"Good points. We clear the details of their alliance with the queen. Maybe get a copy."

He taps his chin,

"Probably should let the elves know directly about it, they'll find out either way from the council. Definitely using the Ghost to bring them their weapons and people. The marsh, while lucrative, can be both safely and gladly skipped."

Then to Ash,

"Oh, and the other tiefling in town? I would, as I mentioned before, recommend avoiding her and her services unless absolutely needed. Nothing against her, but never trust anyone willingly serving a demon or whatever Iuz is. Or a devil. They'll cross you the first chance they get."

He says this completely without irony.

"Hmmm... yeah, that is a bit worrying. We know of any other places to be able to score magic stuff?"

"Helmshold had that guy, then maybe that town to the south? Might even be worth the trip back to Neverwinter for the better selection and prices."

Ben, the queen listens quite intently as you explain everything about how the party obtained the weapons. "Impressive."

She frowns when you mention that the agents have made the situation more difficult "Rookies. Thing is, that job has always been without... issues. Until you Marshswamp heroes... double agent heroes... hisssssssss came around!" She laughs and maybe tells a joke in draconic to her colleague. (Ironically you ARE called heroes there!)

She agrees about Marshswamp's initial thoughts about lizardfolk potentially starting a war with them. "Yessssss. Of course they'd think that. They'd be foolish not to." she thinks a moment. "Perhaps alliance with entire Marshswamp government still good idea. Perhaps you right. Perhaps they provide some type of assistance like you say."

About the weapons, her eyes light up "YES. More. Double what you've already brought. We start there. We not know yet the full scope of the sahuagin fortress. I believe that will be our starting point. Have not completed planning yet. We arming tribe while planning strategy commences."

She snaps her fingers and one of the lower ranking tribe members comes over and she tells him something in draconic. Then she says "Yes. payment half..." and then a few minutes later half of the payment in electrum ingots is brought. "Payment half AFTER agents and weapons are brought. YOU and your band bring agents and weapons back. This convince me that you are all serious about deal. Yes. It shall be like thisssss. You must understand. Then we figure out specifics. Timing. War looms in the near future. We have sssssssssome time. Although not a lot of time."

((to keep it simple, she wants anything as far as weapons/armor goes that you're already provided that are along the same lines, and no ranged weapons except spears and javelins. She wants basically another order of what you just sold her. As for the new deal and the payment, she is willing to pay half before these new weapons are delivered to her, but she will only agree and pay you the half up front after her agents and smugglers weapons are brought back. And she wants you all to bring them back. Then you get your half payment up front.))

"Deal we have? Marshswamp double agents make alliance with Othokent's tribe?" she smiles. Full on lizardfolk smile. Probably none of you have seen that before.

Oh, the queen would've said that they anticipate the offensive initiating within the next month. With perhaps a small recon operation first to determine true size of enemy. ((foreshadowing much?!? LOL))

So there is a good chunk of time to work with here. 

Back in the private quarters, Ess would say to Ben "Wow dude... yeah man I guess you're right bro! Weapons dealers... damn...." and he flexes his arm in a bragging manner. 

Ben, all you know about the people who don't like the sea elves is that they are the koalinth, an undersea race. Lizardfolk opinion is these koalinth are better in battle than the sea elves, hence they chose the koalinth to align with. The lizardfolk do not have the issue with the sea elves. The Queen did not tell you specifically about why the koalinth do not like the sea elves. "Not our concern. Koalinth loyal to lizardfolk and are formidable allies. Not our concern who enemies of Koalinth are." and she shakes her head, kind of dismissing all of that.

((Ash, Fidd can for sure come into play here during this upcoming downtime!))

((Kay, there's still that other 'thing' too which I will present when it's time. Wanted to make sure you knew I hadn't forgotten about it again. For the others, it's just something about Korrik's crim. contact. May lead to potential side mission. Stay tuned.))

((there is lots to do during downtime. Great suggestions with other cities, and there's a few chapters in the book as well which are side quests but still linked to Marshswamp. You've already scratched the surface on a few of 'em. That's all I will say until they are revealed in-game. Hint for now - the Marshswamp region map. The locations on it.))

Before we depart to Marshswamp and determine what lizardfolk if any are going back with you, we will resolve the queen's new offer.

With that - back over to you all!! let me know if I missed anything please.

((Ben wouldn't have explained everything about how they got the weapons :D!))

Ben maintains a straight face about the whole heroes thing.

"Marshswamp will be easier to deal with if you give them something to feel like they are contributing. It is your decision ultimately what that could be."

To the weapons deal,

"Double? Sounds like maybe we should aim for triple? Exact same types of weapons, armor and shields? We can provide a range of types of weapons. Perhaps something other than spears? As you know longswords, for example, are superior, if more expensive. Same for hide and leather armor, better but a bit more expensive."

((He is up selling them!))

To the requirements for the deal,

"As you say, your already purchased weapons and people. A sign our good will and of Marshswamp's. Once we have the half upfront we'll get started on the weapons and have them to you well before you need them. It's in both our interests."

He gives the queen a genuine smile Ben smile,

"I think we have a deal, but let me confer with my companions."

---

Ben pats Ess on the shoulder as he flexes,

"Something like that."

To the sea elves concerns,

"It doesn't seem like there are greater ambitions towards the sea elves. The lizardfolk don't appear to care. Something we can monitor, but we'll make sure they are informed what's happening. Reasonable?"

He looks between the three others,

"This is a unbelievablely good opportunity for us. We are onboard, correct?"

In front of the Lizardfolk, Ash would be smiling, and she’d give Ben a gracious nod to confirm her agreement as he looks her way.

In private, she makes it clear that she is on board with the plan as outlined. She’s pleased to be in a decent crew who seem to be able to handle most things. It’s definitely proving lucrative to say the least.

"One thing that an alliance with Marshswamp offers is an appearance of... well, I may not be phrasing it right, but of legitimacy. As you said, human and other folk who haven't met you and your subjects may have misled opinions is your people. Reaching out and forming an alliance shows that meeting and negotiating is possible, and that your people aren't just tribesfolk to be defended against. An alliance will increase your status in the eyes of the city folk and their leaders."

Ben nods to Kay's suggestion but can't let him have the last word on it,

"Even if you aren't particularly interested in being seen as 'legitimate' in their eyes it would make things easier for you and your people down the line."

"Help keep other cities interests off your back."

"And potentially discourage other enemies from attempting to encroach on your territory."

Korrik nods in agreement.

((About Ben not explaining EVERYTHING about how they got the weapons - oh yes, of course not! Whatever he ended up telling the queen, she was still "Impressed."))

The queen responds:

"Yes. I shall align with Marshswamp. I believe your insights may prove correct. We may need sheer numbers should the enemy take the fight to us on land, although I'm still doubtful of that. Nevertheless, perhaps there are a few who practice in the magics that can be of assistance. Yes. Marshswamp government may be useful. Depending on how they react to news of the sahuagin, of course."

She responds about the weapons "If you can get triple, that would completely arm my entire tribe. Yes. Triple will be enough. Swords. Yes. Longswords. Yes. My fighters use spears and javelins for range. Nothing else. Swords, maces, armor, spears, javelins. Yes, these will be the tools of the trade. Sahuagin never expect us to have these weapons at these numbers."

She finishes up "Ok, yes, deal. We pay you half upfront, but we only pay half upfront when pending weapons and agents are brought back. By Marshswamp double agents."

((just to confirm, she is accepting the deal and will pay you half up front for an order of various weapons and armor equivalent to 3x the size of what you've already sold her. She is only going to pay the half upfront though when her weapons and agents from the smugglers ship is returned. And she wants the party to be the ones to return them.))

She says to Korrik "Hmmm.... Yes. You have point. Perhaps brighter futures for lizardfolk and human partnership in land of Marshswamp. Perhaps mutually beneficial. Will keep in mind. I will ensure the representatives that accompany you back to town are my sharpest colleagues. They not screw up opportunity. Mutual opportunity. Yes."

She looks back to Ben, and back to Korrik, and back to Ben. "YES! Yes, I said. I shall advise my representatives to attempt to form alliance with Marshswamp government. Alongside other secret alliance with Marshswamp double agents." she smiles at you all and then she leaves. 

Ok so Othokent is sending 4 of the lizardfolk shown on the bestiary tab as 'Stronger Lizardfolk' with you back to Marshswamp. They are common speaking and draconic. It will take 12 hours to get back. There will be no encounters on the return to Marshswamp. Queen Othokent would've offered the party to sleep one night in the lair if you wanted to get an early start the next day back to town. You'd leave at 8am and arrive back in the evening to Marshswamp at 8:00pm, with the 4 lizardfolk. I assume you would go directly to the town council hall? The guards would likely question you a bit upon arrival but I don't think we have to RP that. Maybe we can kick it off when you get into the council hall. All of the members are there as they've already heard news that you all arrived back along with 4 lizardfolk. The townspeople are in awe of the party as they walk with the sometimes feared lizardfolk. 

Did you want to RP how you tell the council about everything that's happened? Or just fast forward and assume you tell them all the details about the lizardfolk and pending war, but nothing about the marshswamp double agent weapon deal, of course. Let me know! There might have to be some RP involved if you're going to be asking council to release the lizardfolk who are in the jail along with the weapons, but basically they are going to go along with what you tell them since they would believe you about the upcoming war and really have no need to NOT form this alliance. All that to say I'm not sure this conversation needs to be RP'd in full. 

So once the council releases the 3 captured original agents, and the original weapon load, how will the party and the 7 lizardfolk get back to the cave? By land? There WILL be an encounter roll on the way back if you take land. The sea ghost IS available for use. 

You can also spend a night in marshswamp and leave the next morning too. You will actually have to do that as you will be exhausted after the 12 hour travel day plus the conversation with council as they would've wanted to deal with it immediately. 

Over to you all!

((Glad the deal was accepted! We'll figure out the details in OOC.))

Ben will take the time to learn the lizardfolks' names so he can introduce them and let them know it's best that,

"I do the talking."

He gives Kay, Ess and Ash a look to confirm they understand that as well.

Once before the council he will introduce the lizardfolk and say,

"Queen Othokent sent four of her finest with us to impress upon Marshswamp the importance of what I am about to explain..."

He then lays out the details of the sahaugin invasion of the lizardfolk territory and their preparing for a greater incursion.

"For these reasons the lizardfolk are gathering an alliance, and weapons, to combat this threat. I don't believe I need to explain how bad for Marshswamp this could go should the sahaugin prevail."

He looks seriously around the council members before launching in to,

"Queen Othokent was initially disinterested in adding Marshswamp to the alliance but our insistence it could be persuaded her otherwise. Take this opportunity for greater friendship and an alliance. As a sign of good faith towards this we have assured Queen Othokent that her people and weapons would be brought to them posthaste. We urge you to do so."

At this point he lets the council ask questions and Kay, Ash and Ess along with the lizardfolk to answer only interrupting if things get off track.

Before they depart he'll secure their payment for work done from the council and recover the electrum ingots.

--

To the group,

"I am very happy to avoid the land route as I said before. Shall we have the council prepare the Ghost for the trip back tomorrow morning? It was quicker, right? Perhaps we can be back in Marshswamp by dinner tomorrow."

He'll clean up after, along with cleaning everyone else up. He'll have dinner, check in with Hannah then crash hard.

"Yeah, Sea Ghost would be quicker, and we'd be able to actually move the weapons. We looking to pick up the rest of the order, to fulfil it now, or is that a future job?

Korrik would make sure to learn the lizardfolk's names as well.

"If we can fulfill it now, great though I doubt we'd find everything in Marshswamp especially if we're leaving tomorrow morning."

He rubs his goatee thoughtfully,

"I think tomorrow we take back the lizardfolk and the weapons they already bought and get our half payment. Wherever we plan on selling the silks will likely be large enough to fill our needs."

He looks at the bag of holding,

"I believe we can fit most of their order in here, once the silks are out. I need to run the numbers but I'm just too tired right now. I'm confident it will work out."

((The bag is no where near big enough.))

Ben, the lizardfolk's names that came with you are Vutha, Vyth, Achuak and Aryte and they all agree to let you do the talking.

Ben, some of the councilmembers jaws drop when you tell them all of the details which you've mentioned. Some of them though, including Eliander and Manistrad, have a look of confidence and determination and explain that they are very happy with the results of the recon mission. Eliander gently elbows Eda since she is still in deep thought about the potential threat of the sahuagin to Marshswamp. "Eda... ahem... the reward???" and then she goes and grabs a pouch which contains the agreed upon 700gp and hands it over to Ben. "Yes. As Eliander said. This has been more than what we were expecting as far as results. Thank you, heroes of Marshswamp." 

There is then a lot of conversation from the councilmembers and the lizardfolk about the potential alliance, and the council is onside with the returning of the smugglers weapons and captured agents with the promise of an alliance and a future in person meeting with the Queen and the council so they can further discuss next steps now that an alliance has been formed. (well, it's not 100% formed until the council and the queen meet, but at this point it's basically guaranteed) The council agrees with Ben in that the sahuagin present an extreme risk to the entire town of Marshswamp should they decide to raid which given what the lizardfolk have said now seems quite likely. They explain to the lizardfolk that they can provide assistance in any way that they see fit and that they will follow the general direction that is given by lizardfolk brass due to the potential battle site and their knowledge of the enemy.

The council also says (this is more said to the party vs. the lizardfolk as it does not concern them) that they are currently working to find the source of the smuggled weapons as well and they will take care of compensation for them once the rightful owners are discovered in an attempt to make the situation right. But bottom line, they know how important these weapons are now to the lizardfolk and this is why they are ok with having them sent to the lizardfolk vs. back to rightful owners once determined.

The fact that the party has the side deal with the lizardfolk for more weapons doesn't come up of course as the 4 lizardfolk that were sent are quite intelligent and understand what is going on "yes, Marshswamp double agents. We keep quiet about side deal!"

Since the party has initiated the spark of an alliance between Marshswamp and the Lizardfolk, you all earn this significant milestone which bumps you all up to level 5! This will happen the next long rest he next long rest which I assume will be at the Snapping Line Inn. The meeting with council and the lizardfolk tool most of the day, so the timing will be perfect. Hanna will be comping all of your meals tonight. She's really happy to see all of you back safe. She'd likely be interested in the news, but also far too busy to hear about it right now. Ben, is there anything in particular that you want to 'offer' to Hanna? Or will you just be heading to your room without any type of check? How about a performance during the evening? If you do decide to make a roll/rolls, they will be at disadvantage since you're so tired. 

SO - is the plan the next morning to take the Sea Ghost with the smuggled weapons, the 3 original lizardfolk agents, the 4 new representatives, the entire party and 2 marshswamp guards plus a captain back to the lizardfolk lair for delivery and to receive the half-payment? If so, we will deal with that first and then determine what is next. It will be at that point where I present you with potential next quests/adventures/things to do and/or you can always do something else entirely. An example would be to get the weapon order fulfilled.

I will leave it with you when that time comes. 

Until then - over to you!

*you can all RP the Lvl 5 if you'd like, or not. I'll update Ess's stat block ASAP and will also do some light RP for his level up ASAP. 

"There is a reason you asked us, we have a history of getting results."

Ben feels the weight of the coins and raises an eyebrow.

"Not to be petty, but we agreed on 1,400, if you recall."

((Bottom of page 80))

To the lizardfolk he wants to clear some things up,

"Okay, yes. Please don't call us 'the double agents', really anywhere. Heroes of Marshswamp is fine. Or just the Heroes. Leave the 'double agent' part unspoken. Okay? And the side deal? Never talk about it. Really. Everyone that needs to know about it already knows."

---

At the Line he will give Hannah a smile and the comment,

"I'm going to be busy tomorrow but perhaps tomorrow night we can start discussing when you might up for a weekend away?"

((Not sure that needs a persuasion roll?))

Ben will feel forced by his adoring public to give a rendition of the battle with the bullywogs, and the trek leading up to it. He'll pretend it is off the cuff but he really has been putting it together all day they walked back. The highlights are the ambush, the hugely overwhelming numbers (doubling everything) and the Heroes' skills in defeating the threat, despite Kay's trying to get eaten. Again.

He'll drop an eagle's splendor for a little boost (flat roll).

Performance:16

((That is Ben's plan, back to the lizardfolk then figuring out how to fill the order.

RP for the level up tomorrow!

Ouch, that is a bad one.))

Recognizing a bad performance he'll buy everyone at the Line a round.

((On the council if he thinks he could get away with it, otherwise from his own pocket!))

Ash will thoroughly enjoy the evening (even the performance… let’s face it, Ben’s worst night is still better than most entertainers’ best nights!).

But she’d still be kicking herself, for getting grappled and tossed around by the giant toad. She could have died! She’d likely stick to milk for the night, if they have it, and keep a clear head.

And if Korrik would be up for some sparing in the early morning, she needs to practice her dodging ((uncanny dodge)) if he wanted to practice trying to getting in the odd ‘extra attack’, when she’s not expecting it.

Before going to sleep though, Ash would take a long bath, and then take twice as long drying and brushing her fur, before enjoying the bed and the clean sheets…