"I... uh... yes. The Arcane is a wonder, though it is expensive to learn."Harq says, shaking his coin pouch where it sounds like he has a bit over 30 coins in it. He then adds as he heads behind a curtain to change into his new lighter clothing, "That's another reason to hire a guide we can work with to pay their fees..."
"Hey, Monkey's Fist, I like this Azaka already." Sarya says they talk to the halfling clerk. "And I wouldn't mind helping her out with that quest either, we should expect to do some other jobs to finance our search for this Soulmonger."
"Yeah, the bazaar sounds good Harq, I'll join you."She says to the gnome and follows along. "Don't forget about those diningsawers though."
"Farouk is your master as much as mine Thoradin, you go ahead and ask him I guess but I never got the sense he was preapred to do me any favors for free. I agree that we need more information to find this Soulmonger but I have the sense that once we start poking around here we will come up with some leads eventually." Sarya answers the dwarf as they leave for the Bazaar.
Thoradin just smiled at the idea that he was somebody's servant. From his perspective, the pact was like a trade - he got some spells and the efreet could ask him to do things in exchange. No different from being hired to do a job, except the payment came up front. With a shrug he said, "Well, maybe not then. Guess we're on our own then. Speaking of Farouk, how'd you end up with him anyway?"
Rawlings admires the yklwas that Sarya points out, “Yes, I do love this weapon. Some of these are quite beautiful.” She checks out the rest for sale and when Sarya mentions purchasing together, she agrees and tells her she’d like a jar of the insect salve, rain catchers and finds the calmest tropical clothes she can find. Bright colors aren’t really her thing.
“Thanks for getting all these Sarya, let me know what I owe you. As for the smiling wing man, don’t think I’m your man - smiling isn’t really my thing.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I think the canoes might be a good idea, but perhaps we should speak to our guide about that first." Sarya suggests while looking over the canoes for sale.
"Farouk? Long story Thoradin, but suffice to say it started with this ring coming into my possession as it's former owner wasn't particularly careful with it." Sarya says to the dwarf with a smirk.
"Well perhaps you haven't tried it in a while?" Sarya says to Rawlings, smiling widely at her, trying to make her smile too, just a little bit.
As neither Carlos nor Thoradin seems interested in equipping themselves for the trek into the jungle Sarya starts haggling for what Rawlings just ordered and what she herself wanted. (See recent posts) She tries to convince Rawlings to help her out with a smile, but otherwise she goes in alone. Persuasion: 23 (Use first roll if Rawlings insists on not helping out. ;-)
Unless there are other purchases to be made at the Bazaar Sarya suggests they should go The Monkey's Fist for lunch next and to see if they maybe can find Azaka Stormfang, or perhaps go and check out those die-now-soars.
" That's a good idea. And we can ask the girl where we can get better and cheaper canoes. Or even we need them" Carlos puts back the wallet inside his cloak. The cleric fans his face and says. " … Ah, this place is so hot! My throat is burning! Can't wait to go to Monkey's Fist and drink something good! "
"I got the feeling Azaka is not a girl but rather a fierce woman that will smack you, or worse, if you ever call her a girl, but you're used to women smacking you right Carlos?" Sarya says with a smirk, but does not oppose going to the Monkey's Fist.
Harq comes out from behind the curtain looking like a middle aged man traveling to Hawaii for the first time, though his clothing at least slightly more in tune with the local fashion being purchased there. Hopping back onto his broom he floats around saying, “Ah, this is much better. Lighter and more comfortable. The rain even seems to flick off of it instead of soak straight in.” Then at the mention of visiting the Monkey’s Fist adds, “Ah yes. That Tej this morning was nice, but I could use something a bit more substantial.”Duncan too seems a bit more comfortable, shaking the rain off and perching himself on the front of the broom, clearly enjoying the feeling of flight while sitting.
Rawlings does her best to help Sarya in her negotiations though tells her afterwards this will not be a common occurrence. “Carlos, agreed let’s head to the Fist and take our fill of ale. After all this shopping, I need it. I wouldn’t mind checking out the dinosaurs after we find our guide and get the info we need.”
Once Harq is done behind the curtain, she takes her turn to change into the garb of the town.
" Always getting slapped by girls doesn't mean I love to be slapped,you know. " Carlos makes a face at Sarya. Then he smiles. " But I'm interested in this Azaka. No worries. I know the iron rule. Adventurers don't flirt with coworkers. Romance is more deadly than the dragon fire. Love triangles killed more parties than all orc tribes combined … etc. I'm just excited to meet a new girl. That's all"
(By the way, Carlos will buy his own clothing and a jar of salve before going to the tavern.)
Sarya nods at Carlos, though not seeming overly convinced, yet. As Rawlings finishes behind the curtain Sarya takes her place and chenges into her newly purchased attire. (Still waiting for the cost of what she bought :-) She is then ready to follow the others to the Monkey's Fist.
Holding off on purchasing the canoes for now, the group settles with up the vendors who are selling the rain catchers, the salve, and the light, tropical clothing. Sarya's knack for nudging others to see things her way helps the party to save a bit of gold. When everything's added up, it comes to a total of 9 gold pieces
Hopefully, I've understood the intent of the party with its purchases. If not, we'll adjust as needed.
3 articles of clothing (Hawaii Harq, Rawlings, and Sarya)
5 containers of salve (one per person)
5 raincatchers (one per person)
Ten minutes later, the group shakes off some of the moisture that's gathered on their clothing, and they step into the lively atmosphere of The Monkey's Fist. The patrons consist primarily of dwarves and Chultan humans, although you do see a few halflings, a pair of tabaxi, and a half-orc. Asking the barmaid about Azaka's whereabouts garners the response, "She'll be along soon, I imagine. She always is."
Not long after occupying a seat and ordering a bit of food and drink, one of the plumpest halflings you've ever beheld approaches the table. "Well, this is fine-looking bunch, isn't it?! Allow me to welcome you to Port Nyanzaru. I am Gondolo, originally hailing from Longsaddle in the North, but now..."--and he flashes a winning smile as he finishes--"...but now I call the wonders of Chult my home!"
"Well, nice to meet you Gondolo. I'm Sarya, and this is Rawlings, Harq, Carlos and Thoradin. We've just arrived ourselves but I guess you spotted that." Sarya says with a welcoming smile. "So Gondolo, do you have any suggestions on how we spend an afternoon in Port Nyanzaru?"
Gondolo nods vigorously. "Suggestions indeed! Eat and drink, but, of course, it seems you're taking care of that as we speak. The races! Yes, you could watch the dinosaur races in a few hours, and placing a wager makes such an event that much more exciting."
Gondolo then greedily gulps down the remnants of whatever he's been drinking. "We could speak of business, Sarya, if you're in need of any service that might lessen the burden of traveling about this glorious land."
As the halfling mentions service, all of you are immediately reminded that Gondolo's name appeared among the postings for guides at the harbormaster's office.
"Oh, that Gondolo." Sarya says smiling after a while. "So where is your friend Faroul?" She adds looking around. "And do tell me more of these dinosaurs, they race do they? Are they like horses or more like hounds?"
"Ah, I see that the good names of my partner and I are already known," responds Gondolo gleefully. "Excellent. Faroul is there..."--Gondolo points to a Calishite human engaged in a game of dice with a half-orc--"...overcoming the inscrutable odds associated with such an enterprise."
The halfling sets his empty tankard upon the table and continues, "The races, yes. What a thing to behold! They are like horses in that they thunder along the streets of Port Nyanzaru, their feet pounding the ground as if a hundred thoroughbreds had galloped past you. They are like hounds in that they might turn upon one another with their horns and teeth and, thereby, finish the race in a slightly more savage manner."
He motions for another tankard to be brought to him as finishes. "Speaking of dinosaurs, Faroul and I have a particularly useful triceratops within our service. A most excellent beast of burden he makes."
Rawlings looks up from her drink, "So Gondolo. Are you having to search for work because your partner is gambling away all your money or because word of mouth hasn't been so kind?"
She honestly doesn't care who they go with, just find it odd that as soon as they sat down, they were accosted by this gentleman. Also, they way he carries himself, makes her feel like they may become more of a target as creatures from halfway across the island are going to hear him.
Thoradin settled in with a drink and kept his ears open to pass the time. He was eager to be on their way, eager to test out his newly-learned powers. His people didn't go for magic much which he saw as a shame. He'd only learned a little so far but already he could imagine the possibilities, particularly with the icy armor. An odd power to learn from a sentient flame, perhaps, but it could very well save his hide. And it was a weapon of a sort, as well, like the spiked armor the battle ragers wore.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When he heard about the dinosaur race, a fire flickered in Carlos' eyes. But the excitement died as soon as, the cleric found that Gondolo's appearance was too unnatural to be coincidence. " It seems we have a lot in common. I like gambling and thrills too, my friend. Your triceratops sounds really cool! But… " Carlos looks at the Halfling over his cup. " Like our Trifling said. I'm curious what makes you think we need your triceratops. Did someone tell you that we are going to have sightseeing in this land? "
"Participating in the race, you ask?" responds Gondolo to Sarya. "Such an endeavor is possible, but only if an owner were in need of a rider. I do not know if such a need exists."
Then turning his attention to Rawlings, Gondolo takes on a feigned look of pain, as if he's been insulted. He then smiles. "Ah, you've already seen through me, mistress tiefling! You recognize that I find pleasure in conversation rife with witty barbs, even if they are at my expense. Faroul and I, if I may boast ever so slightly, are financially secure enough that we can endure a few losses at the gaming table. As for the possible effects of word of mouth, I would say this: any who paint Faroul and me in a poor light do so because they have been unable to match our business acumen."
"Trifling!" repeats Gondolo with a chuckle at Carlos. "Most amusing! Regarding my triceratops, no one needed to say a word to me. The moment I saw the five of you I thought to myself, 'There's a spirited, adventuring bunch! If the jungles of Chult be their destination, then how could I ignore the opportunity to make my services available to them?'"
(Carlos sifts through Gondolo's words and concludes that the halfling is genuinely hoping to be hired by the party)
"I... uh... yes. The Arcane is a wonder, though it is expensive to learn." Harq says, shaking his coin pouch where it sounds like he has a bit over 30 coins in it. He then adds as he heads behind a curtain to change into his new lighter clothing, "That's another reason to hire a guide we can work with to pay their fees..."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Thoradin just smiled at the idea that he was somebody's servant. From his perspective, the pact was like a trade - he got some spells and the efreet could ask him to do things in exchange. No different from being hired to do a job, except the payment came up front. With a shrug he said, "Well, maybe not then. Guess we're on our own then. Speaking of Farouk, how'd you end up with him anyway?"
Rawlings admires the yklwas that Sarya points out, “Yes, I do love this weapon. Some of these are quite beautiful.” She checks out the rest for sale and when Sarya mentions purchasing together, she agrees and tells her she’d like a jar of the insect salve, rain catchers and finds the calmest tropical clothes she can find. Bright colors aren’t really her thing.
“Thanks for getting all these Sarya, let me know what I owe you. As for the smiling wing man, don’t think I’m your man - smiling isn’t really my thing.”
"I think the canoes might be a good idea, but perhaps we should speak to our guide about that first." Sarya suggests while looking over the canoes for sale.
"Farouk? Long story Thoradin, but suffice to say it started with this ring coming into my possession as it's former owner wasn't particularly careful with it." Sarya says to the dwarf with a smirk.
"Well perhaps you haven't tried it in a while?" Sarya says to Rawlings, smiling widely at her, trying to make her smile too, just a little bit.
As neither Carlos nor Thoradin seems interested in equipping themselves for the trek into the jungle Sarya starts haggling for what Rawlings just ordered and what she herself wanted.
(See recent posts) She tries to convince Rawlings to help her out with a smile, but otherwise she goes in alone.
Persuasion: 23 (Use first roll if Rawlings insists on not helping out. ;-)
Unless there are other purchases to be made at the Bazaar Sarya suggests they should go The Monkey's Fist for lunch next and to see if they maybe can find Azaka Stormfang, or perhaps go and check out those die-now-soars.
@Sarya
" That's a good idea. And we can ask the girl where we can get better and cheaper canoes. Or even we need them" Carlos puts back the wallet inside his cloak. The cleric fans his face and says. " … Ah, this place is so hot! My throat is burning! Can't wait to go to Monkey's Fist and drink something good! "
"I got the feeling Azaka is not a girl but rather a fierce woman that will smack you, or worse, if you ever call her a girl, but you're used to women smacking you right Carlos?" Sarya says with a smirk, but does not oppose going to the Monkey's Fist.
Harq comes out from behind the curtain looking like a middle aged man traveling to Hawaii for the first time, though his clothing at least slightly more in tune with the local fashion being purchased there. Hopping back onto his broom he floats around saying, “Ah, this is much better. Lighter and more comfortable. The rain even seems to flick off of it instead of soak straight in.” Then at the mention of visiting the Monkey’s Fist adds, “Ah yes. That Tej this morning was nice, but I could use something a bit more substantial.” Duncan too seems a bit more comfortable, shaking the rain off and perching himself on the front of the broom, clearly enjoying the feeling of flight while sitting.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Rawlings does her best to help Sarya in her negotiations though tells her afterwards this will not be a common occurrence. “Carlos, agreed let’s head to the Fist and take our fill of ale. After all this shopping, I need it. I wouldn’t mind checking out the dinosaurs after we find our guide and get the info we need.”
Once Harq is done behind the curtain, she takes her turn to change into the garb of the town.
@Sarya
" Always getting slapped by girls doesn't mean I love to be slapped,you know. " Carlos makes a face at Sarya. Then he smiles. " But I'm interested in this Azaka. No worries. I know the iron rule. Adventurers don't flirt with coworkers. Romance is more deadly than the dragon fire. Love triangles killed more parties than all orc tribes combined … etc. I'm just excited to meet a new girl. That's all"
(By the way, Carlos will buy his own clothing and a jar of salve before going to the tavern.)
Sarya nods at Carlos, though not seeming overly convinced, yet.
As Rawlings finishes behind the curtain Sarya takes her place and chenges into her newly purchased attire.
(Still waiting for the cost of what she bought :-)
She is then ready to follow the others to the Monkey's Fist.
Holding off on purchasing the canoes for now, the group settles with up the vendors who are selling the rain catchers, the salve, and the light, tropical clothing. Sarya's knack for nudging others to see things her way helps the party to save a bit of gold. When everything's added up, it comes to a total of 9 gold pieces
Hopefully, I've understood the intent of the party with its purchases. If not, we'll adjust as needed.
Ten minutes later, the group shakes off some of the moisture that's gathered on their clothing, and they step into the lively atmosphere of The Monkey's Fist. The patrons consist primarily of dwarves and Chultan humans, although you do see a few halflings, a pair of tabaxi, and a half-orc. Asking the barmaid about Azaka's whereabouts garners the response, "She'll be along soon, I imagine. She always is."
Not long after occupying a seat and ordering a bit of food and drink, one of the plumpest halflings you've ever beheld approaches the table. "Well, this is fine-looking bunch, isn't it?! Allow me to welcome you to Port Nyanzaru. I am Gondolo, originally hailing from Longsaddle in the North, but now..."--and he flashes a winning smile as he finishes--"...but now I call the wonders of Chult my home!"
"Well, nice to meet you Gondolo. I'm Sarya, and this is Rawlings, Harq, Carlos and Thoradin. We've just arrived ourselves but I guess you spotted that." Sarya says with a welcoming smile. "So Gondolo, do you have any suggestions on how we spend an afternoon in Port Nyanzaru?"
Gondolo nods vigorously. "Suggestions indeed! Eat and drink, but, of course, it seems you're taking care of that as we speak. The races! Yes, you could watch the dinosaur races in a few hours, and placing a wager makes such an event that much more exciting."
Gondolo then greedily gulps down the remnants of whatever he's been drinking. "We could speak of business, Sarya, if you're in need of any service that might lessen the burden of traveling about this glorious land."
As the halfling mentions service, all of you are immediately reminded that Gondolo's name appeared among the postings for guides at the harbormaster's office.
"Oh, that Gondolo." Sarya says smiling after a while. "So where is your friend Faroul?" She adds looking around. "And do tell me more of these dinosaurs, they race do they? Are they like horses or more like hounds?"
"Ah, I see that the good names of my partner and I are already known," responds Gondolo gleefully. "Excellent. Faroul is there..."--Gondolo points to a Calishite human engaged in a game of dice with a half-orc--"...overcoming the inscrutable odds associated with such an enterprise."
The halfling sets his empty tankard upon the table and continues, "The races, yes. What a thing to behold! They are like horses in that they thunder along the streets of Port Nyanzaru, their feet pounding the ground as if a hundred thoroughbreds had galloped past you. They are like hounds in that they might turn upon one another with their horns and teeth and, thereby, finish the race in a slightly more savage manner."
He motions for another tankard to be brought to him as finishes. "Speaking of dinosaurs, Faroul and I have a particularly useful triceratops within our service. A most excellent beast of burden he makes."
"Racing through the streets huh. Could one take part in this race if one were so inclined?" Sarya asks, more intrigued by these dinosaur races now.
Rawlings looks up from her drink, "So Gondolo. Are you having to search for work because your partner is gambling away all your money or because word of mouth hasn't been so kind?"
She honestly doesn't care who they go with, just find it odd that as soon as they sat down, they were accosted by this gentleman. Also, they way he carries himself, makes her feel like they may become more of a target as creatures from halfway across the island are going to hear him.
Thoradin settled in with a drink and kept his ears open to pass the time. He was eager to be on their way, eager to test out his newly-learned powers. His people didn't go for magic much which he saw as a shame. He'd only learned a little so far but already he could imagine the possibilities, particularly with the icy armor. An odd power to learn from a sentient flame, perhaps, but it could very well save his hide. And it was a weapon of a sort, as well, like the spiked armor the battle ragers wore.
When he heard about the dinosaur race, a fire flickered in Carlos' eyes. But the excitement died as soon as, the cleric found that Gondolo's appearance was too unnatural to be coincidence. " It seems we have a lot in common. I like gambling and thrills too, my friend. Your triceratops sounds really cool! But… " Carlos looks at the Halfling over his cup. " Like our Trifling said. I'm curious what makes you think we need your triceratops. Did someone tell you that we are going to have sightseeing in this land? "
Insight (to see Gondolo's intention) : 20
"Participating in the race, you ask?" responds Gondolo to Sarya. "Such an endeavor is possible, but only if an owner were in need of a rider. I do not know if such a need exists."
Then turning his attention to Rawlings, Gondolo takes on a feigned look of pain, as if he's been insulted. He then smiles. "Ah, you've already seen through me, mistress tiefling! You recognize that I find pleasure in conversation rife with witty barbs, even if they are at my expense. Faroul and I, if I may boast ever so slightly, are financially secure enough that we can endure a few losses at the gaming table. As for the possible effects of word of mouth, I would say this: any who paint Faroul and me in a poor light do so because they have been unable to match our business acumen."
"Trifling!" repeats Gondolo with a chuckle at Carlos. "Most amusing! Regarding my triceratops, no one needed to say a word to me. The moment I saw the five of you I thought to myself, 'There's a spirited, adventuring bunch! If the jungles of Chult be their destination, then how could I ignore the opportunity to make my services available to them?'"
(Carlos sifts through Gondolo's words and concludes that the halfling is genuinely hoping to be hired by the party)