Fujin thinks for a moment, trying to remember what he knows about Chult.

Chult is located at the westernmost end of the Chultan peninsula, in the southern part of the Trackless Sea, off the coast of Calimshan. As a result of the Spellplague, Chult was cut off from the mainland, becoming an island, but following the Second Sundering it was reunited with the mainland. Regardless of geographical status, Chult has always been remote and isolated, forming a mountainous jungle of savage beasts, hulking dinosaurs, and disease-ridden swamps. Human tribes, goblins, and even stranger monstrous folk haunted the thick jungles. Nevertheless, Chult drew adventurers who sought its legendary riches.

When Three asks the scholars when they leave. The scholars advise that the ship will be leaving the next morning.

Seeing Three's excitement Taman gets up and walks over to join her at the scholar's table. he looks over the jade figure a bit closer, then glances to the scholars. "So, as it seems we are likely to accompany you on this adventure..." He says the word adventure with a bit of a sardonic smile. "What is in it for us? Do you have something in particular you want from this place? Are you offering any reward or payment for doing this task for you?" He looks to Three then back to the scholars. "You have us hooked with your bait, but haven't told us what is in this little task for us, or what dangers we are likely to find once there."

Rivon introduces himself to Vey and Fujin.  "Hi, I'm Rivon.  I shoot things and I swim way faster than Michael...nevermind.  Nice to meet you."

The scholar that has been talking, looks at Taman and says, "Well, I didn't want to say too much before someone accepted the adventure. You know, in case someone else were to try and work the mission on their own, and grab it from under us. I do have one correction to make though," he looks at the other scholar, then back at Taman "We " pointing between himself and the other scholar, "will not be going with you. As to what we want from the Temple... We are wanting you to get any objects, especially more figurines like this one, you find that are made of this jade material. As you probably know, this material has not been seen in a very long time, and to unearth something like this is a MAJOR find. As for what's in it for you, once you bring the items back, and they are appraised, we are willing to give you 15% of the profit." He again looks at the other scholar and nods. The other scholar then pipes up and says, "The dangers you might face in the temple, are... well... unknown. You can be sure that there will most likely be curses, and traps, and most likely some Undead lurking about as you would find in any other tombs. Other than that, we really don't know. This temple has been lost for ages, and much of the history has been lost to the ages. If you were to maybe find any historical information; books, scrolls, tablets... there may be more of a commission for you as well".

After looking back and forth for a moment, the second scholar clears his throat and says, "And there is one more caveat to this mission... You have to actually find the Temple, which is somewhere in the jungles of Chult. The ship will take you to the closest location where we believe the temple may be."

Vey gladly accepts Three’s hand and bow a flourished greeting to both Taman, Rivon and Fujin. “It’s an honor to make your acquaintance’s!” pleasant surprised at the quick and warm welcome as rule 11 popped into his mind “Trust your instincts” and these seem like nice people. Vey listens fervently to Taman’s questions glad to hear all the cards would be put on the table at least for this venture all the while wondering if this temple these scholars were speaking of was the same one he was to find the creature in. Rule 27 plagued his mind instantly “There is no such thing as a coincidence.” As he listen's the rather vague descriptions the scholar are giving them he feel just a bit off and try’s a mild bit of foolery to get more information and perhaps a higher reward percentage. “So let me get this straight. You want us to not only hunt through this jungle to find this temple you obviously haven’t been to also to face down what lies within without prior knowledge or proper mapping, while bring back the objects we find that we don’t know the actual value of for only 15% profit? Sound like a lot of work or little reward. Let’s say 30% for the appraised statues and a set sum for each member. What say you?” 

Persuasion: 10

”Besides we’ve all heard of the rumors about that region and temple after all haven’t we?” 

Deception: 24

The first scholar thinks for a moment then looks at Vey and says, "Hmmmm... you haggle like a Gnome. We can give you 25% for your group of the total cost of the jade items you find, and as stated before, there will be a compensatory fee for any other items you find that may help with more knowledge of this lost civilization. I believe that is a fair enough deal". The other scholar's eyes get wide at the mention of rumors of the temple, as he stares at Vey, and pipes up with a toned down, yet excited voice, "You've heard rumors of the Temple?!?!? Pray, tell. What have you heard???"

Vey curses inwardly ‘guess they don’t have anything more.’ Then to the scholars ”Oh this and that main one is there is some creature in the ruins but the rumors are all vague.” Then to the others of this newly minted group “What do you ladies and gents think 25% sound good?” 

Rivon nods his agreement.

Taman purses his lips, tapping a hand against his thigh as he considers. "Yes, I believe it to be a good deal for us." He finally says. "I think we should do some pre-mission prepperations though. A temple like this is likely going to have traps, both natural and magical, so some poison antidotes, and healing potions are a must. I also would like to see if there are any magical spells that I would be likely to need in this situation. Do any of you have anything you can think of, with the little knowledge we have of this lost temple?" He glances to the scholars. "Any chance you can forward us some coin to purchase a few essentials?"

Apart from a very eager nod in answer to Vey, which in itself had followed a glance to Taman & Rivon, Three had taken to quietly listen and looking back and forth between the various speakers. That, and after a while, she broke some old parchment and charcoal to start taking sloppy notes of supposed key points. "Hmm... Should we also expect others to be looking for it too since you guys found that pretty rock over there?" She asks the scholars after a bit, gesturing over to the jade statue. 

IN response to Three, the second scholar states, "You shouldn't need to worry about others. Our operation has been very hushed since the beginning". The first scholar says, in response to Taman's request, "You'd think adventurers such as yourselves would already have money to purchase any supplies that you may need, but we have come prepared for such a request", he then tosses Taman a pouch of coins. After opening it and examining it, Taman notices there to be about 100 dragons in the pouch.

The first scholar then says, "Don't forget, the boat leaves first thing tomorrow morning. Be on it if you wish to have your travel be under our compensation". He then nods to the second scholar, who grabs the statuette, wraps it back in the burlap, and follows the first scholar. they than walk out of the door to the Yawning Portal.

"Hey, we just made 100 dragons for doing nothing!"

Rivon orders another round of drinks.

Vey nods at Taman “Not bad negotiations their my sir that’s how you get your moneys worth!” 

Taman frowns at Vey. "I was meerly putting the task of paying for supplies on those who wished this task done." He informs Vey. "It would only be fair that they pay for the specialized gear we will need for traveling to the jungle." He holds the bag in his hand and sighs. "This is not going to go far, I was hoping to be able to outfit us with antitoxins and other such essentials, but this wouldn't even cover purchasing a couple of those." He shrugs, putting the pouch away.

"I guess we could ask around about this Chult place too. You know, see if there's anything more special to bring with us. Though, not sure where we could start." Three squints and taps her chin a few times, prior to then shrugging and giving a nonplussed smiling at the group. "Not sure where to start though. But, I guess I can ask Boss too. He gets his stuff from all over, so he'd probably know! And... I should probably let him know about the trip too, huh?"

She askance in thought for a moment more, before simply shaking her head. "Well either way, I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow! Boss will prolly keep me over the night to run dia-what'cha call'it 'n all that. But it was nice meeting you Vey! And you too Fuji!" She waves enthusiastically to the pair, and then practically skipped her merry way out. 

"See you guys on the boat!"

Rivon quickly heads to the appointed vessel, ensuring he's the first of the party to arrive.  His intent is to claim the nicest cabin for himself.  Honestly if possible, underhandedly if necessary.  (Bribes, deception...probably not murder, but Rivon doesn't rule anything out.)  He knows the captain's cabin won't be available, but he's not above asking if there's any way that an exception could be made for him.

Vey bids everyone a good night then heads to the ship that their scheduled to depart on and finds a out of the way place to hide his ring then touches it and disappears for a good six hours of rest and relaxation! 

Taman would head out of the Yawning Portal, off to speak with some of those he met with previously in regard to magic items. He would ask around about anything htat might aid with disease or poisons. Depending onw hat he learns, he would decide if stopping at a shop to purchase antitoxins and/or poison antidotes might be needful. Once his shopping is completed he would return to his chamber to study his spellbook prior to turning in.

In the morning he would get up early and be at the ship well before time for it to head out.

Fujin catches Taman on his way out the door. "Aie, af it's coin yer lackin' for impurtant stuffs, how 'bouts I put be puttin' my coin down on the table for the essentials, eh?" He paws his coin purse with a grin. Although the pouch isn't any bigger than the one handed over by the scholars. He then pulls Taman down to eye level and whispers "I can cover it af we can keep it under a thousand, sound fine to ye?" He gives a wink and continues heading for the door and will accompany Taman to the ship after their business is done. Fujin may try to leverage a little of his influence around town for a small discount since he was a tenant for a business no more than a few days ago and spent quite some time at the local businesses.

Persuasion for some familiar shopkeepers: 18

Three heads out to go see Boss for the night and get a "tune up".

Rivon heads off to the ship to try and find a good spot for the trip.

Vey also heads to the ship, finds a nice cozy spot and turns invisible for 6 hours.

Fujin and Taman wander around Waterdeep to try and find some items that will help with disease and/or poison. Fujin offers up to 1,000 dragons for supplies.

Taman is able to find:

Periapt of Proof against Poison - 5,000 dragons
Periapt of Health - 500 dragons

Fujin attempts to talk down the shopkeep, and almost ends up having the prices increased.

Taman then goes back to his room at the Yawning Portal and Fujin heads to the ship.