Gondolo redirects his bright-eyed gaze toward Edrik and Barkas. "A guide indeed. For nearly one year now. I am, for better or worse, a loyal friend. And that is what led me to this glorious land. My dear friend Faroul..."--he pauses and motions toward a Calishite human engaged in a game of dice on the other side of the room--"...decided to begin a new enterprise here in Chult, and I felt compelled to assist him. Our talents quickly found a home here, and we have, if I may boast for a moment, enjoyed a great deal of success in providing a service to those who wish to explore the untamed land of this peninsula. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Faroul and I have a triceratops at our disposal. A fine pack animal!"

"We did go shopping," Eldeth agrees as she sits down. "Got the rest of the supplies, I think, and possibly a traveling companion, depending on where we're headed." She listens to Gondolo's description of his background and experiences. "A year doesn't sound like very long. How extensively have you traveled in Chult?"

Faloniir's ears will perk up at the mention of the triceratops pack animal and he will walk over to listen to the conversation.

Insight check to determine Gondolo's truthfulness: 15

Passive Insight is 13.

"So Faroul is your partner then Gondolo?" Edrik asks, trying to keep up with the now myriad conversations going on. "Just what sort of fees does a guide charge for their services?  What does it entail exactly?"

"The jungles can teach a man many things in one year," responds Gondolo to Eldeth. "The knowledge, the wisdom, the insight we have gained is incalculable!"

The halfling takes hold of the new tankard that has been brought to him and drinks deeply before continuing. 

"Faroul is indeed my partner, and no greater team could be made. Ah, the cost! Straight to the point then. And, remember, our fee includes the use of our triceratops. Five pieces of gold per day, and we do ask for an upfront payment that covers the first thirty days. Of course, this fee is negotiable if Faroul and I are included in any sharing of the wealth that you might find."

(Faloniir is relatively confident that Gondolo is what he seems to be: an enterprising, somewhat experienced halfling who very much wishes to be hired as the party's guide)

Faloniir will share the relevant information with the party at an appropriate time.

"And you are authorized by Jobal to act as a guide?" Eldeth asks.

"Indeed we are! Always best to keep things above board," responds Gondolo. 

Matthias would let the group handle the business while he would walk about the bar.  "I'll leave you lot to it.  Gondolo, I'll be back."  He'd grip his hand for a shake and walk to a group of humans to converse about any local rumors.  "A lot of dangers I've heard in Chult, any places I should avoid in particular?  Haunted or dangerous areas?"

An elderly Chultan woman is the first to take up the response to Matthias's question. "I'll tell you what I've heard and what I know, stranger. I've heard that many have encountered strange nature spirits — weird little elemental creatures with masks. They don’t speak, and I’ve never known one to be harmful, but their magical powers should not be taken lightly. I know that the jungle is filled with giant snakes, crocodiles, scorpions, and poisonous vines."

Another woman sitting nearby chimes in. "Beware encampments of any kind. Undead are certain to come along as soon as a group erects any outpost."

As Matthias listens to the second woman's response, he can tell that the conversation has attracted the attention of two tabaxis seated nearby. They're clearly listening in, but they're clearly not hiding the fact that they are doing so. One of them, a female, wears an eye patch and leather armor. The other is a male; he wears no armor.

"That is rather odd, isn't it?  Roaming undead in these jungles?"  He'd ask, keeping an eye on the two tabaxi, giving a wink to acknowledge their presence.  

Eldeth continues interrogating Gondolo. "Do you have references? Other reputable folks we can talk to and verify you've been successful in safely guiding parties through the dangers of the jungle?"

"Odd? Maybe decades ago. Their presence has become as common as rain in recent years," replies the old woman drily to Matthias. 

The nearby female tabaxi nods at Matthias and subtly motions to the empty chair next to herself. 

- - - - - 

"References? Of course!" replies Gondolo to Eldeth. "If I may ask for your patience...allow me to fetch Faroul. He is better suited to provide such important information."

Gondolo then bows slightly and makes his way toward his business partner. The two carry on a conversation for half a minute or so, and every now and then Gondolo looks in the party's direction and smiles. When he returns to the table, he does so with a mild look of distress on his face. "Such disappointment! I am so sorry, friends. Just now I have learned from Faroul that another band of adventurers has secured our services. Faroul finalized the arrangement a few hours ago and had not yet informed me! Poor timing to be sure!"

Gondolo takes a giant swing of his ale and concludes, "I wish you all manner of success in the days ahead. Alas, Gondolo and Faroul will not be part of the great tale you are about to write! But perhaps we shall cross paths in the future. If so, I will celebrate the day!"

"I thank you."  Matthias would smile at the older woman and give her a bow before sauntering over to the tabaxi, taking a seat.  He'd give her a friendly smile and nod, starting off the conversation with, "You have stories to share?"

Insight check to see if this is an excuse for not actually having references: 16

Barkas listens to the back and forth of the halfling, the hasty conversation with Faroul, the offer as a guide and then snatched away, suspected that this was done to increase his price.  He feels that the halfling is sus and considers his words and actions.  "Good day, have fun out there."

Barkas Insight : 23 (Passive insight 14)

Barkas notes the two tabaxis listening in but doesn't like the cut of their jib, so he scans and looks around the room for others that could be guides to lead them on this grand adventure.

Perception : 9 (Passive perception 16)

Insight: 23

Rasp took the nearest seat where his back could rest against the tavern's wall. The Kenku's hollow eyes scanned the tavern, often finding something to fixate on for a while before moving on to the next - the ever-prevalent thought of breaking this curse lingering on his mind. 

The Paladin only angled his head towards Eldeth upon hearing Gondolo's offer. Knowing the Kenku's dislike for much expression, the gesture nevertheless signified Rasp's approval for Eldeth's claims and requests. Out of the party, Rasp considered the Wizard to be the most reasonable. 

What could only be described as a scoff sounded as Gondolo balked from answering the question. The Kenku settled down the sharpening stones he had been using to sharpen his longsword. The Kenku twirled the blade in the air - a flash of deep purple thrummed through Rasp's corner of the tavern as the blade assumed a somewhat ghostly texture, collapsing into the shadow on the underside of the Kenku's feathered forearm. 

"Only one year of experience. They waste our time," Rasp called as Gondolo left. The looming Kenku turned from the bar and gradually progressed towards the bar, rapping the wood with a knuckled talon to draw the bartender's attention. "I am certain you have heard this question rephrased many times. I hope you have prepared an adequate answer. My group is in search of a guide. Travelers frequent taverns, and I assume guides flock here for employment. Are you aware of a registry for guide services, or is my question better suited for Jobal? Either way, are you aware of any guide more worth our while than the rest?" The Kenku slid a palmful of five gold across the counter. The Paladin avoided alcohol, and it was clear the Kenku's gift wasn't intended as payment for drinks. 

Eldeth leans back in her chair. "Do we even know where in Chult we need to go? I ran into someone in the market who was heading towards Camp Vengeance, and was looking for others to travel with, but I wasn't sure if we were headed there or not."

As Gondolo walks away, Eldeth, Rasp, and Barkas exchange knowing glances at one another. The halfling seemed to be fabricating the tale he just told. 

Barkas scans the crowd of patrons, looking for anyone that might seem experienced with jungle travel, and, despite his dislike for the two tabaxis, he can't shake the feeling that those two might be just what the group is looking for. 

Rasp's interaction with the bartender seems profitable. "A registry exists. You'll find it at the harbormaster's office near the port. Those are the guides authorized to provide their services, of course. Doesn't mean they're the best, however. It seems your friend may have already found the help you seek," as he motions toward Matthias. "Mind yourselves. The tabaxis do their work right under Jobal's nose but somehow do so without catching his eye. So far anyway."

Just a few tables away, Matthias actually takes a seat with the two tabaxi and strikes up a conversation with them. The female tabaxi begins, "Indeed. But our stories are true. I am River, and this is..."

"Flask," interjects the male.

"Well it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, River, Flask.." He'd nod to each individually.  "...I am Saville.  Would you care to spin a yarn over some drink?"  He smiles at his pun, calling over a nearby bartender.  When they would reach the table, he'd give them his usual smile and start, "I would like some of that lovely tej, such a flavorful drink.  Whatever my two new friends wish to have will be on my coin."