Scene 3: hiring a guide

Tenday 1. Day 2. Evening. Kaya's inn
I'm an albino dwarf. Do you know what that means? We live in Chult jungle. We make armor out of dinosaur hide; shape weapons out of sacred wood. .

He note indirectly jungle are their second home for other guides, while first for him. You can notice ornate jewelry made out of bones, feathers, tusks, and stone beads on this dwarf and his hide armor seems to indeed be made of dinosaur hide.

But I'm more that a warrior. I am able to talk with the nature. Literally. My magic could even help to hide you in jungles

"Those do sound like fine skills to have to survive outside the city," Tonby was quite interested in hearing more from the is man. "Can you tell me, how deep have you been in the jungle and what you know of the area around camp vengeance?"

Deep? I come from the Kobold Mountains at the west cost. More than 300 miles away from here. Not deep enough for you?
Camp vengeance ? Never hear. Why ask? If you want to ambush same human camp, I'm not interested.

"Nothing like that, it's the camp of the Order of the Gauntlet, Priests of Torm and we were thinking of heading up river and starting our expedition from there," Tonby replies, hoping to not put the Dwarf off. "Would that be a problem for you?"

"That's them, and I am just going by what I have heard around the city and from the one member I have met," Tonby replies. "It is good to talk to someone with reliable information. What is the house of the Crocodile?

"I had heard the story but didn't know the shrines name, thank you for that," Tonby said politely. "Do many of the ancient sites have active traps or is that something unusual?"

There is nothing usual in chult Musharib notes mysteriously. I guess any site that not well protected against treasure hunters are plundered already. Or not hidden well deep into the jungles. People have been hunting treasures for decades. Not complaining as it keeps me employed. he shuts up as if said too much and comment more to himself than to you: Enough to be truthful with you. I believe I've provided you with enough to make the decision. If you still can't decide you can always hire me through Jabal Musharib excuse himself and rush out of the tavern, leaving Tonby alone with his thoughts.

Tonby will get a drink and wait.

It takes about an hour but next guide approach you at your table after talking to bartender. Midde-aged local woman wearing light blue robes and carries a fancy walking stick carved like a snake of sorts
Hello. My name is Eku and I'm a jungle guide. Are you looking for opportunity yo pillaging the antiquity of Chult ?

"Not exactly pillaging but me and my company are seeking a guide," Tonby replies between sips of his drink. "Do you know the area around the House of the Crocodile?"

House of the Crocodile? she pause before continue I bet you mean the old temple that looks like a crocodile. South of the river Soshenstar jungles are full of undead. pause again as if considering something yes I know the area.

"One of the other guides called it that," Tonby says with a chuckle. "That's good though, we were possibly looking to head up river to that area to begin our expedition. Tell me, how long have you been a guide?"

Is it a real question? What a pity... she seems upset not angry or something, just sad You really thin to ask that to every guide and hope for honest answer? I tell you what you can double check: A small portion goes to pay off the merchant prince Jobal. The rest I give to charity. Visit Malar’s Throat. Meet people who can't afford live protected by city walls....
That moment you notice another dwarf approach bartender, Eku notice him as well and add Here comes Hew. He is saving every gold piece he earn hoping to start his merchant business.


She leave inn and the dwarf with only one arm approach you:


Hew Hackinstone, guide he introduces himself
I’ve stood atop every mountain in Chult. I know every gorge and crevice, every plateau and trail. My memory is an iron trap. I forget nothing. Trust a dwarf, I always say, because a dwarf will never steer you wrong.

Fearless, I am. There’s no dragon, beast, or undead horror that scares me. You want a guide who runs away at the first sign of danger? No! You want a dwarf, and I’m the toughest dwarf around. Red dragon bit off my arm, yet here I stand! Takes more than a dragon to stop Hew Hackinstone!

Looks like he knows the monologue from the top of his head, he add then in a slower peace:

If you, huh - not decided yet on the location you want to visit... I have one ! The best quality Dwarf made weapons and armor and their treasures - it awaits you!

When Eku walks off Tonby just thinks to himself that yeah, he wants an experienced guide that isn't going to abandon them or leave them to die in some ruins, so of course he will ask. When the well rehearsed Dwarf finishes his sales pitch Tonby looks him square in the eyes and says, "I'm not interested in dwarven treasure. What else you got?"

With a short "that's a shame" Hew turns around and leaves the inn. Leaving Tonby alone after waiting about hour more bartender suggests that there are hardly going to be more guides tonight.

Tonby will wait for the others to return before heading to bed. He would at least like to figure out how they faired and give his recommendation of Musharib as their guide. Tonby likes his directness and honesty, and he seems very competent.

At some moment Tonby have that strange feeling someone or something is trying to reach his mind, trying to read him.

Tonby, as you shake it off you look around for whoever were trying to reach your mind and only notice some movement through the window, but too late to understand who it was. You believe you may probably catch the person if you run out of the inn quickly now, would you?

Tonby will get up quickly get up and head out to see if he can get a beat on whomever this person is.

Tonby runs out of the Inn having that feeling that he could remember what he saw out of the window any moment and runs ring into Elster, who is returning back. Surprised to see the person he captured just few days ago But the vision of the person he saw in the vision is gone with that. Streets are still full of people and he can't guess who he saw.

Yendil and Larsie join you a few minutes later, smelling of Tej.

While they are seated, Elster finishes the last of his water, takes a deep breath, and tells the group what he's learned. "Surprisingly, the contact I made informed me that there are 'Beggar Princes'. A criminal council mockery of the Merchant Princes. Not surprisingly, Atumwa the one I met in the Old City, was only interested in what I could for him. He was very interested to know if I had access to any places that I shouldn't. They also don't seems to like the Ytepka Society, but only offered to help Razira if she stayed with them in the Old City and worked there."

Tonby glances around one last time before returning inside with his "criminal" companion. He joins him at the table and listens to what he learned about the city's underworld and if it was actually worth helping Razira in such a fashion. "Of course, they will use her just like the Merchant Prince's and Ytepka society would. Either way she will lose her freedom in some fashion." Tonby didn't like this place. At least in Baldur's Gate she would have a chance to prove she meant no harm rather than simply being branded a criminal or worse.

"We will have to discuss how we plan to help her later," Tonby said between sips of his water. "As for a guide, I met two or three interesting people. One was most assuredly selling lies. The others were at least capable sounding. I have to recommend we hire Musharib, the Dwarf. He seemed the most practical, experienced, and well traveled guide I met." He did want the others to speak their peace but there was something else first. "There is one more thing. Just now before Elster returned someone, not sure who, tried to read my mind. I caught a flash of them and somebody watching me through the window but I didn't manage to catch them. That's when Elster ran into me at the door."

"A shady underground criminal council that mirrors a shady above ground council. Sounds like that could go hand in hand. We could tell Razira what you were told Elster, so she can decide for herself, even though we advise against it. It's her life that is on the line, not ours." Yendil sighs.
Listening to Tonby talking about Musharib "We also met him in the Thundering Lizard! A bit grumpy, but wasn't to shabby in sharing with us. He seems to know a lot about the lay of the land, and his skills could compliment ours almost perfectly if I'm not mistaken in your capabilities." Yendil says as he looks around the table. Continuing "He also told about the Heart of Ubtao. I have no clue as to what it is, just that it's visible from far, and a wonder to behold. I've told him that we're looking for a specific artifact, without naming it, and he muttered "who knows maybe it is your artefact that keeps it there". When asked what he meant he waved it away, "don't take it into account. If that was artifact someone would have stolen it by now. Rather Ubtao will as people say.". Rather ominous if you ask me, but maybe he'll share more if we end up hiring him. He also said that the guiding begins in Port Nyanzaru, with preparation for the expedition.

We were also told about a charter of exploration. It's a 50gp downpayment to Flaming Fist, and we have to split the found treasures with them. We can get up to six mercenaries for 1gp/day each. If we don't, a flaming fist patrol could attack us and steal our gear. We haven't seen that many Flaming Fist agents in the city, but we should still check this with Syndra, as it sounds like a swindle to us.

Heard a tale about bird folk inhabiting a monastery that hangs on the side of a plateau many miles up the Olung River, past the Laughing Gorge. The bird folk are holding the last royal heir of Chult as their prisoner. Tribes of aarakocra live atop the mountains and plateaus of Chult. Locals call them Bird folk. There are still people that would prefer the monarchy returning. They find the current situation less desirable.

Last thing we heard was about the ruins of the city of Mezro. It was understood to be destroyed during the Spellplague, hence it's marked as a ruin on our map. But according to what we overheard, is that that is an illusion. The Flaming Fist has been to the ruins several times, but keep going back hoping to find something more. The people we heard talking about it concluded for themselves that it is probably fake, and pointless to go there.

Although Musharib was the only guide we met tonight, I think I agree with Tonby. Up to this point Musharib sounds like a solid choice. What do you think Larsie and Elster?"

Larsie listens to Yendil relay the information that they learned during their excursion to the Thundering Lizard and doesn't have much more to add. And while she finds the politics of the princes and beggar princes somewhat interesting, she feels most of it won't matter once they've left the city and have started their search.

"I am interested in getting Syndra's thoughts on the charter and whether she thinks the Flaming Fists would be trustworthy if we were to hire a few of them as guides."

She is still bothered by the fact that she had heard of the Iron Fists' charter second hand, rather than from Syndra herself, feeling that it was an awfully important piece of information not to share, considering what her and the others are being asked to do.

"Musharib seems like a reasonable and knowledgeable fellow. I'd have no issue hiring him as our guide."

"Sorry, there's obviously a lot of info to process here. And I'm a bit concerned that our patron didn't tell us some of this herself. Not sure if she prefers us to come into the situation blind, or has something else up her sleeves.
As for a guide, I may be biased, but a dwarf sounds great." he adds with a slight smile.

You continue talking but eventually get to your beds and decide to meet in the morning to decide your next day plans.Tenday 1. Day 3. Morning. Kaya's
Sitting around the table and having nice breakfast you finally feel quite ok. Still sweating, but got used to that. But most importantly - your head works just fine.

Tonby will sit in silence contemplating the previous nights events over breakfast. He knew something else was at play here but wasn't sure yet. He eats his meal quietly unless someone has something specific to ask him or his input is absolutely required.

"Good morning Tonby! How are you? What are your plans for today? I was thinking, if we have to pay 5gp per day to Musharib, should we employ him immediately, or shall we wait a few days while we're working on other stuff, like helping Razira? " Looking at Larsie when she sat down "Larsie, I was thinking last night, you told that the priest at the temple of Savras can find objects through visions right? Could he also find" Yendil whispers after quickly looking around the room "the Soulmonger?"

"It is possible, but I feel that Grandfather Zitembe may take some convincing to help us. I get the feeling that he believes most people want to take advantage of his connection to Savras for their own gain. I could pay him a visit this morning and ask him directly for help."

Larsie pauses to take a few bites of her meal.

"We would need some time, however, as the ritual takes at least a day."

"Do we know the last person to posses the Soulmonger? We may have better luck getting Grandfather Zitembe to find them" Elster ask.

Yendil raises his arms and leans back "I have got no clue how it all works, so Elster could be very right, it's definitely worth finding out! Finding and destroying this artifact is not for out own gain, so maybe you are able to convince him Larsie? With preperations, and other things on our check list, I believe we'll be in the Port for at least half a tenday, so I guess that the ritual time is not an issue."

"I will talk to the Grandfather and see if he would be willing to help."

"I have something I need to check on but that is about it," Tonby says reluctantly. "Do what you need to do to hire him, we will need his knowledge to gather the proper supplies." He looked to the others. "Anything you can learn about it will be a great help but something tells me that most likely whomever had it last is out there in the jungle, most likely dead."

While you are eating bartender approach your table and try to make it as polite as possible but point out that you begin to stink after 2 days of sweating
Port Nyanzaru is a very clean city thanks to the cleansing rain, and its residents are also scrupulous about hygiene. Most would be repulsed by the thought of a day without a bath. Dozens of small bathhouses across the city operate like private clubs, but the public bathhouse is open to everyone and is run by the priesthood of Sune.
There is no charge, you will just need to leave a donation of your choice to the temple of Sune

"Hehe, thanks for the hint Trak! Wouldn't wanna insult the people we rely on with our stinking odor. Could you give directions to the public bathhouse? I'll go there right after I've finished breakfast, anyone want to join me?" and Yendil looks around at his companions. "Oh, Trak, is there just one public bathhouse, or are there more in town? And unrelated to that, do you know if the Flaming Fist has taken residence in a building here in town? I might want to try and meet them later this week."

"I was thinking, Elster and I walked past the Hall of Gold yesterday, and it is supposed to be really impressive when the sun is shining upon it. I wanted to check that out, maybe try to make a friend while we're there.
If I still have time, I could go to Jabal and handle the business of hiring Musharib.
Considering Razira, I think we shouldn't stand and wait for a meeting with Kwayothé at Goldenthrone. I could try and ask Chiva, the merchant from Jewel's Market I met on our first day, maybe he has some insight or tips on the matter. If it's on route today, I'll quickly try to find him."

Yendil thinks about all the plans today for a moment, and realizes "Sounds like we've got a lot of things to tackle today, and not much time to achieve it. I'm a fan of working in teams, but I'm not sure how we could get that to work today."

Dozens of small bathhouses across the city operate like private clubs. barmen stress private - you can't get in there without invitation. He explain where is the big public one and how to best get thereOn the entrance requested to leave a donation to the temple of Sune "befitting your station in life".

Once inside many independent masseurs and masseuses are on hand to massage weary muscles - at the additional fee of course

"I'll also head to the public baths after breakfast. Then I'll track down Razira, and update her. Not sure how much time will be left until we have to meet our Patron again, but I want to see if i can pick up any rumors or leads regarding the soulmonger.

"A trip to the bathhouse does seem like wise first stop," Tonby says firmly and before the bartender walks away, he asks. "Does the city have library or a place academics?"

"I suppose a bath wouldn't hurt before I visit the Savras temple to talk to Grandfather Zitembe." Larsie says, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of using a public bathhouse.

"Afterwards I will visit Grandfather Zitembe and see if he would be willing to perform he ritual to help us locate the soulmonger. Should we meet up at some point this afternoon to discuss what we've figured out?"

Yendil looks at Larsies unease, and without adressing her directly, he asks the bartender "Hey Trak, do you know where we could get an invite to a private bathhouse? Are they like organizations we'll need to join to enter, corporations we can pay, or just owned by wealthy citizens?"

To his companions "I'll check out the Hall of Gold after, and after a quick lunch visit Jabal's villa to hire Musharib. Oh wait a second, we did not get the money from Syndra right? Maybe we should ask her for that first. It was 150gp right? 5gp a day, and a 30-day advance? I'm not that rich yet! Anyone wants to meet for lunch, or team up at Wakanga's villa after lunch?".Not knowing what to expect at the bathhouse, Yendil will donate 4 cp, and might give more on the way out if he thinks it's worth it. He will check the prices for a masseur.

There is no "a library" in the city, but you can seek some books and scrolls in Savras temple
You don't get an invite to a private bathhouse, you get an invite to an event in the bathhouse. Or - if you have enough money - you could even book one yourself.

Elster once again leaves his weapons and shield in his room, as he sets out with the others to the bathhouse.
Elster donates 1 silver at the public bath house, but looking in his coin purse, he makes a mental note that he can't afford to spend at the rate he has been.
After the bathhouse, he will head to Goldenthrone and talk to the guards. "Good Morning, I'm not looking for Kwayothé today, but checking to see if Razira is here looking for him?"

Yendil visit one of the masseurs and get involved into a long conversation and listen for advertisement and finally learn that "only today and only for him the price would be 9 sp.

As you enter the building you realize it consist of many smaller pools and saunas. Acolytes explain you the procedure typically takes an hour or two and the temperature in sauna is not high. Bathhouse is neither empty nor crowded you can take your bath in isolation or join a company. People are welcoming and open for chatting while the slow procedure takes place

Tonby will just head into a solo bath and get cleaned up. He was not one to be social in such a situation.

Elster also heads to a solo bath, but he does take a serpentine route and tries to eavesdrop on conversations as he walks.

Not entirely comfortable, Larsie will head directly to a solo bath. She wants to get in and get out.

Tonby is too busy to notice, but Larsie and Elster notice any amount is received with gratitude: be it 4 cp by Yendil or a gold by Tonby. Tonby, Larsie and Elster don't waste more time than necessary and move

Elster meets Razira. Woman is happy to see you and promise "merchant princes will be here soon, just need to wait a little bit more".

Larsie you meet Grandfather Zitembe at his temple. He recalls you and is happy to see a sister in faith.

Elster will sit next to Razira, impressed by her optimism. "I sincerely hope he does. I looked into other ways to keep you safe. But the only solution involves you moving out of the city. I'll wait with you for a while. Why don't you tell me a bit about what it was like growing up here . . . "

After his refreshing bath, Tonby heads to The temple of Savras. He is looking for books or information on the history of Chult and the winged Serpents that live here.

"It is good to see you again, Grandfather." Larsie greets Zitembe.

Not one to beat around the bush, she gets straight to the point.

"As you know, Grandfather, my companions and I are here in Chult to try and put an end to the cu..." remembering her past conversation with Zitembe, she pauses before the word "curse" is completely out of her mouth.

"...uhm... whatever it is that is affecting the souls of the once dead. We have learned of an artifact named the Soulmonger that we believe is the cause of all of this, but its location is unknown. I am here to ask if you would be willing to use your ability to ask Savras for help, so that we can retrieve the artifact and put all of this to end."

"Special price for me? I doubt that, but I'll come visit you after I've had my bath first." and Yendil will look for a pool with no more than 3-4 people to join. An hour or two is long, so he'd rather spend that in a company to chat about stuff, and hopefully, he might even learn something. Eventually he'll try to steer the conversation to the topic of expeditions. He'll try to avoid it being an interrogation, but will ask a questions like if they know people who have visited the jungle/inland of Chult, and what the general opinion is on these adventurers.
After the bath and chat, he'll take the masseur up on their offer. At the time of stepping into the bath, Yendil plans to visit the Hall of Gold after the bathhouse, but who knows what could come up in the bathhouse.

Yendil strange looks acolytes cast toward Tonby and decide to delay a bit, overhearing their conversation when you are gone. Acolytes are certainly surprised at who the mysterious rich person is.

---

Tonby and Larsie reach temple of Savras and split there.

Tonby talk to an acolyte about the books and chult creatures.
You may not find much of the information you seek, I'm afraid. Merzo used to be center of culture and all knowledge and books were concentrated there until it was destroyed during spellplague and all books gone. The only books we have comes from main continent. And the only book listing types of creatures I recall is book on celestials, I'm afraid. Talk to older locals for history of Chult and jungle guides for creatures that live in Chult.

---

Wait, what? Do you mean the source of it is the Chult ? It can't be true! It is affecting whole world not just our city!
Zitembe do not deny his ability to locate the object as you asked, he just can't believe it could be located in Chult. He wouldn't initially want to believe you and would question our source of information

---

Razira look at Elster as if he is not in his mind: Out of the city? How do you mean that? word by word you realize that locals are reflecting to the districts outside the city walls as outer city (still a city). When you explain that she would need to move to Old city, she is very much upset - it would basically mean she becomes a real criminal and need to learn to live among criminal. Still better than die. I would still like to try my chances with the prince first.

As you talk a Chultain woman well dress comes in accompanied by a retinue of aides and guards. Ekene-Afa whispers Razira ex-gladiator, prince of ... well basically any gear an adventure may want going into the chult, not just weapons.

Toward the end of the conversation in the pool, he'll casually ask the others if 9sp is a good price for a massage by that specific masseur, describing their looks to explain whom he is talking about.

If his fellow bathers say that 9sp is a normal price, Yendil will accept the offer, and pay for the massage. It is a lot, but it might be worth it.
If they say it is to high, Yendil will ask what a normal amount would be, and will try to negotiate that price with the masseur.

"Yes, I figured you wouldn't want to leave your home. Plus then you and I would both be in debt to the Beggar's Guild." Elster respectfully watches the former gladiator enter, then says to Razira,
"So a merchant Prince finally arrives, but she is not the one you need?"

Yendil
Yendil, people you talk to happen to talk about fishing and they share with you that 9sp is quite average price, best to their knowledge, though they don't "use it often" - you guess probably never. But they happen to share you following rumors:
There are giant snapping turtles in Snapping Turtle Bay. One of them is as big as a house. He’s known as King Toba, and his shell has gemstones embedded in it.

Massage procedure is pleasant and takes quite some time, more importantly masseur appears to know a lot of rumors and willing to share them. He confirms to also know rumors of charter of exploration and something that provide bit more details on dwarf guide desires:
Dwarves are determined to reclaim Wyrmheart Mine, but a red dragon lives there now. Haven’t seen one of them in a while.

Last but not least he share following:
Long ago, a peaceful tribe of fisherfolk called the Aldani angered Ubtao by catching and eating all the lobsters in a river. As punishment for their greed, they were all transformed into monsters that dwell in the Aldani Basin.

Elster
Razira suggest you to walk out of the house for to stretch your legs a bit and outside - when none could hear - she explain that her official business was not so prosperous and she actually do think that moving to old city isn't such a bad idea - housing is cheap there. Larsie
Based on Zitembe's reaction he recognize Harpers seems to believe you to tell truth. He still can't believe in validity of Harpers information and in organizations' true reasons in sharing tht info with you. Harpers. I know they have reputation of idealists. Wild-eyed idealists. But believe me - they are actually insufferable meddlers who could not keep their business to themselves. They are using you to implement their agenda. And now you to use me and my acolytes time for the same agenda.
He explains that he could gain some insight through clairvoyant dreams but it will require him and his acolytes to abandon their current duties and spend whole day performing the ritual

"I ask that you please help us, Grandfather. But if you choose not to, or are worried about what the Harpers may be up to, then I will of course respect your judgment."

Tonby not wanting to push his luck with the guides he will wait for Larsie.

Elster will wait a bit longer with Razira. He says "I feel that, the Beggar Price's offer, doesnt sound like a good deal for you. It also ask for me to take on extra risk.

A little dejected, Larsie leaves the temple and heads back to let the others know how it went. Finding Tonby tells him the story...

"Unfortunately I could not convince the good Grandfather to help us. I'm sure he'd take a donation, but I don't think I have nearly enough, and left without thinking to ask. Perhaps you could ask one of the acolytes what it would cost. I think they're sick of seeing me."

Yendil casually talks about fishing. He doesn't have much experience, but has caught his own diner in a river a few times. "A snapping turtle with gemstones embedded into the shell? And it's the size of a house?! Wow, that would be a sight to see..."
and Yendil makes a mental note to put it on his list to try and travel to the Snapping Turtle Bay if he happens to travel in the vicinity.

Though Yendil enjoys the massage, he finds it hard to completely relax and let go. There is a lot going on and a lot to keep track of. He is aware of the fact that time is not on their side, and he feels like they still have no clue where to start the expedition for the Soulmonger. The rumors shared by the masseur don't fall on deaf ears though, as Yendil will graps at any tiny bit of information available to him. "Are you talking about Musharib's clan, or is it another clan that wants to reclaim the mine? Or just dwarves from Chult in general?"

"They angered Ubtao? I've heard that name before... Do you know what Ubtao is? Sounds like they're some kind of deity. Where is this Aldani Basin?"

As the masseur seems to be in on the loop on a lot of rumors, Yendil will try to check some rumors with him. If they're true, or if he happens to know more about them. "What have you heard about the city of Merzo? Have you ever heard of the Ytepka Society? Does the name Artus Cimber ring a bell?"

It's late morning. Let's say still have 5-6 hours till the dinner (they eat dinner late in Chult). It would be reasonable to wait about hour more for prince late arrival, but not much more.

Yendil
A snapping turtle would be the last sight you see in your life. fishers laugh in response
You soon figure out masseur were only retelling you the rumors he hear from other clients and is not in position to provide any answers. Nevertheless he knows Ubtao. It's a creator of Chult and Founder of Mezro. The Father of the Dinosaurs he is trying to remember what he hear others to call it. But the only fact he knows it's a long forgotten deity.

Larsie and Tonby
You run into each other at temple of Savras before leaving temple.

"May I please inquire how much the appropriate donation to the temple to show our gratitude for this assistance should be?" Tonby asks cheerfully with a kind smile.

Acolyte explain that donation is a donation. He try to convince that the more you donate the better will be the results of the ritual and what not, but between the lines you understand that 25 gp would be minimum, though 50 would be more appropriate.

As Yendil is heading toward Hall of Gold he stuck for a moment in a sort of a traffic jam. He soon experiences an unusual sight - a woman rides in an elegant sedan chair accompanied by drummers, singers, dancers. Some poeple who look like acolytes accomany her distribute fistfuls of copper coins to the poor. You can see simple people love her.
Sibonseni, Mother of Prosperity: she is the chief priest of Waukeen* in Port Nyanzaru - you can learn that from the people aroundWhen procession passes you can finally make your way to the Hall of Gold just to figure out it is in fact temple to Waukeen. In an absence of the chief priest it's doors are still open, should you wish to speak to any acolyte.

Tonby looks to Larsie and says, "Another expense to add to the list. He chuckles. "I don't know about you but I am going to head to the Hall of gold." Tonby will then join Yendil at the hall of gold.

Tonby you meet Yendil in the so called Hall of gold, which is in fact temple to Waukeen (see previous post). There are a few acolytes to speak to.

"This expedition is getting more expensive by the minute. I was really hoping that the Grandfather would help..." Larsie responds with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

With nothing else planned before lunch, Larsie will tag along with Tonby to the Hall of Gold with the plan on keeping to herself unless needed.

Yendil , Tonby and Larsie figure out that temple to Waukeen is not just a place to worship. It is effectively works and bank and invests into stable businesses. They are using a sort of magic such as Augury spell to decide what business to support.
You would be introduced to temple’s charitable work as well as its support of civic improvements.

Razira and Elster spend rest of the time before Lunch waiting, but no other princess decide to show up today.

During the lunch your barmen remind you about the dinosaur racing that happen every evening in good weather and today is such a day

After the lunch you visit Jabal's villa and sign contract. Jabal explains that he will magically contact your chosen guide (i.e. using sending stone) and Musharib will meet you no later than tomorrow (most probably tonight). You pay staring next day after he meets you.

Before lunch, Elster stands up to leave. He tells Razira, "I'm afraid this is where our stories diverge. I'm sorry my friends and I couldn't help you. Best of luck to you Razira."

---

At lunch, Elster says to no one in particular, "Ya know, I think I would like to check out a dino race. Maybe tonight if nothing else comes up."

"Hey Tonby, did you see the procession just now? They were giving away coppers by the handful to the poor."
Hearing that the Hall of Gold/Temple of Waukeen acts as a kind of investment bank, he will approach an acolyte of Waukeen. "Excuse me, but did I understand correctly that you invest into businesses? Me and a couple of friends our setting out on an expedition to end the death curse, and we could use all the help we can get. Is there a possibility to get an investment from this temple?" Yendil says with hope in his voice. He's well aware that they're not a stable business, but he considers it worth a shot.

---

"I'd love to join you Elster, but I'm feeling a bit rushed for the expedition at the moment."

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"Lord Jabal, we are meeting an investor later this evening, and we would like to share a list of expenses with them. Is there anyway we could meet with Musharib in an hour or two?"

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After the meeting with Jabal, Yendil says to the others "What if we postpone the meeting with Syndra until after we've met with Musharib, and done the ritual with Grandfather Zitembe? We will have a lot more information then, and could give some more viable answers about costs and maybe even a time frame."

Jabal : I have no idea where Musharib is at the moment, knowing him - most probably in the jungle. I will send message to meet you as soon as he possibly can. That all I can do for you he explain that magical item he has only allow to send message one way.

Later today Musharib never find you before it is time to meet with Syndra.

Acolyte in the Temple of Waukeen: Yes we invest into profitable business. What's your business plan again? Exactly how do you plan to earn money?

Elster goes to check out a dino race before it begins and asks around about if there's any danger to the spectators, and how betting works, etc. He learn that a typical race day has three races: one for four-legged beasts, one for two-legged beasts, and one no-holds-barred "unchained" race. The unchained one has a risk to the riders, but any spectator who stay withing safe distance has never been killed.

Probably because of the risk everyone is free to try riding in unchained race, organizers will rent you dinosaur for the race at no cost. The winner get 10 GP prize and fame.
Bets can be for a dinosaur to win, place, show, or do something specific during the race (like attack another racer or throw its rider), so many bets can win in the course of a single race. While talking with person organizing bets he suddenly ask you if you would be interested to earn some money. You seem like capable person and if you have just as capable friends I will pay you 10 percent of whatever is collected on the 500 gp debt, which is owed by a man named Taban (who is professional gladiator and quite capable man).

Elster raises his eyebrow at the mention of earning money. He casually ask "If carrying around weapons is frowned upon, and magic isn't allowed, how do you expect my 'friends' and I to extract the funds you are owed from Taban? Especially assuming you've tried and failed."

"Yes I saw it, and thankfully it is I how I managed to catch up to you," Tonby says with a chuckle then lets Yendil do all of the talking at the Hall of Gold.

He does have one question for Jabal though, "Has anyone come through here looking to hire a guide to try to find the Soulmonger recently?"

Bookie talking with Elster say: Do you think' I'm so dumb to visit Taban in public? Based on my information he is alone at his house. We will visit him there. IF you are interested earning money.

Jabal asks Tonby back: Soul-what? No I never hear about a person with such a strange name. Then again your expedition goals are none of my business. My business is to ensure you are getting quality services from your guides.

It is still early (an hour before Dinner could be served) when you all meet at the Kaya’s House of Repose.

Elster will efill his waterskin, the heat did take some getting used to. Then he'll talk to the group; "So it would seem a bookie is having trouble collecting a debt from one of the gladiators. Could be a quick way for us to make some gold. Unless there's something he's not telling us."

"I wonder how one convinces a gladiator to part with coin?" Larsie asks as she plays out the scenario in her head.

"I think I better dress in full kit if we're going to be the ones asking."

Tonby meets up with the others and listens.

"Debt collecting for a bookie, isn't the worst I have done," Tonby says after hearing the plans. "Larsie is right. We need to make sure this debt is on the level."

"A business plan? How about finding treasure, selling that for big money, return with a profit?" Yendil is no businessman, though he is sure that the expedition will make return him a wealthier man.

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"We could try to persuade the gladiator to settle their debt through us, I might even try to charm them with a song"

Acolyte answer: You are new to the city, aren't you? You can't imagine how many of those treasure hunters I've seen going into jungle, how little return and never would anyone admit to bring any treasure. acolyte exaggerate and don't hides it. Still he would share if you ask that their leaders define treasure hunting as the most risky business of all. Their politics is to not invest into business happening outside city walls. Too risky and too unpredictable. After some discussions party decides to go earn some money doing the debt collection. Bookie is happy to see some of you well dressed into armor and bringing serious weapons. My name is K’lahu and we will be collecting debt by Taban. he introduces.
You reach the house together, K’lahu look through the window and announce good news: Taban is at home alone, just like I've been informed. Plan is as following: we go in all together, I make the demand, you protect me and use force as necessary. I only demand you to not kill him.

Elster will look around for other exits that Taban may try to use to flee. He cast guidance on himself to aide in his search

Larsie places her hand on the hilt of her sword, adjusting her grip so that if she needs to swing the blade, it will strike flat and not with a sharpened edge.

Elster find a balcony on the other side of the house and believe one could easy jump down from it if want to escape.

Elster speaks up; K’lahu I suggest a couple of us wait outside in case he tries to make a run for it. It may be harder to stop him if we are all inside. By they way, how are you planning to get inside?

K’lahu answer with no particular intonation in the voice "Through the doors. Follow"
He opens the doors - you could see the doors have no locking mechanism. K’lahu steps in and exchanges polite greetings with Taban, who - equipped in studded leather wearing shield and a spear is currently in training on a battered wooden mannequin. He stops the training and before even asked claims:

K’lahu I know why are you here, but just like I said - I've got no money will give you once I earn it on the next gladiator match.

K’lahu parry that statement by sharing his knowledge of the 500 gp prize gladiator won just few days ago winning the grand prize. Taban's answer to that is obviously framed - he start by he knows nothing about that and in a moment changes his statement telling money have not yet reached him. He finally announce that as a champion he has to be treated with respect.

K’lahu turns to those of you who entered and suggests: It appears our champion needs some little motivation to fulfill his obligations.

Elster listens to the conversation, and tries to discern whether either man is telling the truth.

Of course Tonby will go to the Bookie.

Tonby will go inside and remains silent as Taban trips over his own lies until he starts being honest with the Bookie. "You want respect, then please show you are worth being respected by making good on your debt." He figured trying to reason with the man would be the best place to start. "Just pay and we will leave." Tonby will slowly position himself in front of the door.