Scene 2: Meeting Syndra

After dinner where you share your findings you all go to merchant prince's Wakanga O'tamu Villa. Guards at the gates appears to be well informed of your arrival and welcome you to enter the villa, demanding to put into a storage room any weapons you have

You are then accompanied to a pleasant, breezy, tiled courtyard includes a splashing fountain and green plants. Villa is lit with continual flame spells, and soft music (created by magic) plays throughout.
You are welcome to refresh yourself in a washroom to the left of the entrance before meeting. Meeting will take place int the sitting room to the right. Please proceed there. Syndra will be there as soon as she can guard informs you politely, but stritc.

You can see the sitting area through the decorative columns support the arched doorway main. Rugs and comfortable pillows are arranged on the floor. Narrow windows look into the garden to the right. As you take time to look into the garden you see ferns, potted palms, orchids, and other tropical flowers are cultivated in the garden, which is open to the sky.

Ren will take a few moments to freshen up. He was clean when he left the inn, but the very walk to the meeting had left him less than presentable. The heat... it wasn't as draining as yesterday, but Ren was still sweating from the exertion. He wasn't a proud young man, but he didn't want to be an embarassment.

Once he was reasonably presentable again, Ren moves to the meeting room, finding a pillow and taking a seat.

Elster will thank the guards, and then uses the washroom. Not wanting to waste time, or be considered rude, he heads straight for the sitting room. He doesn't sit, but instead stands where he can look out the window towards the garden, but without turning his back toward the room's entrance. "Nothing to do now but wait." he says out loud, yet to no one in particular.

"And sweat..." Larsie responds.

She had briefly considered visiting the restroom to at least splash some water on her face, but realized it would just be a temporary reprieve from the oppressive humidity, and decided against it.

"...although this is much more comfortable than being outside. I wouldn't be too upset if Syndra showed up a little late." she added, sitting cross-legged on one of the pillows.

"This feels a lot better than trodding outside in the rain" Yendil laughs. Being indoors and in trusted company he casts Prestidigitation to remove the rain and sweat from his person. "Hey Tonby and Larsie, did you find the priest of Torm?" as he finds a pillow to sit and wait for Syndra.

"We did, yes. A lone woman by the name of Undril who hasn't been here much longer than us from the sounds of it. She was under the impression that her journey to Camp Vengeance would be a straightforward ride and now realizes that is not the case. I think she's at a little bit of a loss as to what to do next."

"If we decide that this Camp Vengeance is of interest to our mission, it may not be a bad idea to have her tag along with us during the journey."

Larsie pauses for a moment and repositions herself on the pillow.

"Any luck helping Razira?"

Elster just groans and mumbles under his breath.

"I'll take that as a 'no'."

How are you my friends? Syndra takes a seat immediately. Talking slow as if tired.
She share The good news are - I've got an investor. You can spendup to 250 gp. Is it enough
to organize expedition? Do you have the list of spendings for our sponsor approval? And have you decided already where to go? she opens her map expecting you to share the plan of the expedition.

Tonby had freshened up before coming to the meeting. "Laris about covered that." Tonby would have said after Laris explained the situation with the priest.

"I am well and hope you are as well," Tonby said politely trying to get the formalities out of the way. "I believe we should head up river to Camp Vengeance and start from their, but that is just me. We are also looking for a suitable guide. Tonby didn't want to speak for everyone. "I will let someone else fill you on the specifics."

"I am well enough," Ren replies. "As I hope you are."

"I'm feeling good, well, considering this environment, exploring this city has been wonderful. How are you doing? Is the heat making it harder for you, or is it easing your aches?" as he wipes the sweat from his brow. "We've seen a big part of the city, but haven't really met someone who I felt could enlighten us about the inland of Chult. I did find some posters of guides that looked promising, but haven't gotten into contact with them. I'm hoping to find them later. As you might know, they charge 5gp a day, with a 30-day pay in advance, so that comes to 150p at least." Yendil says to Syndra. Looking at the others he shares what he found on the posters. "I found three more posters, and I liked the experience of Salida, the motives of Eku. Hew did seem fearless, but also came across as someone who wouldn't steer us away from danger. So I'd like to meet Azaka, Eku, and Salida before we make a decision, what do you think? Perhaps you Syndra, or merchant prince Wakanga could give some insight into these guides?"

"I'm doing well, still adjusting to the environment, but well nonetheless. I hope the weather hasn't been too unpleasant for you?"

---

"I do think meeting with some of the guides mentioned would be ideal - I'd hate to get lost before we even really got started. But I think our only real lead at this point is Camp Vengeance as Tonby mentioned. We did meet a member of their order that is looking for some traveling companions to make the trip; it would certainly help with our introductions and it may serve as a convenient layover before we move deeper inland - assuming they'd allow it, of course."

"What if," Yendil mutters to no one in particular, "we paid a guide a good amount of gold coins, to just share their information of the map? I imagine they don't want to give that information easily, but maybe one of them could be swayed for the right price?"

"Would certainly save some coin..." Larsie says "...but I would expect having someone with us, in case something unexpected happened along the way, would also be a huge benefit, despite the cost."

"Honestly, a bit overwhelmed. Trying to adapt to the new surroundings, and the heat, and the culture, all while trying to stop this mysterious curse, is . . . a lot. But we've a job to do, so we'll figure it out, and press on.
I hope lining up an investor for us wasn't too much trouble for you."

"Syndra, perhaps you have heard of a guide that you would like to recommend?" Tonby asked politely. He figured the less logistics for the this job he had to do the better but he also knew that the right people for the job will make it go smoother.

I'm OK. Will survive, at least for now. Don't want to rush you, but I... we - don't have much time left. Weeks, maybe months.
Her note is a reminded to everyone of you about the fate of your beloved and how time is of an essence to them.

OK, let's look at the map. Camp Vengeance is almost 200 miles if you follow the river Soshenstar or less if you try through the jungle. And You choose this direction because .... ? However. The decision is yours. I believe in you.


Syndra use magic to communicate with Wakanga who is your sponsor and confirms he will cover your 150 gp advance payment for guide. It will leave you with 100 more. Do you know what special equipment you would need in this thousands of miles long expedition? I guess guide could help you understand that...

Neither Syndra nor Wakanga have any insight on any particular guide however (never even met any of them). You will need to do your own research.

" I don't know about the rest, but my preference for going through Camp Vengeance is that we would have a chance at a safe point deep in the jungle of Chult. Somewhere we might fall back to if we need to recover? The rest of the map is blank and unknown territory. If we find the right people to provide information, then we could make a more informed decision." Yendil waits a moment before he continues with a less confidence in his voice "But I feel like we're still just grasping at straws at the moment"

"Thanks for reconfirming and establishing contact with Jabal, that will help speeding thing up."

"The camp is a ways out, but the people who are there have been out there. I would assume -- hopefully not incorrectly -- that some of them would possess knowledge on the jungles that we both don't have, and need," Ren points out.

"We have to start somewhere."

Safe point, huh. If you fall back there will be no reinforcement for you I'm afraid.
Syndra share some pieces of advice though. She don't insist they to be of a big help, but that's all she could imagine to be of a help:

First: there should be quite few adventurers and treasure seekers in Port Nyanzary who have tried their luck finding treasures in the abandoned ruins and settlements through the chult.

Second: if you still decide going east I recommend seeking Mbala, approximately maker on the map. It was once the seat of a small kingdom, but most importantly - it is a an easy to defend place high in the mountains. There could still be some people living despite undead roaming around. And - you will be able to get a better view of surroundings from atop

Finally she say that she is not feeling too well and would like to have her sleep.
I will be waiting you tomorrow same time. Looking forward to hear your decision on spending the last 100 gp. Anything else before you go?

"You need your rest, and we have work to do. As you said... we don't have a lot of time. Until tomorrow," Ren says, dipping his head slightly.

"It may be wise to save the remaining coin for unexpected expenses. Sounds like we'll be picking a guide tonight, and headed out as soon as possible after checking in with you tomorrow. Thank you for all your assistance." Elster says with a nod, and waits until the others are ready to head back to the inn.

Larsie nods politely towards Syndra as she leaves. "Until tomorrow."

"Thank you for your time Syndra, see you tomorrow," Tonby says as he gives a respectful bow of his head before he departs.

"Sounds like it's a good option to try and find adventurers that have been out there exploring. Learn what they encountered and what other knowledge they may share. Outside of enough rations for the trip I'm at a loss as to what kind of equipment we should bring. Outside of ammunition and such. Until tomorrow Syndra" Yendil slightly bows his head.

As Syndra has left the room, Yendil tries to make a plan of action with the others. "Well okay, I was trying to see a dinosaur race before we leave, but I feel like we need to focus and get our heads into the game. Let's head out to pick a guide for our trip. Maybe we should split the party to increase our chances at different inns? Outside of checking if they could be the right fit for us, should we ask them for advise on equipment and where to get it? I've already spent an afternoon in town with Tonby, and today with Elster. Larsie and or Ren, shall we team up for the evening? How about we reconvene at Kaya's around breakfast to share our findings and think of a plan to do during the day? Or do you reckon we should meet up sooner to get more done before we meet with Syndra again?"

On your way to Kaya’s House of Repose Elster notive the thief he met other day: the thief is wasting his time at red bazaar and obviously notices you, though he is hiding well the fact.

Those who return to Kaya’s House of Repose: if anyone asks bartender about dinosaur race he informs that due to heavy rain there will be no race tonight. After just a few moment a person comes into the inn, shakes hands with bartender who waves him toward your table.

A 4 feet 5 inches short dwarf approach your table. Or perhaps a creature similar to dwarf, because this one white hair and skin while his eyes are pink. I am Musharib, jungle guide at your service! he introduces while approaching

Elster, noticing a familair face in the crowd at the bazaar, excuses himself from the rest of the group. "I'll catch up with you lot later, good luck finding us a guide." After cautiously approching the thief, he quietly says "Didn't see you after dinner" to start up a conversation.

"Count me in, Yendil." Larsie responds. "Where we headed?"

Tenday 1. Day 2. Evening

Tonby headed back to Kaya's.

"Greetings and well met Musharib," Tonby says with a friendly smile. "Before you ask, yes we are looking for a jungle guide. Now, could you tell us about your skills, and why you would be the right guide for me and my companions?"

"If the others are going to Kaya's, maybe we could scout out the Thundering Lizard? Haven't been there yet, and we might meet another guide than in Kaya's. Maybe even an adventurer or treasurer that has some experience in Chult." As they start walking, Yendil proposes an other location. "During the day Elster and I went through the Grand Souk. I'm not sure if it's open during the evening, but we might encounter knowledgeable adventurers or treasurers there?"

"Let's try the Grand Souk first then, see what we can find out, and then move on to the Thundering Lizard. Tonby and I were at the Lizard earlier, but didn't do too much in the way of looking for guides, as we were discussing things with Undril. With any luck we'll run into her, like to get another person's take on her. I'm sometimes a bit naive when dealing with people..."

On your way back toward red bazaar you notice Grand Souk is closing: most merchants are still there and locking their trade goods in chests. Numerous guards are the only people walking through the Grand Soak and not leaving it.

Seeing the Grand Souk as a dead end for their search tonight, "Okay, we can cross this of the list. Let's continue to the Thundering Lizard."

Tenday 1. Day 2. Evening. Thundering Lizard inn

When Larsie and Yendil enter Thundering Lizard they are surprised by noisy atmosphere: inn is full with people drinking Tej, laughing and singing the songs played by a couple of Tabaxi Minstrels. Undril is nowhere to be seen.

There are no free tables left, though at some bigger tables there are only one or a few persons sitting and barmen insist you not to be shy and join any table after buying a drink.

"First round is on me" Yendil says with a smile to Larsie. He gives 1sp to the barmen, asks for two mugs of tej, and asks"Have you seen any guide or adventurer tonight? We're want to go in the jungle, and need someone with experience to teach us. There's a silver in it for you" Yendil says with a wink.

"Much appreciated!" Larsie thanks Yendil as she takes a sip from the mug while they await the bartender's answer.

Tenday 1. Day 2. Evening. Thundering Lizard inn

Guides frequent in this place. I don't mind them talking to customers. They are fun to talk to.
Adventurers... everyone has some adventures in their life. Here in Port Nyanzaru adventuring is the lifestyle. the talkative halfing bartender would keep talking if not for other people waiting in a queue to get their drinks served.
She rings a bell to demonstrate her gratitude for the tips.

Larsie and Yendil joins a table with a pair of rough looking persons talking about fighting undead and dinosaurs in the jungles. You spend quite some time talking with them, but after a lot of bravado and some drinking they finally share that they just recently decided to start treasure hunting career and have acquired: They share what they know: it’s easy enough to launch an expedition from Port Nyanzaru without a charter. The only risk is that if a Flaming Fist patrol runs into an expedition without a charter, it will attack the expedition and confiscate its gear.

Ren will return to his room. His goal is the expedition itself, the others can run about all they want until then.

Larsie will take note of the Charter of Exploration and ask Syndra about it at their next meeting. While looking for another table, she remarks to Yendil.

"This charter seems like a rather important piece of information to learn at this stage. Have you heard of such a thing? Surely Syndra would have known about this? Of course, with how the weather is affecting me, it may just be possible that I just missed it during a conversation I've had since our arrival."

"Hehe yeah," Yendil laughs awkwardly while tugging at his collar, "I've never heard of of it as well and we should definitely ask Syndra and Wakanga about it. Sounds like a scam if you ask me. Barkeep, another round please!" as he hands over 8 cp.

Yendil notice strange and fresh looking battle scar on one of the laughing persons at a table you decide to join. The company you join seems to be seasoned treasure hunters and though they avoid talking about treasure hunting they share following information that seems to be trustworthy:

*Tribes of aarakocra live atop the mountains and plateaus of Chult. Locals call them Bird folk.

"This round's mine!" Larsie declares, flipping a silver piece to Yendil as he gets up to retrieve some more drink.

Still not sure what to make of the charter of exploration, she decides to ask the group at this table their thoughts on it.

"Sounds like quite a racket they've got going with this - do most explorer's play it safe and just purchase one?"

Laughing Gorge ... never been to? You must thee it for yourself. If you travel the Olung River you will not miss it. Magical proof of Chult had been during the monarchy ages. You know there are still some citizens who would prefer monarchy returning. Current situation is... he shuts up take a look around and quickly change theme.As you drink and continue talking you realize the pair has only been traveling along Olung River and wouldn't provide any new information. That's when a strange looking dwarf comes into the tavern and announce aloud he is a chult guide and asks if anyone be interested in his service

Yendil put his hands on the table, and stands up "Well, I guess we'll have to find out what the Laughing Gorge is ourselves than. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your drinks!" After Yendil takes a sip of his drink, he walks up to the guide. "Yeah, I'd be interested in what you can offer! My name is Yendil, and who are you?" extending his hand to greet him. Yendil purposefully doesn't introduce Larsie, so she can decide for herself if she does that, or hangs back to observe the guide.

Musharib, jungle guide. And you ?

Larsie will do her best to fit into the crowd and watch; not just Yendil's interaction with the dwarf, but other's reaction to him as well.

"Since you've come from the Kobold mountains," Yendil lays out his map on the table they're sitting at, "What is between those mountains and Soshentar? I've got a point that says Mbala, but other than that I've got nothing. Anything you could share with me directly on the map?"

Forest. Forest and rivers. Well there is also a hill and you can see the Heart of Ubtao from afar. Is it a test or something? Is it because I'm a dwarf that you don't trust me to be able to guide you ?Larsie see people at some of the tables recognize Musharib's. Few whispers to each other obviously looking at the albino dwarf. None of the looks seem angry, rather evaluating. Is it because of his outfit that does not fit the normal citizen dressing or for his reputation - it is hard to tell from just looking at the people though.

Musharib himself looks confident and standing there in the middle of the pub despite all ayes on him and Yendil.
That is until Yendil start asking him questions other than related to his guide skills - that's when dwarf seems to get annoyed.

Musharib were about to leave, but words of appreciation for the traditions of dwarvenfolk changes his mind. You don't know about Heart of Ubtao? You must see it. I will not spoil you the wonder, besides you would never believe me until you see it yourself.
In Chult we say better to see once than hear a thousand times.
He is not impressed with your map nevertheless and don't even look at it. He whispers like thinking aloud rather than talking to you: who knows maybe it is your artefact that keeps it there

Larsie, starting to feel the effects of the drink, has had enough and is ready to head back to Kaya's for the evening.

"So we can see the Heart of Ubtao from a great distance? You are making me curious Musharib!" Seeing that he won't get information to put on his map, he rolls it up and stows it. With a quieter voice "[f=color:darkturquoise bold]The artefact
"So, before we decide on employing you, can I summarize your skills so I won't forget? You're a native, so you know the land rather well. You're a warrior with a magical way to communicate with nature. You know of certain ancient sites and possible traps. Do you also know of plenty places we can seek shelter if the need arises? If I'm correct, our expedition will last longer that a few tenday's, so we will need safe spaces in the jungle so to speak. Also, apart from rations, what equipment could come in handy on the trip?"

---

As Musharib is leaving, Yendil sees that Larsie is ready to leave the inn and he walks up to her. "Did you hear what Musharib muttered to himself? Your artefact could keep it there. What an ominous thing to say! What do you think he meant with that?"
Yendil turns inward for a second, pondering about what was said.
"Oh yeah you we're leaving, sorry Larsie. I'll stay for maybe just one more. I feel like I need to try a little bit harder before I can turn in"

Jungle is safe place if you know it like i do. Equipment depend in your party size, abilities, plans and most importantly - your budget. Guide job begins in Port Nyanzaru, not in the jungle he explain it is included in the cost one of the most important reasons you need to pay 30 day in advance: expedition preparation is a a whole process, not just a checklist of fulfill.

"That's reassuring Musharib! Thanks for your information. I'll share what you've told me with the others, and we'll find you if we'll pick your expertise." Yendil looks at Musharib, to check one last thing. With a quieter "Sorry, but your words did not fall on deaf ears. The artefact could keep it there. About the Heart of Ubtao I believe. What did you mean by that?"

After Musharib en Larsie left, Yendil walks up to the bar, orders two tej, and looks for the next person to give a drink to and ask a few things.

Musharib just waves a hand saing something like "don't take it into account. If that was artifact someone would have stolen it by now. Rather Ubtao will as people say."
He wouldn't go into more details though. Doesn't feel comfortable talking about this topic

"I'm not quite sure what he meant by that. A rather odd thing to mutter."

Hearing that Yendil is intending on staying for just one more drink, Larsie will stay as well.

"I guess I can stay for one more..."

Larsie manage to find a table with three adventurers who has already worked with Flaming Fist and their group are currently planning to visit Merzo ruins (Mezro was the largest civilized population center in Chult centuries ago), but the three at the table are unsure if that is a good idea. The city of Mezro was not destroyed during the Spellplague after all. Its ruins are an illusion. I heard a pale-skinned man whisper this to a dinosaur man with a big sword. The dinosaur man smelled like honeysuckle.
Through the conversation they decide not to go to the city because there is no loot to be found in an illusory city.

Yendil stand next to Larsie, and quietly says to her. "Illusions of ruins that elude a city not destroyed by the spellplague? Would that mean that someone wants to protect that city from outsiders? That would also mean that there is something of great value to be discovered. Maybe even our artifact itself, or a bit of knowledge about it?" Taking a look at his map, he adds "Merzo is at the mouth of the river Olung. We could combine that with what we heard about the captive royal heir? Probably should've asked Musharib about his experience on that side of the country..."

Yendil will recall details of Spellplague in the morning. From the further conversation he understand that Flaming Fist have been to the Mezro ruins several times but keep going there hoping to find something more. The talker believes that meaning of what pale-skinned man said is that the ruins are fake

Yendil turns to Larsie as he made a sudden realization "We should've asked Musharib about that Flaming Fist Charter! Ah well, we'll ask Syndra tomorrow like you said. I imagine that we should return to Kaya's, and see how the others have fared. Or do you have something else on your mind Larsie?"

"No, nothing else on my mind, just a bit tired is all. Been a long couple of days and I'm still not sure what to make of all of it." Larsie replies

"I think we'll learn all that we need to know about the charter from Syndra. Although I'm still a bit puzzled as to why it wasn't mentioned sooner. Seems like quite an important detail to leave out, don't you think?"

Larsie lets out a tired sigh.

"With all the information that's been gathered so far, I'm still not sure where to start. The Mezro ruins do sound like a strong lead, especially if the Flaming Fists keep returning there. Maybe the others will have picked up on some other leads as well. So, yes, let's return to Kaya's and see what they've learned.]"

Yendil and Larsie goes back to Kaya's through the rain. Entering Kaya's they notice Elster and Tonby chatting at a table and join them