Quote from OisinmacCameron >>

"Hail, sister!  My travel-mates and I are seeking a guide into deepest Chult, one whose knowledge is current and exact; and we thought a tabaxi of the world such as you would know where to find the best.  I could tell you somewhat of the Witchlight Carnival in return for this knowledge." (Persuasion 21)

 Fred follows along, he knows some of the group are from here but it couldn't hurt to get extra help.

(I've updated the city map. The green dot is the party's location and the red X shows the Red Bazaar where Kaya's House of Repose is located: https://i.postimg.cc/XYBkrCcp/Nyanzaru1.jpg)

"Let us head toward Kaya's House then," Silvane agrees. When Barn mentions coin, Silvane startles as if she had forgotten something. "My goodness, I had almost forgotten. Take this," and she hands a pouch of 150 gold coins to Barn. "This should help defray your expenses a bit while in the city."

Meanwhile, Shra approaches one of the tabaxi minstrels. The female tabaxi stops strumming her lute and studies Shra with evident curiosity. "You are not from Chult, sister?" the tabaxi asks. When Shra mentions the Witchlight Carnival, the tabaxi's eyes light up. "Oh yes, I would love to hear of the Carnival. I have often dreamed of playing in it one day," she says dreamily. "You should seek out River Mist and Flask of Wine. They are often at one of the many inns in the city, looking for customers. They are both tabaxi, and their rates are very reasonable."

"I am much obliged to you, sister!," Shra replies.  "Should I presume they are clanmates working together, or would they consider the assumption rude?"

"As for the Carnival ... oh, it's as marvelous as the tales say.  There's a mine cart ride that mines dreams and nightmares ... boats drawn by a swan philosopher ... a hall of mirrors that is SO much more than it seems ... and the big top, of course.  That's the best chance for new acts to break in; especially during the Extravaganza.  Mister Light invites guests to perform, and if they need another Hand you might be invited to join the Carnival.  You should know, though ... once you join, you can't leave for more than a day without losing your post.  But it really is its own world, and a marvelous one, and you can meet people from all the worlds the Carnival visits.  If the accident hadn't ... "  She falls silent suddenly and sighs, a strange mix of memories in her eyes.  Then she raises her left forepaw and presses the wrist on either side with the 'fingers' of her right.  The paw detaches from her wrist, revealing a surface of silvery metal and wires on the stumps of both.  Then she presses it back on, touches the wrist in the same places, and her arm is whole again.

  "Advice.  Never agree to join an act that involves a dragonborn and something called 'black powder'.  But if you do, and the worst happens, there's a battlesmith there who can work wonders.  Name of Theris Dionte.  Bit of a morbid sense of humour, but with her line of work who can blame her?"

Barn smiles gratefully at the blue frog as Fred offers to venture with him into the unknown of the exotic city to try to make some coin, then at Shra's generous offer before the tabaxi strikes up the conversation with the other cat-folk.

(Until just a few moments ago, Barn did not actually know that tabaxi were real, and not just some fanciful story).

He almost falls over in surprise as Miss Silvane hands him the pouch of gold.  Understanding is slow to come as he follows dutifully to Kaya's House.

I guess if you are dying from this Soul, ah... Soul-Mongoose and Death Nurse, then you can't take the gold with you once you are dead...

Quote from Tybard >>

I guess if you are dying from this Soul, ah... Soul-Mongoose and Death Nurse, then you can't take the gold with you once you are dead...

OOC: Stealing those for my own campaign.

Thrash's eyes go wide at the sight of the bag of coin. He can feel his large toothy mouth begin to water as he thinks about all he could buy with that amount of coin. The lizardfolk looks for a moment as though his is going to say something but quickly shakes his head and just continues walking towards the inn.

The tabaxi minstrel nods. "Yes, they are clan mates," she says. Her eyes go wide and dreamy as she listens to Shra describe the Witchlight Carnival. "Oh, I hope to see it myself one day."

You all head toward the area marked on the map, which is a bustling market district called the Red Bazaar. All sorts of goods appear to be sold here. There are street vendors selling fruits and vegetables, all of which seem exotic and utterly unlike anything grown on the Sword Coast. There are food carts serving kabobs, fried fish, and hand pies. Colorful stalls adorned with fabrics of all colors crowd the streets. Some of the stalls appear to be selling jungle survival gear, like insect repellent and rain catchers.

Kaya's House of Repose is situated in a colorful three-story stone building. Inside the atmosphere is quiet for an inn, peaceful and contemplative. The furnishings are higher end than you would find in most inns, and the clientele seems a little more well-heeled as well. Many of them are smoking pipes, and the air is redolent with tobacco and other, sweeter aromas like incense. There is a large hearth with cozy, stuffed armchairs, all of which are currently occupied. The rest of the main tavern area is filled with large, circular tables actually covered with tablecloths in colorful patterns.

Behind the bar stands an elegantly dressed woman. She is chatting to a man wearing a blue and red doublet and an extravagant hat with a feather. He gesticulates wildly as he speaks, and the woman behind the bar nods politely at whatever he's saying.

"Ah, here we are," says Silvane. "We should speak to the proprietress about rooms. Oh my...is that who I think it is?"

Fred strolls through the market and slaps a mosquito the size of his thumb, then eats it. "Flegh! these are wierd." and spits it out. He looks at the various goods available, foods, weapons, and traveling gear. At a shop called The Wick and Stick, he sees pots and packets, vials and flasks. He approaches the shopkeep and inquires about ways to keep the bugs away.

----interlude---

While shopping, he also asks what the rain catcher contraption is.

Lysandra steps into Kaya's House of Repose, her senses immediately soothed by the tranquil atmosphere and the faint scent of incense in the air. The inn is a stark contrast to the chaotic vibrancy of the Red Bazaar, and she feels a momentary relief from the urgency of her quest. Her sharp eyes take in the comfortable (to some) furnishings and the well-dressed patrons, noting the air of quiet contemplation that pervades the room. She moves with purpose toward the bar, her presence drawing a few curious glances from the other patrons.

As Silvane's exclamation draws her attention, Lysandra follows Silvane’s gaze to the man in the extravagant hat. Her brow furrows slightly as she assesses the situation, instinctively reading the body language and energy in the room. "We should indeed speak to the proprietress about rooms," she agrees, her voice steady but low. "And find out who this individual is, if he has caught Silvane's eye. Anyone of importance here might have valuable information or connections that could aid our mission." With that, she strides forward, her movements fluid and deliberate.

Thrash grins at the small grung as they walk to the inn. "There are much tastier bugs in the jungle..." He adds before continuing into the inn.

The large lizardfolk appears quite uncomfortable as he steps into the colorful building. While most of the customers inside the inn wore fine vibrant clothing, Thrash wore almost no clothing at all. His dull green scales that normally helped him to stalk his prey in the jungle seemed to make him stand out here in the city... something the ranger hated. 

He instinctively places his hands on the hilts of the short swords hanging from his belt as his tongue moves around the interior of his mouth... counting the razor sharp teeth withing. "I don't like it here." He grumbles aloud as he follows closely behind Silvane towards the proprietress. 

Barn recognizes well the patient nod that the proprietress of Kaya's House gives to the wildly-gesticulating man with the funny hat.

Hey, that's the same patient nod people give me when I talk!  If they're nice, at least.  Though I don't usually move my arms around or dress like this fellow...

Seeing Lysandra and Thrash, the locals, both head towards the proprietress along with Miss Silvane, Barn strides alongside, a goofy smile on his face, as he nods amiably to both the patient woman and the flamboyant man.  He is completely unaware that exhibiting 150 gold pieces in public might carry any negative consequences (since he's never had this much money), so he matter-of-factly pulls out the pouch that Miss Silvane had given him.

It makes a clinking, plopping sound as it lands on the surface of the bar and settles a bit.  "Hullo," Barn begins with his usual friendly obliviousness, addressing both the proprietress and the man who had been gesticulating at to her.  "We ah... we'd like some rooms.  For me and my friends."

A tiny sliver of common sense causes the big man to keep his hand on top of the bag, holding on to it.

Thalara slowly adjusts to the noise and color and heat of this place. She briefly looks at the wide assortment of goods on display, but does not pause to haggle - there would be time for that later. Kaya’s House of Repose is a welcome change, the noise of the markets outside dulling as the tavern’s doors close behind the party. She lingers at the threshold for a moment, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment of peace - and the sweet but acrid aroma of tobacco and incense. The air was thick here - not oppressive, but comforting. When she opens them again, the party has moved on, greeting Silvane’s acquaintance and arranging for lodging. She quietly shuffles up, trying to listen to the numerous conversations her new allies are having, drinking in the information.

Lysandra approaches the bar, her gaze fixed on the man in the extravagant hat. She moves with purpose, her fur covered robes swaying slightly with each step. Without hesitation, she steps up to the man and addresses him directly, her voice firm and unwavering.

"Who are you, and how do you know Silvane?" she asks bluntly, her eyes narrowing as she studies his reaction. The room seems to quiet slightly as her words cut through the ambient noise, and a few patrons turn their heads to watch the interaction. Lysandra stands tall, her posture exuding confidence and determination, ready to uncover any information that might aid their quest.

Insight 14

Shra smiles at her fellow tabaxi.  "No one knows what world the Carnival will go to next, so it might come by here anytime.  Tell Burly you know me.  And may the Cat Lord smile upon you wherever you go."  She waves and returns to the group.  Her eyes flicker curiously over the surroundings, with perhaps just a touch of lingering wariness.  Most of the goods on display she passes by without comment, though she does note the location of the stalls selling survival gear for later perusal.  But as most of her companions seem interested in securing lodging first, she is happy to pass them too by for now,

In the House of Repose, she follows the delegation approaching the bar.  When Barn drops his whole fortune on the bar, she lets out a little sigh.  She is already beginning to like the big man for his straightforwardness, but she's also seen enough at the Witchlight Carnival to know what the world generally does to such innocence.  She steps up beside him and directs a wide, toothy smile at the proprietress.  "Yes, there are seven of us traveling together, if you have enough rooms available; some of us might be able to share a room if not.  Might I ask what your customary rates per night are?  We'll probably be here a few nights before heading out in the jungle.  Also, would you know how to get in touch with two tabaxi by the names of River Mist and Flask of Wine?  We heard they were available for hire as guides."

As she settles back to hear the answer, she whispers to Barn, "Apologies, but its always best to ask the price before paying.  And I'd put that away for the moment ... our group seems to be attracting a bit of attention already anyhow."

Whenever the cat-person or frog-person speak, Barn finds it akin to witnessing a fairy tale come to life.  Which suits Barn just fine.  It reminds him a little of the strange fey creatures he would play with as a child in the woods not far from Daggerford.  They were usually nice!

So when Shra whispers her gentle warning, he simply continues smiling thickly for a while before her words sink in and his mouth forms an "O" of mild chagrin.  It takes him a moment to decide whether she is asking him to put away his maul, already stowed at his back, or the pouch of gold.  Once he realizes it is the latter, the big man nods sagely and stows the pouch roughly into his pack, with extensive loud clinking and scrunching noises.

OOC: is it safe to call this campaign dead? I am interested in getting a chance to play this campaign but I know real life can hit hard. There is no shame in shutting this game down if you need to DM, I just want to know so I can use my character for other games if needed. 

GM said they were having some real life issues going on. If you have to move along, you have to move along.

The shopkeeper at the Wick and Stick explains to Fred that the rain catcher is a device used to catch rainwater for drinking, which is usually safer than trying to drink water from the streams in the jungle itself. The shopkeeper charges 1 gold per rain catcher.

As you all enter the inn and head toward the proprietress and the colorful man, she turns toward you all, evident relief on her face at the interruption. Her expression changes to one of surprise as Barn slaps the bulging bag of coins down on the bar. The man in the colorful clothes is also taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recovers.

"I see you have some new guests!" he exclaims, his voice naturally booming and theatrical, as if he is used to giving performances. "Welcome, welcome to Kaya's House of Repose, the finest establishment in Port Nyanzaru I daresay!"

Kaya gives the man an amused look before turning back to you. "Yes, welcome dear guests," she says, her voice deep and warm. "How long will you be staying with us?"

Shra approaches and lays out the facts, and Kaya nods along. "A room costs 1 gold per night," says Kaya. "Each room has a double bed so two may sleep per room."

At the mention of River Mist and Flask of Wine, Kaya smiles. "Oh yes, they are often here in the evenings looking for customers. They should be here tonight as well. I don't think they have taken on a new job yet."

"I will purchase my own room since I will be staying in the city," says Silvane. She passes some gold to Kaya. "I am not sure how long I will be staying but here is enough for two weeks."

Fred nods to the vendor and buys two raincatchers." Is there something for all these bugs? They taste terrible."

After he gets his purchases he goes to the hotel.

laying down two coins, "At least a little while. We need to find guides and directions."

Thalara scowls, giving their patron a sideways glance.  She empties her coinpurse onto the counter and three lonely gold coins come tumbling out.  She snatches one back into her pocket.

"Two nights for me as well."