Alban nods his head as he listens to the captain and takes his copy of the map out of its map case; spreading the paper scroll across the table between them.  "My friends and I were able to map a large section for the land to the east of the settlement which is where we stumbled across this alter.  Right about here." As he points to the alter location on the map. "It's built into a recessed ledge in the cliff false.  We found it doing low tide, so I am not sure if would be underwater doing high tide."

He paused for a moment; considering.  "I appreciate the offer and empathize with your situation. I currently have 15 healing potions in inventory at my shop that I would be willing to use as barter to trade for what I need. If you have to go all the way to Tarakkum for the octopus ink and any other arcane materials then let's make the trip worth it.  You could keep 3-5 potions as a commission for you, your men, and nation, and use the rest for 1-3 bottles of octopus ink, other magic item crafting formulas, and any arcane spell scrolls or spellbooks to help comprehend languages, set alarms, and other minor utility-type magics.  It would also to develop a business relationship between our two peoples for future ventures.  Would this type of deal benefit for each of us?"

"I wouldn't have to make the trip all the way there, the embassy has a greater sending stone to communicate with your ambassador in Tarrakum. He can make the exchange the next time the patrol rotation is changed. Though for an exchange of the size you're suggesting, I'm sure we can get a squad sent immediately just to make the deal. Healing potions are hard to make down there, you know. The ingredients don't like to stay where ya put them. One moment..." She touches a heavy trapezoidal engraved stone on the desk, and after a moment where she seems to be listening to something, she says, "This is Peryn. One of your people wants to trade some healing potions for some items. Are you ready for the list?" After another moment, she mentions the items Alban requested, then listens to the response. She says to Alban, "We can have the octopus ink delivered within the week, and a few utility spells along with it. I know for a fact that the embassy has access to endure elements, water breathing, and comprehend languages. Identify may take longer to find. Besides that, how does a recipe for Mariner's Armor sound? it allows its wearer to swim faster, and automatically rise to the surface if they are mortally wounded. Or Candle of the Deep, which can burn underwater? Or Enduring Spellbook? Along with the ink and scrolls, I can arrange for one of those recipes for the price you've offered."

OOC: I'm not sure if you ever actually ordered a recipe for Enduring Spellbook from Smith, but if not, you can get it from the Tritons.

Watching the captain activate the sending stone on the desk Alban hide his surprise well; suspecting some form of communication with the Triton nation from such a great distance.
 He listens to the voice from the other end of the magical conduit and considers the offer when the voice finishes.  "I would prefer the enduring spellbook formula out of the three you suggested, good sir. In this harsh climate I need a good way to protect the knowledge I have accumulated. Although I would also be interested in a formula for a helm of underwater action.  The four spell scrolls you mentioned and as much octopus ink as you can acquire included for 15 healing potions seems a fair price.  The more you can include the deal the better and I am more than willing to share any arcane knowledge with the Tritan nation. Are we in agreement?"

Pausing for a response from the other side of the world Alban thinks hard about what he is about to do."If there is that much demand for healing potions would you consider future transactions in trade for other magic goods? I specialize in healing and alchemy related goods and could craft more  or broker other goods from our area of the world if you are interested and enough net profit can be made to make it worth it for all parties."

OOC: You can't hear who Peryn is talking to. You only hear her side of the conversation.

Peryn relayed Alban's offer, and then the reply. "A deal has been struck. Leave the potions with me, I'll see to their delivery. As for your offer of future trade, They'd be happy to. The court wizard will give 35gp per potion in trade value toward magical items or recipes. He'd also be willing to trade any magical recipes he knows for ones he might need. It'll take some time to compile a list."

OOC: Keep track of how many long rests you take. After 5, you may return here to pick up the items. And yes, I'm aware they're offering a better exchange than Hexia. That's intentional.

Reaching into his backpack Alban pulls a small leather folded case and says, "I have them with me. Here you go." Passing the 15 vials of healing liquid to the Triton Alban silently congratulates himself on the deal.  "Thank you Peryn for helping me in this matter.  I greatly appreciate it.  When these items arrive for delivery if your contact would be interested in another shipment of potions then please let me know.  I can have another 25-50 potions ready in a week's time. Just give me some advanced warning. Please compile a list of magical recipes that may interest him and I will definitely keep on the lookout for them."

As he prepares to leave Alban turns back to the captain and asks, "This may be a delicate subject, but would you tell me what the previous ambassador and his bodyguard were doing in the Rimewood?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Sat 18 July 2020.

"I'm told that after coming back from the first Keenbellow expedition, they just weren't the same. They didn't really talk much to anyone, and one day, they just wandered off without telling anyone. I heard they both came close to dying during the expedition. Maybe something just... broke."said Peryn.

OOC: They were both player characters who stopped posting. I doubt the players will return, but if they do, their deaths have never been confirmed. I'm just more comfortable using an NPC for the ambassador role than a character belonging to someone else, so they're out of the picture.

“Sounds like he looked into an abyss and saw it looking back at him.  If your permitted, would you tell me more details about the expedition itself, its purpose, and where it explored? I intend to travel near the Hexia village in the Rimewood soon and wanted to know what to watch out for..”

Alban waits tor a response and says, “Thank you for the trade Captain Peryn. I do appreciate the help.  If there is anything I can do to help you just let me know.  I suppose I will see you in a week for the delivery.  Until then, take care of yourself.”  With a wave of his hand Alban gathered his gear and makes his way out of the embassy.

Peryn says, "I only know that they were mapping the forest, somewhere to the southwest, I think. I hear the local wizard in that village is friendly enough. She would know the local threats I'd wager."

After Alban's next line, she says, "While you're there, if you don't mind, see how things are for the teenagers there. I just know Lestros is going to bug me to let him go through that portal, and I obviously won't be able to accompany him any time soon. Most importantly, be careful out there!"

After returning from his long mission Alban returns to Triton Embassy to pick up his deliveries from the Triton kingdom per their agreement.  Alban walks into the front door of the building; looking for Captain Peryn...

The soldier who greeted Alban before is there once again, healed of his wounds and now sporting extravagant ceremonial armor. He smiles and waves Alban though to the Ambassador's office. Peryn sits behind the desk. No longer wearing the armor you remember from before, she is instead dressed in flowing robes. A new nameplate on the desk says "Ambassador Peryn Tusanath," A display case is on the wall, displaying several medals and a certificate, announcing the full retirement, with honors, of Admiral Peryn Tusanath. She looks up at Alban with a huge grin, "Alban! So happy to see you! Supplies from Tarakkum came in yesterday, along with a few surprises! When you're done in here, there's a few here who would like to say 'hello'. In the meantime..." she gets up from the desk, and walks over to a chest, unlocking it. She pulls out a box, puts it on the desk, and opens it revealing the items Alban had traded for.

Elisar approached the embassy. He had walked past many times but, truth be told, had never really had any desire to enter. Now he looked at it with new eyes. He studied the construction and decor. It seemed much like any other building in the town, save that it was carved with coral motifs and decorated with fine shells. It was... different. 'Different is good' he mused silently to himself.

Finally he decided to take the plunge, as it were. He approached the entrance and rapped loudly on the door. When a guard opened he spoke in a clear, loud voice. "Good day to you. I seek an audience with Ambassador Peryn. Please inform your master that the Moonraven is here!"

Even with the sharpest of ears, Elisar would have been hard pressed to hear the massive Bugbear treading the path behind him. Verbannt moved with a quiet purpose, approaching the Embassy for the first time.

"I too, would greet this Ambassador Peryn."

He said, announcing his presence at last. Elisar would recall that this was not the job the Bugbear had signed up for, and yet here he was. Something had changed.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Sun 26 June 2022.

And unlike Lukas, Izayah actually made no sound...well, while walking, that is. Normally. The fact that he was humming and then singing - badly, off-key - as he walked made him audible for a long ways off. "Undah dah seeee. Undah da seeee...hmmm hmm hmmm hm hmmm hm hmmm take it from meeeeee."

He let out a chuckle. "Heh. THE Moonraven. THE Verbannt. Should I become THE Hamadrell? ah, but I'm not the only one." He glanced at Lukas. "Actually...are you A Verbannt or THE Verbannt?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Sun 26 June 2022.

Verbannt noticably stiffened at the question.

"There have been those before me who bore the name, and though I wish it on none, I hope there will be others who will wear it in the future."

Because it meant the tribe continued, if more shared his fate. He did not even think of it as his tribe, anymore, just "the tribe." That was something, at least.

He did not ask if Hamadrell had a meaning, for he wanted none asking the meaning of Verbannt.

"You are Elisar Moonraven, the one others speak of when I ask for a clever weaver of words."

It was a statement, not a question.

Entering a little while after the other three, Victor nods his greeting at those others assembled in this coral themed foyer.

He had checked the names on the board and recognised Izayah and Elisar from both their time in the arena and Tiria's description of their travels together. The bugbear he had only seen in passing at Burning Stag.

He waits silently for a couple of minutes as they appear to be busy in conversation before introducing himself briefly.

Elisar greeted the other adventurers warmly. To Izayah he cheekily quipped, "My dear friend, if we are seen together in public any more people will start to talk. We shall be the scandal of the town!"

To Victor he was more formal. "Good day to you sir, I saw you in battle at the Burning Stag. You did your people proud, I would be happy to have you at my side." Then a warm smile spread across his face. "Through truth be told, a few feet in front of me would be better should we meet anything nasty!"

To Verbannt he doffed his hat with a flourish. "Indeed sir, the one and only! Elisar Moonraven at your service! It appears my reputation has gone before me. I am but a humble teller of tales, a simple singer of songs. For a few coin I can conjure up a poem to warm the spirits, for a few more pen you a ballad to win the heart of a fair maid. Why, I once charmed an ogre into believing I was his best friend! But if needs must my words can cut as deep as my friend Izayah's blades."

Carmen had been late to arrive. She had her own responsibilities, from closing the tavern and clearing up, to checking the receipts and tallying up her coin, it was enough to delay her to the point where she had arrived later than the others.

“Looks like we plan on sticking together through sickness and in health. ”  she says to Victor. “Rumors will be flowing, I’ll tell you. ”

Although she has a way with words, she stands behind the others and let’s them do the talking for now.

 Verbannt folded his arms over his broad chest, contemplating what the Half-Elf said.

"I will prove my worth on this journey, and then I would speak with you of the future."

He was being careful, for these folk gathered before him were kinsman in battle, if not in blood. They knew each other well, and he was again the outsider, having only shared cups with one. He turned to the man now, tilting his head ever so slightly to the side in a gesture of respect.

"Izayah the Hamadrell knows my purpose, but I will leave it for now."

He turned to the one he did not know well.

"I am Verbannt."

A simple name, but perhaps loaded with meaning for any who spoke the Goblin tongue.

Victor's expression reflects a silent laugh at Carmen's comment before he nods his recognition of the bugbear and extends a hand to shake in greeting, "I'm Victor."

Looking to the others he exhales slightly and makes a short noise of approval.

"Carmen and I have tangled with these Sahuagin before, sadly we were not able to save all of their captives before they were sacrificed to summon a demon. I am sure the ambassador will have more information for us but keep that in the back of your mind. They fought with spears and bit with very sharp teeth. They were fast over land too."

Izayah grinned widely at Elisar. "Let 'em talk. They're welcome t'know my heart is smitten with you for all I care." He then let out a very amused belly laugh.

He nodded and smiled at Victor and Carmen. "Finally gonna be workin' t'gether. Excellent." He rubbed his jaw. "After the arena stuff, I'll be glad t'be standin' beside ya both rather than against ya."

He looked over at Verbannt with a raised eyebrow and a chuckle. That was strange wording and he wasn't sure if it was an attempt to put Elisar at ease or something else. He spoke again, "Just...Izayah, or Izayah Hamadrell. No 'the' in there. It's my family's name, so others have it as well."

He looked back at Victor and then Carmen, face serious. "Oh good. Never really fought underwater so this'll be int'restin'. It's good t'have some experience on our side from you two."

"We've never really fought underwater either. Hopefully we won't have to." replies Carmen. Secretly she hoped that the Triton's would be lending some aid. It was bloody freezing underwater and she couldn't breath underwater like they could either.

The guard left the group to their introductions and knocked on the door of a private office. After a moment, a Triton woman in flowing robes stepped out. Though finely dressed, she had the bearing of a military commander, and her guards treated her as such. She had, however, a friendly enough smile, for the circumstances, and she greeted the party graciously. "Well met! I'm Ambassador Peryn, and my guard tells me you have taken the job to rescue our... ahem... to recover the stolen shipment?" she sized each of the adventurers up in turn and said "You seem to be a capable lot. You two--" she looked Carmen and Victor "you were involved in that ritual sacrifice ordeal. I'm sure you did the best you could to save the victim. You should have more time this time. When there's no astrological constraints, the piranhas" she spoke the word with disdain, clearly a slur reserved for a hated foe, "like to play with their food, especially when they get a hold of our soldiers. They won't eat them until they break them, and they won't break any time soon, I can promise you that! And they'd rather make their prisoners watch a rescue attempt fail, then kill the prisoners before they can be rescued. However, once they realize they can't beat you all, they will focus on taking as many lives as possible before attempting to escape."

The mention of the failure of their last mission left a touch of guilt in Carmen's stomach. They had tried their best, but ultimately had failed the captives.

"We weren't best equipped for the task at hand that time. I read upon the noticeboard that you would be able to help in that regard. The waters are particularly frigid lately." replies Carmen. "Hopefully we can right our mistakes from last time, especially with the inclusion of Izayah, Elisar and Verbannt."

The ambassador nodded, and gave Carmen a sympathetic smile, "yes, the embassy has sent rings of warmth, and caps of water breathing for you. I'm afraid you'll have to make do with your own swimming abilities, so expect the piranhas, and the sharks they will surely have helping them, to outmaneuver you. Our soldiers' weapons and armor should be held somewhere, though they may need healing before they can help in a fight, and they'll likely not have eaten for a few days, so they may be tired and slow, though they should be able to keep up with you, at least."

While listening, Victor's fingers play over the decorative spines that adorn the pommel of the sacrificial dagger he had retained from their last encounter with the Sahuagin.

"If these pirahnas behave as you suggest then we should do what we can to approach in such a way that they will have no choice but to engage with us directly. I am unfamiliar with your people's diet, are there any foods we should take with us to help them recover quicker?"