Before reaching Jobal, Matthias would inform the crew of Flask & River's offer of 4gp/day or an equal share of the gold to keep in mind, though it seems they are under the books, they seem very experienced in these jungles.  

Reaching Jobal, Matthias would greet the trade prince as he did the previous one and would read through each guide carefully.  Matthias would frown as he kept reading, unhappy with each choice and starting to feel like giving River & Flask a call.

"Hew seems full of it.  Shago is a fist.   Musharib, well we have three dwarves here and we could be hard-pressed, but has their own goals...   Azaka, we have no clue where Firefinger is and has their own goal.   Faroul and Gondolo have a pack animal, but look like they can't defend themselves worth a damn.   Eku...   Hm." He'd think to himself before looking to Jobal.  "We could use a map if it's no cost.  If I may ask, is this Eku capable in combat?"

Edrik notes to Matthias, "We do have the map that Syndra gave us. Though it really shows nothing of the interior of the continent."  

As to the guides Jobal and Aazon described Edrik is still unsure. "We really need to talk to some of these guides and see for ourselves what they are like. Before we make a final decision.  I think Faroul and Gondolo are out.  If we need to narrow the list - Musharib, Azaka, and Eku seem to have something personal at stake.  Otherwise the prices are clearly set."  He stops, perhaps wishing to say more but waiting to hear what others might be thinking. 

He also tries to see if he recalls anything of Moradin's Gauntlet. (History: 21)

The Kenku openly welcomed the rain, using the opportunity to remove his armor and indulge in the comforts of a respite from the oppressive heat of Chult. 

Jobal's display of scars warranted an amount of respect from Rasp, who lowered his head in acknowledgement to Jobal's unspoken testaments to his work. "You are clearly a man with experience under his belt." The Kenku's intense gaze met Jobal's. "As a separate issue, I am inclined by my own sense of morality to request you remove Faroul and Gondolo from your registry. They are hapless idiots who have little experience likely to lead themselves and others to their deaths. While I cannot judge whether or not you believe those without the foresight to recognize fools for who they are deserve the fates they earn, I am sure you understand the importance of keeping a respectable reputation. Employing those two in your service does nobody any good." 

After performing his usual gesture of slightly inclining his head, the Kenku continued. "We have a map in our possession. Why do you ask?"

Rasp turned his gaze towards the members of the party. Personal grudges held little interest to him - Rasp's goal was clear. He understood half of the expedition may be sentimentally attached to Musharib's quest, and while Rasp would loathe to spend more time than necessary on anything besides searching the method of destroying this curse, Rasp recognized he needed their aid to accomplish his task. "I care little for Hew or Musharib. I have nothing against collaborating with the Flaming Fist; they are efficient. Eku interests me - ancient curses often linger around forgotten ruins and abandoned villages." Rasp's tone indicated he knew what he was talking about. "My choice is between Shago and Eku, though if we find ourselves destined for Firefinger, Azaka is my recommendation. 

Barkas nods at the discussion, as they try to decide between themselves among the choice of guides.  “My thought is to proceed with Eku.  I need to consult my map however.”  He looks up at Elonath, not wanting to receive any telepathed lip from the pseudodragon.  “Anything strike you as strange when we interviewed them?”  Barkas tries to recall if any appeared to be lying, exaggerating, or hiding any ulterior motives in their conversations with the prospective party.

Insight :  12 

(Passive insight 14)

 "Eku? Skilled in combat?" repeats Jobal. "She is sufficiently skilled, yes. But prudent enough to avoid a fight caused by the foolhardy."

The party's possession of a map is of great interest to Jobal. "Syndra Silvane's map, you say? Well, I would be a fool not to offer you some gold for it. May I see it? It could be very beneficial for you."

Then, in response to Rasp's opinion of Faroul and Gondolo, the merchant prince replies, "Hapless idiots, you say? Well, I've never before heard such a blunt and...disapproving...assessment. This is troubling, and maybe this explains their lack of activity lately. I will speak with them."

Regarding Moradin's Gauntlet, both Eldeth and Edrik have heard tales of it: a gauntlet fashioned from gold and customarily worn by the dwarf overseers of the dwarven forge-complex Hrakhamar in the land of Chult. 

 "Eku caught my eye as well, though I wouldn't mind helping Musharib if it could be done after our own quest," Eldeth admits. "It is a worthy cause, but it's hardly as pressing as our own." To Jobal, she asks "Do any of these guides have special skill with regards to healing? I feel we can never have enough of that."

"Indeed," replies Jobal. "Eku is skilled in the arcane healing arts. Shall I have Aazon lead you to her?"

Edrik says, "It sounds like we would at least like to speak to Eku.  So yes, why don't we start there.  I'm sure we do not have to make a final decision until after we've spoken."  He looks at the other party members, "It might not be bad to have one or two others that we speak with as well? Some are for, some against Shago.  So how about Azaka?".  

He then turns to Jobal, "You are offering gold for just a look at our map?  I presume you must surely have maps as well.  Perhaps an exchange of some sort?  Copy of our map for a copy of yours?"  He again looks to the other members of his party, "If you are all willing of course." 

“Shago I feel seems incautious, but perhaps they have earned the right to brag,” Eldeth offers. “Azaka seems much like Musharib — personal quests are possible but must be after our own.” 

Jobal clarifies his meaning. "No, Edrik. The gold I offer is for the purchase of your map. And, unfortunately, I have no maps for sale at this time."

Turning his attention to Eldeth, Jobal adds, "It is true that many of my official guides have goals of their own, but you must make it clear that your goal is the priority. You are, after all, the ones paying for the guide's services."

(Advancing the story under the assumptions that (1) the group will not be selling Syndra's map to Jobal, and (2) the group agrees to meet with Eku)

Aazon, Jobal's right-hand man, leads you quickly southward, and after a few minutes you pass through the Tiryki Gate and into Tiryki's Anchorage. This district east of the city is populated by animal trainers, river folk, explorers who need inexpensive lodging, and other rough-and-tumble sorts. Eku resides in a small but tidy home; she is clothed in light blue robes and carries a walking stick carved in the likeness of a stylized couatl. 

"Thank you, Aazon, for guiding my guests," says Eku. Each of you senses a warmth and wisdom in her voice and demeanor as she discusses the possibility of guiding you into the jungles of Chult. 

Edrik acknowledges Jobal's clarification. "I think we'll hold on to our map, thank you."  

Once the group has been led to meet with Eku, he asks her many of the same things they already went over with Jobal - her fighting abilities, healing abilities.  "Your goal to rid areas of evil is noble, and we can help where possible, but our task is important as well.  You will be able to put helping us first?" 

Eku nods thoughtfully. "Indeed. Your task--whatever it might be--will likely lend itself to my goal as well. For, I am sure you are aware that whatever your destination might be, much evil will be encountered along the way. You have my fullest assurance that your task will not be subverted by me."

Barkas considers Eku carefully and the words spoken here.  Unless something seems amiss to him, he would vote to proceed with Eku.

Insight :  22 

Matthias doesn't really say anything as Eku introduces herself.  He simply eyes her up-and-down, taking-in she would be our guide as well as her talents and ambition. 

Insights: 14

Barkas and Matthias are satisfied that Eku is being forthright in her responses. As the dialogue with Eku continues, she does put forth a few questions about the group's plans. "Do you have any specific locations in Chult you wish to visit? Are there any locations you wish to avoid? Will you be working from any sort of a map?"

"The vendor of guides does not have a map?" Rasp questioned, casting his austere gaze over Jobal. Perhaps Rasp had expected a level of adequacy far too ambitious for Chult's citizens. 

Enjoying the walk through the rain, Rasp rose a brow at the couatl carved on Eku's staff. Rasp respected the celestial serpents, though Rasp's methods and ultimate dedication to his goal meant inevitable disagreements arose with such goodhearted beings. 

After performing his usual bow, Rasp stood and addressed Eku in his mismatched tone. "Breaking this curse is my devoted pledge, Eku. I hope to provide my aid where it will accomplish that goal. We have a map in our possession, though part of what we sought to find with you as our guide was direction. You claim to know where evil resides in the jungle - we seek the location to an evil we have yet to confront. Where have you known evil to frequently lurk?" Rasp's dull eyes shone with determination. "Where there is smoke, there is fire."

"For that reason, I intended to travel to Camp Vengeance. They may know something we do not."

Edrik says, "I do not think we have any location at the moment - we're working on that.  But we do have a bit of a map - though very little of the interior areas."  He pauses for a moment before slowly recounting the rest.  "Our goal is an item called the Soulmonger, a necromantic artifact behind the ailment that is spreading everywhere.  Let's just say we have rather firm information that this item is somewhere in Chult.  Though beyond that we have no further specifics."  

Eku closes her eyes, indicating her narrowed focus as she listens to the words of Rasp and Edrik. The Chultan woman nods slowly but frequently as she digests what is being said, and she then carefully forms her response. "A devoted pledge. An evil to be confronted. Potent necromancy hiding within the jungles. And a transparent call for guidance, for direction."

Eku runs the forefinger of her left hand slowly and methodically across the top of her walking stick as she falls silent for several seconds. "The guardian naga of Orolunga. I will lead you to her. She may give the guidance you seek. And, yes, kenku, we can visit Camp Vengeance along the way if you believe that is best."

"Considering the necromantic source of this curse, I expect we can avoid areas populated by groups that would have no truck with it, if there are any such locales," Eldeth offers. "The undead are difficult to question, though, so we do not aim to stick to the wilds, either. We would be glad to hear any guidance that might be offered."