck, taking a particular interest in any ballista (if present) as well as simply enjoying fresh sea air while comfortably hanging onto some of the netting up to the mast. She is truly in her element. She'd offer a few words of advice to Triasa ("Look to the horizon, and keep your head level with it, not the deck. Helps you keep your bearings.") but would see that Ludolf and the Captain have matters well in hand.

As they view the welcoming party, Daventry comments, "If they're in the open, they mean to talk at least. I'd rather that then catching a half dozen spears from throwers in the bush." Regardless, she readies her steel buckler and makes sure her pair of blades are secure in their sheathes. She nods to Triasa. "Shall we go find out what they want? Captain, assuming you will want to make it known we are friends, and Tri can handle the matter from there?"

(Happy New Year everyone!)

The Captain smiles widely at Triäsa, "You continue to impress! The Grippli only speak primordial and while I have learned a bit over the years it is very basic. We don't converse with the villagers much our bussiness is very... transactional." He pauses and starts walking down the gangway and toward the dock and the welcoming committee which is approaching from the north and stand waiting for you on the shore. He walks tall and proudly with his arms stretched out. He speaks in a guttural voice of clicks and clacks, "My sisters, I come from Lighthold with teammates to cook."

 Pardot

 Triäsa and Ludolf

Triäsa gives the Captain a brief smile. "You are far too kind to me sir."  

Hearing his words to the Grippli, she speaks up in Primordial, trying to use the more flowing Aquan dialect. "I hope you will excuse Captain Jois. He wished to convey that we are here to offer our help. What is it that you wanted?"

Translation of Primordial:

 (Interestingly, on my phone the odd symbols all appeared as normal text!  But here at least I see a difference! I wondered why you'd included the 'translation' when I first saw it earlier!) 

Coming down from his perch, Pardot makes his way over towards the captain as their translators do their work. Though he may be unable to understand the speech, he can be rather good at reading people, so Pardot focuses his attention on the intentions of these curious people ((insight 11)). As the conversation continues, Pardot looks up to the captain, and quietly, so as to not disturb their guests, he asks, "Captain, a few miles off that way are a row, or series of pillars coming out from the sea. What is their purpose?"