The depths of Inkopolis Bay were home to many creatures still roaming its waters, untouched from the crystals lining Alterna's walls, some dared stray into salmonid territory before being scared off-or devoured by its barbaric inhabitants. The school of salmonids in these parts bore shimmering scales, and golden equipment they wielded, bearing their mark of the Golden Hoarders.
Some stray fish swimming too close to the giant mounds of treasure littering their domain before rushing away from handfuls of coins sliding down as bubbles came out from the gaps left behind. Salmonids lined up in organised rows, clutching different riches to offer as they waited, the guards hitting their tridents on the seafloor rhythmically to signal the bartering period.
Salmonid Guard 1: The bartering hour has begun!
From the mounds of treasure, two golden eyes opened, their glow piercing the murky depths. A massive Horrorboros emerged from beneath the piles of gold, shedding coins and jewels as he lazily swam around his hoard before settling himself back down atop them. This was Krynnos, the Overlord of the Ring of Prosperity, the Hoarder of Fortune. Krynnos surveyed the lineup before him, watching as they offered various trinkets, which he graciously took, exchanging them for polished gold equipment.
As the line shrank in size, one salmonid swam forward, empty-handed. The guards immediately alerted, readied their tridents to strike.
Salmonid Guard 2: What business do you have?! You don't barter if you have nothing, THIEF!
Salmonid: I-I-I... have-
Before the guards went to thrust their tridents forward, the heard the waters rumble around them with Krynnos' greedy voice.
Krynnos: Let them speak!
The guards all reluctantly lowered their tridents as Krynnos slithered closer, his immense form towering over the spooked salmonid. His golden eyes gleamed equal parts intrigue and caution.
Krynnos: Speak. What brings you here?
Salmonid: T-The messengers of the different tribes... They speak of a meeting happening.
Krynnos: Mmm...Who is hosting this meeting?
Salmonid: Cadavere, the Sovereign is hosting!
They shrank back as Krynnos sighed deeply, fearing they'd misspoken. The serpent reclined on his treasure mound, clearly displeased as he curled his tail around a particularly large pile of gold, spreading it about.
Krynnos: Great... That foul-smelling thing. Cadavere can wait until the bartering hour is over. Leave now.
Krynnos watched the salmonid scramble away, leaving the line intact as the bartering continued in relative peace. Krynnos resumed his usual transactions, though the thought of the meeting nagged at him, souring his mood further. Time dragged on, each offering feeling more tedious than the last. Finally the hour ended, and the last of the bartering salmonids dispersed, he turned towards two of his loyal guards and gave out orders.
Krynnos: You two will come with, the rest of you, guard my treasure.
Salmonid Guards: At once!
They all struck their tridents against the seafloor in unison before swimming up to encircle the gold mounds. Krynnos, accompanied by his chosen guards, disappeared into the murky depths, swimming toward the isle beneath the ringed cloud.