River and Flash nod, accepting Matthias's offer. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes obvious that River will do most of the talking. Flash seems content to remain relatively quiet, periodically agreeing with River and finishing her sentences.

"Spin a yarn? I suppose," responds River. "If I read you and your situation correctly, it would seem you wish to hear a tale about something...or someone...or some place specific."

Edrik watches Rasp as he wanders off, then turns back to Eldith to respond to her question. "No, I don't think we know where we're going yet.  Locating a guide is a good idea.  But we really need to learn something that might actually lead us somewhere first.  I am hoping Grandfather Zitembe at the Temple of Savras will be able to do that tomorrow.  Otherwise..."  He pauses for a moment, not even sure if it is worth mentioning.  "Well, before we went in the temple a man came up to us, gave us a message, then collapsed.  He said he had no idea where the message came from.  But..."  Again he hesitates before continuing the tale. "Well he said to find the wise guardian of Orolunga.  Guess that's east of Mbala."

Edrik shrugs. "That seems to be the only real lead on a place to check so far. Though I'm just not sure about the source."

Barkas pulls up a seat at the table but remains quiet.  He’s more of a dog man than a cat man, something about the Tabaxi gives him pause, perhaps it’s the eye patch, he can’t quite place it.  He listens to Saville’s conversation with them, with a keen ear listening for any sign of deception.

Insight :  21 

As the tabaxis tell their tales, they speak of places that the party has seen on Syndra's map (Camp Righteous, Camp Vengeance, Mbala, Ataaz Kahakla, the River Tath, and the Peaks of Flame), but they also speak of places not identified on Syndra's map. They speak of Dungrunglung, a mud shrine constructed by the grung. And they speak of Firefinger, a rocky pinnacle that served ancient Chult as a signal tower. 

Barkas sifts through all that is said by the tabaxis, and he doesn't see any signs of deception in their words. He does observe, however, that River regularly scans the room, as if she's tracking who might be coming and going. 

Rasp inclined his head towards the barkeep. "I thank you for the information."

The Kenku returned to the table where the remainder of the party seated themselves. Speaking towards Eldeth and Edrik; "Our main priority is to find a suitable guide. I intend to visit Jobal and explain how dangerous keeping the two inexperienced guides in his registry will tarnish his reputation. I do not wish to see less gullible fools led to their deaths. I will additionally use the opportunity to inquire about the more reputable guides in Jobal's services. Regardless, tomorrow we revisit Zitembe; we may head east of Mbala after we gain guidance from him."

Rasp seemed interested about the traveler destined for Camp Vengeance. "Eldeth, could you elaborate on who they were and why they intended to reach Camp Vengeance?"

"Oh, she said she was part of the Order of the Gauntlet, and was joining up with the rest of her group that was already there," Eldeth explained, sipping at her tej. "She was planning to leave tomorrow, though, so if we're not sure yet if that's the direction for us, I should leave her a note." She looks in the direction Gondolo walked away. "Maybe make sure that she hasn't picked up the wrong guide herself."

"Well, what do you know of death curses?  Flask?  River?  The kind that causes the living to grow incredibly sick to die horribly.  I'm sure such a curse should be seen in Chult by now."  Matthias would take a swig of tej, eyeing both the tabaxi to see if they know anything.

River nods her head. "The death curse is known here, Saville. Many Chultans have fallen prey to it."

Flask, uncharacteristically, chimes in. "Your interest in the curse goes beyond the academic. You believe it is connected to Chult. How so?"

River places her hand on Flask's wrist. "Allow our guest to ask the questions, brother."

"Well, my new friends.  I believe you just confirmed it.  I myself have my sources, but if what you are saying is true in which many have fallen prey to the curse here in Chult, then I would say it is very much here.  From my understanding, all across Faerun people have been dying here-and-there, but if -MANY- have been dying?  Given the size of Chult?  I would say the curse has its roots here.  Also, you'd think it's fairly odd how there are just random undead roaming the lands here?  Doesn't take years of studying in my opinion, don't you think?"  He'd take a big gulp of tej, sighing out.  "This is good stuff.  What do you both do here in Chult?"

"The death curse...the undead...yes, I suppose a connection exists," responds Flask. 

River takes up the chance to explain what she and her brother do in Chult. "The jungles of Chult are our playground, Saville. Now and then, visitors wish to experience the wonders outside Port Nyanzaru's walls, and we provide assistance to those who might need it."

River goes on to explain that for 4 pieces of gold per day, she and her brother will guide the party to any destination they wish. No lump upfront payment is necessary. And the fee is waived entirely if they receive an equal share of any treasure that is found. 

"And let it be understood, we will deny this conversation has ever taken place if any of the Port Nyanzaru authorities were to ask," concludes Flask. 

Due to his keen perception, Barkas is aware of the conversation between Eldeth and Rasp.  He moves over to the two, dismissing the tabaxi in his mind after he hears that they are not guides associated with the guild, steps up to Rasp and says "I agree with you there Raspy.  I will accompany you to see Jobal, I think that is where we should look for our guide.  I feel like we are headed down the wrong path here.  In fact, I am sure of it."  He says as he pulls out his star map, stewing over the constellations and his notes.  He shows it to Elonath as if looking for confirmation from the pseudodragon.  He receives back an image in his mind of a look at the star map and a feeling of "Whatever."

"I agree, we should definitely hire an approved guide," Eldeth nods fervently. "I'd prefer to stay on the good side of the merchant princes." She finishes her tej. "Well then, were do we still have yet to inspect for rumors, or whispers of where we might go? And have we arranged lodgings for the night?"

Matthias pondered the deal between River and Flask.  On one side, most likely than not they'd be more effective guides than what the trade princes would supply, though it would still be highly illegal and land Matthias in hot-water within Chult if it were to find out.  Matthias knew there was no way everyone within this band would agree with this so he'd had to relent.  "I do fancy this offer deeply, and best believe I'd welcome you two before most others, you both seem to know how to hold-your-own and I admire you're dealings.  Though sadly I'd have to decline given the company I keep; they would prefer to find this curse whilst keeping all within Chult satisfied."  He'd finish his tej before speaking again.  "Though I will still ask them just in-case and get back to you if everyone is on-board."  He'd reach into his maw and almost effortlessly, extract one of his bottom canines and places it before River.  "Hold onto this, you will know of any developments."  He'd stand up from his chair and await any final words from the tabaxi before walking back to his group.

Edrik listens to Rasp and Eldeth, as well as Barkas' comments.  "I agree we should check in with Jobal and see if there are any sanctioned guides worth having. Probably no time like the present for that.  But what about those Tabaxi that Mathias is talking to though."  He glances back over to Matthias then back to the others. "Should we secure rooms for the night as well?  This place seems like it would work." 

River and Flask respond stoically to Matthias's departure. "Unity among your party on such a matter is crucial. We understand," says River. 

"Approved?" Rasp lifts a feathered brow, casting a respectful nod towards the two Tabaxi. "Is it not also approved to venture out of town without a guide? For all legal concerns, we can be considered mere adventurers, especially if we opt the route of sharing the profits evenly with River and Flask. I trust those two more than any guide we have come across - they have the cunning to avoid Jobal's notice and yet still remain in business." Rasp's shoulders heaved with a stretch as the looming Kenku rose from his seat. "Let us pay a visit to Jobal, though I loathe to close any doors on ourselves."

Edrik looks curiously at Rasp, "Seeing as we've only come across a questionable halfling and his partner, I suppose the random tabaxi sitting across the room would be more trustworthy."  He then nods, "But let's hear what Matthias learned and then we can visit Jobal."  

Barkas walks with Rasp, Edrik, Eldeth and Matthias to go visit Jobal and look for an approved guide for their journey into Chult.  

Advancing the story under the following assumptions:

• Arrangements have been made for the party to lodge at The Monkey's Fist (8 pieces of silver each)
• Faloniir is occupied with preparing for the race that will start in a few hours
• While walking from The Monkey's Fist to Jobal's villa, Matthias provides a summary of his interactions with the tabaxis River and Flask

 - - - - - - - - - - 

The light misting rain continues into the afternoon, and by the time Eldeth, Rasp, Matthias, and Barkas (and Elonath) reach Jobal's villa, their clothes are once again damp and cling to their bodies. The scars on Jobal's arms and face indicate that he has certainly seen his share of adventure and close calls. He proves to be friendly enough, and he introduces you to a Tethyrian human man named Aazon. "Aazon is an integral part of my business; I am happy to have him escort you to any of the approved guides, at no fee, of course. The guides are obligated to pay me a percentage of their fee; so, that removes that responsibility from all of you."

Jobal then tells you of Hew Hackinstone, Shago, and Musharib...

After which, Aazon describes Azaka, Faroul & Gondolo, and Eku...

"I must ask. Do you have a map of some sort that you'll be using for this expedition?" asks Jobal. 

Has Eldeth heard of Moradin's Gauntlet?