Barkas looks up from the table, Elonath picks his head up as well.  "I'm ready.  Something wonderful is going to happen over there.  I know it, I've seen the signs.  I am ready to meet this challenge."

At Syndra's request, you gather with her again the morning of the next day. Laden with your weapons, gear, and high hopes, you stand near the powerful wizard as she utters the words that will bring you to Port Nyanzaru in a matter of seconds. Syndra's home begins to fade away...

...and you appear under a grey sky in Port Nyanzaru. A steady mist falls all around you, and you immediately feel the humidity of this place. The familiar sounds of a harbor — creaking ropes, slapping waves, heavy barrels rolling across cobblestones — mingle with voices shouting and cursing in an unfamiliar language filled with clicks, inhalations, and singsongy words that make it sound almost musical. The aroma of unfamiliar spices and tropical fruit mixes with the wharfside smells of fish, tar, and canvas. 

"If I understand correctly, you wish to be introduced to merchant prince Wakanga. Let us go. After that you will find lodgings," explains Syndra.

The first structure you pass is that of the harbormaster's office. It's a sturdy, airy building, but you notice the harbormaster isn't there at the moment. You also see that outside the harbormaster’s office is a bulletin board that provides the names and whereabouts of several wilderness guides. 

As Syndra leads you through the winding streets, you are struck by the explosion of color around you. Buildings are painted in bright shades of blue, green, orange, and salmon pink, or their walls are adorned with murals portraying giant reptiles and mythical heroes. Every building sports baskets and clay urns of colorful flowers or is draped in leafy, flowering vines. Minstrels in bright clothing adorned with feathers and shells perform on street corners. Multicolored pennants and sun awnings flutter atop the city walls. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.

Syndra points out a few of Port Nyanzaru's important places as you go: the royal docks (which are reserved for the exclusive use of the merchant princes), the Temple of Gond, the Temple of Sune, the Temple of Savras, and Goldenthrone (the palace that serves as the meeting place for the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru and is recognized as the seat of the city’s loose government). 

Across the street from Goldenthrone stands the villa of Wakanga. The merchant prince greets Syndra warmly, and you quickly discern the two have been friends for years. "Any acquaintance of Syndra Silvane is welcome here," he says to all of you with a bright, toothy smile as you enter his home.

Gathering around a large teak table, and with glasses of tej in hand, you begin to speak to the charismatic dealer in lore and magic, Wakanga O'tamu. 

Faloniir will take a seat and sip his Tej as the introductions are being made. Once everyone has been introduced he will say, "Well met Master O'Tamu. Is it appropriate to call you master? Or would you prefer a different honorific? I admit I am unfamiliar with Chultan customs and culture, though I find myself fascinated by them so far. This Tej for example, truly a treat for the palette, thank you."

Faloniir is trying to schmooze Wakanga without browning his nose too much, enough to flatter but not so much that it comes across as disingenuous.

"Is there anything you feel we should know about Chultan customs or culture before we fully immerse ourselves? Any taboos or practices? As guests in your home we want to be sure to bring honor and respect to your name while we conduct our business in Port Nyanzaru."

Once social norms are covered, Faloniir will move on to gathering information on guides, merchants, notable locations in Port Nyanzaru, libraries or other bastions of knowledge where the party might learn more about the jungle and its dangers, and anyone who he thinks might know more about this Soulmonger; its location, what it is, how to destroy it, etc.

Saville would first greet the trade prince in the way he is accustom to greeting other nobles of Waterdeep.  He'd simply give a slight bow and acknowledge, "Trade Prince Wakanga."  Sitting down and taking a sip of Tej, he'd smile and raise his glass in approval.   "Good stuff here.  Can't go wrong with too much honey.  If I may ask, what are your main imports and exports in Chult under you?"  Saville would take great interesting in learning about these trade princes of Chult.

"Thank you for meeting with us," Eldeth adds. "I know we are on a time-sensitive mission, but I do hope to have a chance to experience some of the arcane craft native to this region, to see how items and spells develop and function differently here, and what is common to the weave of magic."

As Wakanga converses with the group, he does so cordially, and he often flashes his rather infectious smile; it's a smile that seems completely sincere and indicative of a person who is both content and hopeful. 

"Faloniir, nothing more than Wakanga is necessary, and, please, drink your fill of my tej. It honors me. Customs and taboos, you ask? Excellent! I would say three things to you. First, enjoy Port Nyanzaru and appreciate its uniqueness! Second, remember our culture is different, but a different culture is not a lesser one, agreed? And, lastly, in your business dealings, be sure all transactions take place with those authorized by the merchant princes to conduct business here."

"My area of expertise, Saville, is lore and the arcane. Spell scrolls and potions are my most commonly sought goods. I do, however, offer my services to other merchant princes who might desire a magical touch to their goods, if you understand my meaning."

"Ah, Eldeth, a student of the arcane you are! Delightful. Should you tarry here for a few days, I'm certain I can set aside an hour or two to discuss such matters."

The conversation flows easily, and the combination of the muggy weather and the tej--for those who have imbibed--has brought about a very relaxed feel to the meeting. As Wakanga continues to talk, you make note of the following:

• A black market exists in Port Nyanzaru. "Utilizing it is ill advised and likely to incur severe punishment."
• The harbormaster's office maintains a list of approved guides for hire. Wakanga is unwilling to recommend a particular guide, however. "I know too little about their services and character to suggest any of them to you."
• The best place to learn about the jungles of Chult is from those who have spent time there. "Any guide will be a good resource; so too will be any of the adventurers you come across in one of the taverns."
• Wakanga has heard talk of the death curse (but not the Soulmonger); he doesn't seem troubled by the matter, however. 
• It's possible the local temple priests or clerics might have some knowledge of the curse of the Soulmonger. "But keep in mind that Chult's riches include its wealth of rumors."
• If the party seeks a bit of help, he's willing to sell his potions or spell scrolls at a slightly discounted price. 

"Magic touch indeed."  He'd answer back with a smile, drinking from his Tej once more.  "Please, indulge me.  As a trade prince of this peninsula, what can be some of the dangerous creatures that you fear when treading the jungle?  Your personal experience, of course."

Wakanga smiles broadly, leans back in his chair, and studies the ceiling as he formulates a response to Matthias's question. "I must first establish that my time in these jungles has been limited. I have gauged that the risks outweigh the rewards, but my few excursions into the jungles have taught me to never drink untreated water."

Wakanga chuckles briefly before continuing. "Throat leeches. Breathing became difficult, and my chest was filled with fire. I nearly welcomed death! Of course, for many others, the undead are the real danger, but for Wakanga O'tamu, it is the tiny parasite that strikes fear into the heart!"

Barkas is enjoying his tej and the conversation.  He has already begun thinking how to alter the flavor, make it into a potent mixture, thinking of an increase in alcohol content.  He says to Wakanga "If we are going to walk all over Chult to figure out this riddle of the death curse, my feet will get tired and like your fear of the tiny parasite in water, my fear is of blisters, calluses and corns!  How would you recommend that we get around Chult?  Are there any mounts that you would recommend?  Anything that might aid us in a fight?"  Barkas turns to Elonath and pets him, murmurs to him and shares an image of sores on the feet with him, something he wouldn't be familiar with.

A vendor of magic and mysteries. Curious. 

Rasp declined the offer of a portion of tej, stating he appreciated the gesture regardless. The Kenku also elected to remain standing, arms folded, leaned against a wall - the Kenku's trust ran thin, and he wanted to obtain a sense of Wakanga before lowering his guard enough to indulge in pleasantries. 

"Who are the other merchant princes, and what do they sell? Is the rivalry significant?" 

Moments later, the Kenku clearly seems uncomfortable. The climate took some adjusting to, and the Paladin, for the first time, removed his oppressive layers of dark clothing. For now, Rasp resisted the urge to remove his heavy armor. 

"The only steeds within Chult are dinosaurs, Barkas. Naturally, it is prudent to make use of immature animals. Their size and strength is formidable, and when they attain full maturity they are unmanageable. Few dinosaur owners, however, are interested in making their beasts available for hire. There is simply too much money in the races! Surely you have heard of the weekly dinosaur races of Port Nyanzaru, yes?"

Wakanga drains his glass of tej and adds, "Travel to the interior of Chult is best done by canoe. You're certain to avoid blisters that way."

The merchant prince then turns his attention to Rasp. Despite the paladin's standoffishness, Wakanga remains gregarious. He offers the following summary of the other merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru:

• Ekene-Afa oversees the sale of weapons, shields, saddles, wagons, canoes, traveling gear, and rain catchers. "Some of her items have, of course, benefited from my services."
• Ifan Talro'a deals in beasts and beast training. You can't help but notice a tiny hint of disdain in Wakanga's voice when he mentions Ifan's name. "Ifan is the sole seller of beasts of burden. An ankylosaurus, hadrosaurus, or triceratops might suit your needs if your budget permits."
• Jessamine's specialties are plants and poison. "And, although it may sound strange to you, sanctioned killings are within her purview."
• Jobal oversees the services provided by guides and sellswords. "Avoid any guide who operates without Jobal's blessing."
• Kwayothé deals in fruit, wine, ale, tej, oil, perfume, and insect repellent. "The tej she sells is not of her making, I happen to know. She resells what she purchases from others."
• Zhanthi deals in gems, jewelry, cloth, and armor. "Metal armor is foreign to Chultans. Leather and hide, however, we know."

'We merchant princes and princesses, Rasp, are...how shall I say it?...we are like siblings. At times we look upon one another as allies who ought to come to another's aid. At other times we consider each other, at best, inconveniences...and, at worst, threats to our own pursuits. My metaphor, as is common with all metaphors, does not fully convey the nuances that exist among the merchant leaders, of course. You seem to be the sort who might understand my meaning."

Edrik takes a seat, sipping the Tek and thanking the merchant prince for his hospitality.  He mostly listens to what Wakanga O'tamu has to say. "Your suggestion of seeking information on the Soulmonger curse from the temples is appreciated.  Are there any that might be more open to helping us than others?" he asks. "Also, if you or your people know of particular taverns where we might meet those adventurers familiar with the Chult jungles, that would be most appreciated."

Wakanga nods his head and smiles broadly as he responds to Edrik. "For a tavern, consider The Monkey's Fist. The place is...how shall I put it?...boisterous. But it is the preferred destination for those who have the adventuring spirit. For a temple, visit the Temple of Savras. Grandfather Zitembe, although peculiar, is wise."

"Thank you for the suggestions. We will most certainly check those places first," Edrik says in response. 

“Thank you.  Most helpful indeed.  Wakanga, do you happen to have any maps of Chult?  I have a great interest in maps, guideposts, signs, road signs.  Anything you that points you from point A to point B.”  He starts to unfurl his star map, but catches Wakanga’s eye and stops, not sure how it would be received.  

“If you were starting to look for the source of this death curse, where would you begin?  Where do you think we should begin our search?”

"Throat leeches, dinosaurs, undead, trade royals, do not drink the water..."  Matthias would mutter to himself, smiling.   "Sounds like a time.  I would say we should head to The Monkey's Fist.  Taverns are always the central hub of rumors and information.  And Barkas we're certainty going to get use out of your fires, pal."

As Barkas speaks of a map, Syndra remarks, "It is I who will provide it. Keep in mind this has been created from all the possible resources--journals, explorer's logs, and sea charts--that I could access." 

She then unfurls a piece of parchment upon the table...

Faloniir will give a low whistle when the map is unfurled, "And it could be anywhere..."

Scanning the map, Matthias would point out, "A lot of mines around the area.  You think whatever can be fueling this death curse can be underground?  If so there are plenty of places to hide here."

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“If you were starting to look for the source of this death curse, where would you begin?  Where do you think we should begin our search?”

 "That is a hard question to answer, Barkas," responds Wakanga. "I would suggest following the River Soshenstar; those who dwell in the camps along the river may know of the locations of ruins within the jungle that might be hiding this Soulmonger."