"As long as the good captain doesn't interpret that as some nefarious plot to cheat, I'm fine with that."

Nobody's pitch black eyes begin to glow with a dim but devilish fire for a brief few seconds. 

"Oh? Why that's just perfect then, my good friend! Though, I do not suppose we came in time to catch it on the morrow have we?"

Nobody takes a sip, and probably nearly trips someone in passing as his tail swept languidly behind him. 

"Anything else of note? Perhaps something with a bit of violence involved? My friend--"

He motions with his tail over to Melanthios and the others.

"Has been made upset recently, and I fear one game of chance might not be enough to satisfy him. And I would rather not head into the jungle anytime soon with that sort of added baggage floating over head. I'm sure you understand, having to deal with a few ruffians from time to time here?" 

(Sorry. I combined your character's name with another from a campaign I'm in.) 

(Methasis?)

Tab leans in to listen to the loud human, while keeping an eye on the (Farkle) game out of the corner of his eye. 

"If you think the races have no violence involved, you've got another thing coming! But, if you're looking for more brutal murder of human beings, there are two other things. First, there's Executioner's Run. Basically, we toss convicted criminals into it with a bunch of hungry dinosaurs. If they can get to the other side and climb out without being torn apart, they are freed! Also, there's the Grand Coliseum. Gladiatorial fights and whatnot, pretty standard fare."

CUT TO GYNUGRI!

"Oh, are you part of the group she's chucking into the jungle? She said that one of you might show up. Sure, they're back there. They were about to depart to the merchant prince's villa when you showed up."

 He points you to a lavish couch further down, where Syndra and a Chultan man that you assume is Wakanga O'tamu are sitting.

Nobody could not help but lean in out of increasing interest.

"Fascinating! Horrible. But most fascinating! I imagine if there is money made there, folk even volunteer at times no doubt. I have so much to think of -- thank you, my friend. And here, for your trouble. If we should meet again, mayhaps next I can properly return the favor."

The tiefling downs his drink, puts down a gold piece both in payment for it and the good word, and with a wink, he heads back over to the gambling table.

"So, I have some good news and some better news. But first off, how do you two feel about a bit of sport to, uh... improve both our teamwork and add a bit coin to our preparations? While we did do well back on the ship, a bit of paid practice can only be a benefit."

Mel wraps up the game with Ortimay.

"And that is why you never challenge me in a game of chance, my friends."

Gynugri takes his time to walk towards the two before stopping and introducing himself.

"Pleasant evening, merchant prince Wakanga O'Tamu and merchant Syndra."

The goblin faces the Chult's royalty.

"I was planning on having an audience with you regarding the task our employer had given to us.

Since Captain Ortimay told us our employer is currently staying in this place, I immediately came here in the hopes of introducing myself along with merchant Syndra to vouch for me.

My name is Gynugri and I came here to know more about the latest rumors regarding Chult's jungles that might contain the dreaded Soulmonger we're looking for."

(Sorry for the long wait!)

"Ah, yes. Syndra told me you would be coming. Unfortunately, I know nothing of this Soulmonger. There is a temple to Savras nearby. He is the deity of divination. Perhaps the clergy there will be able to help you."

"So Savras is a deity of divination, huh. That is very helpful indeed. I better go back to the Thundering Lizard and tell them this."

Gynugri rubs his chin after hearing Wakanga O'Tamu's information.

"It seems you are quite knowledgeable of temples, merchant prince. I've seen a boxy temple dedicated to a deity called Gond. There's also a temple isolated on a rocky outcrop and a large one at the slum district. Maybe you could tell me more of them before I head back to prepare things for our journey to the jungle."

"Gond is a deity of craft and smithwork. The temple on the rocky outcrop is a temple of Sune, the Goddess of Beauty. Lastly, the temple in Malar's throat is a temple of Tymora, Goddess of Fortune. Do you wish for any more information?"

"Since you've asked for it, might as well do it."

Gynugri takes a deep breath then takes a serious stance before asking his question.

"I've seen there are several large villas belonging to other merchant princes here in Port Nyanzaru. I want to know more of them, especially those that are surrounded with bad rumors."

"Well done, Mel. Sorry Captain. But, a deal is a deal. We will see in the morning?"

Once Nobody's question is asked, he'll clap his hands together and rub them vigorously together. 

"So, back to the business of training and money making opportunity. Seeing as our dear Goblin friend might be a while, shall we at least go check it out now? With any luck, we might see dinosaur races too!"

He says with a gleam in his eyes as he hops out of his seat ready to lead the way. 

Mel follows . . .wait for it . . .in the shadows.

Stealth: 20

(I honestly don't know why I bother doing this, but . . .you never know.)

(Well, when we inevitably get jumped by Yuan-ti Assassins, it will come in handy.)

Tab rubs his chin thoughtfully - Maybe I should bring something along for the walk...

Waiting until his friends are mostly out the door, Tab attempts to swipe a bottle and tuck it into his shirt. 

Sleight of Hand 26

Gene follows the group, glad to be back in the open air.

(It's finally arrived! The post is finally here! Hallelujah!)

The merchant prince pauses and thinks a while. In fact, he thinks so long that it seems as if almost a whole week has passed! Eventually he answers Gynugri's question.

"Alright. Ekene-Afa deals in weaponry, armor, and equipment used for exploration of the jungle. Ifan Talro'a deals in beasts. Jessamine has a monopoly on sanctions, writs which allow assassinations by an ordained method. Jobal deals in guides. Kwayothe deals in food, drink, perfume, and insect repellent. Zhanthi deals in gems, jewelry, cloth, and armor. Most of them seem fine, but Ifan Talro'a is not to be trusted. He would do anything for a bit of coin."

The rest of the party makes their way to the Coliseum, Tab swiping a bottle of ale as he walks out, and Mel following behind in the shadows. It can be quickly located first because of the loud cheering emanating from it, and second because it's only about 100 feet away. The roar doubles in volume as you walk nearby, and you can barely spot the fighters over the shoulders of the people crowding around you. There is blood on the sand, and a huge Chultan man falls to his knees, clutching a wound in his side. Another man, his head concealed within a helmet, kicks the injured man down on the ground, then brings a huge sword down upon him, cleaving his head from his shoulders. The victor raises his arms above his head and roars. You make your way up to try and get a better view, but there are so many people packing the stands that it is barely better. The body of the dead man is dragged off, and the next match is announced.

"The next battle will take place soon! It will be a team battle, pitting two teams of two against each other! On team red, the lovely Marana O'chaku, an expert with the longbow, who has slain many a strong man with a well placed arrow, and Mbano Dalele, a giant of a man, clad in shining armor and wielding a massive sword which has claimed many a life! On team blue, Mandawa Kolu'o, the stone fist, who can send a man flying with the merest twitch of his palm, and Sami A'senye, a dashing young lass with a sharp rapier and a sharper tongue, her bark is worse than her bite, but that doesn't mean you should get in the way of either of them! The match will begin in one hour, we are now accepting bets!"

Gene would like to put a gold down on the team Marana-Mbano. He likes archery and is partial to it being better than other approaches.