As the water landed on Thom he instantly brought a dagger to his hand glaring around the vicinity trying to locate whoever had tossed the water. Unfortunately, the roads were so busy it was impossible to pick out the culprit. "Just my bloody luck."  Noticing a guard watching him Thom quickly returned the dagger to its hiding location and began making his way towards Kaya's House. Hopefully, someone was smart enough to do as I asked, and secure a room. Thom thought as a squishing noise followed him with every step he took.

While he made his way through the city he sighted the Thunder Lizard and gave a slight chuckle. Banned was I? If the Queen Morgase couldn't keep me out then either can the Thunder Lizard. She had an entire army searching for me, and I still managed to stay months in the same Inn. Once even had a conversation with the man she sent to kill me, Gareth Bryne. If he didn't realize who I was, then surely the Innkeeper and its patrons can't figure it out. 

Thom couldn't resist smiling as the memories came to him and there was a much more regal way in which he walked, even if he did look like a beggar. A conversation from an alley suddenly made him stop in his steps. Spotting some barrels filled with water he quickly hid behind them and gave himself a chuckle. Maybe his luck hadn't worn out after all.

"...to do it, do you? Two women were in the alley talking from the back doors of their homes, never noticing Thom hiding nearby. "...they belonged to his descendants!" Finally a good lead, at last, Thom thought to himself as he continued to listen to the two women speak. As their conversation went on Thom started creating plans in his head, with the goal of convincing the others that the reward was worth the risk. 

Waiting until the woman's conversation steered to chores he decided that was all the information he was going to get and exited the alley. After a good ten minutes, in which he spent gathering his thoughts he finally arrived at Kaya's House. Upon entering he looked around the room and spotted two of his companions. Ignoring the disgusted looks of the other patrons he approached them. "I hope your scavenger hunts were even a little better than mine. Either way, its time for us to make plans, and we don't need everyone to be here to do so. Meet me in the dining hall in twenty minutes, and make sure you watch what you say where others can hear you. There is something dangerous in this city." Thom glanced down at all the dirt, grime, and water dripping down from his clothing. "I am going to take a quick bath first." 

Turning from the group he approached the closest maid. "My name is Rand Althor" Thom announced, choosing to follow his own advice as he bowed to the worker. I wish to rent the dining room for my party if you would be willing. I am not a fan of crowds and would like to enjoy some quiet while I eat. After I have had a bath of course" Thom handed over the cost of the dining room. Then threw in another 2 gold. "The additional is for my...smell and your troubles."  

Twenty minutes later Thom was bathed and sitting in the dining room with a meal in front of him. Scattered all across the table were the notes he had gathered and the known layout of the area they were in. A detailed map of the Port was left to one side of the table, with markings of everything he had learned, and hoped to mark with the additional information the others were able to gather. 

Leaning back in his chair he pulled a pipe from his clock and placing it in his mouth closed his eyes. "Maybe today didn't go as badly as I thought."

Lesnalore idly listened to those talk around her as she dined on the delicious fish her feet dangling carefree above the soft sounds of the waves lapping against the supports. If there was any reason to travel this was it. She made a mental note of what she heard taking care of the scraps of her meal before heading off to the Thunder Lizard after walking around for a while longer the sights and sounds of the city, taking in as much as she could before she arrived sitting at the bar waiting before they would go to Kayla's House. Had everyone already go over to the House? Getting up to go find join the others at the Kayla's House. Entering after a bit after Thom the smell waffling through the air as she made her way over and sits by Quill and the dwarf.

"Was that our friend over there? And if so, he must have gotten himself into an interesting amount of trouble to smell like that. But really anything with water would help him out right now. You are right about the city, stopping by for fresh fish was soooo good."

Sitting at the bar stool her legs gently swinging as she was still full from the fish and was never much of a drinker.

     Gairlik chuckles at Quill as she goes on about the variety of names she has. "Your dwarvish isn't too bad," he replies in his native tongue. "I can see that last one sticking for me too - Larunda," he gives her a broad grin. Waving down someone to get some food and drink as well (coin marked off), he then continues in common. "Can't say for sure what my Mamma was thinkin' when she named me...though, she loved to cook," he scratches his chin as he muses this last point. 

     "This town seems to have a lot to offer," the dwarf begins to comment after receiving his food. However, his face turns a little sour recognizing the old man of their group enters the room. Though it quickly turns to a smirk when Thomm approach and he gets a whiff of the stench emanating from the individual. "Yes, please do? Your odor is ruining my meal."

    Gairlik then turns back to Quill, and jabs a thumb towards their stinky companion. "This fella, huh?"

For Damien: sharp blade, placed oh so carefully, will loosen any tongue. It’s amazing what fear can cause a person to do... or say. The problem was when you intimidated someone you had to be able to weed out the information given out in fear and the information that was actually real. However not all information had to come out of fear...

Damien questioned the first individual he spotted on the main road. A woman, dressed in fine a silk dress and colored in many shades of blues and greens, gave him the answer he sought. “Just heads on over to the High Merchants of this city. They have a list of individuals who are well trained in exploring that dense jungle. I would obtain the list and go from there.” (PASS: Perception Check)

Damien gives a light bow to the woman, showing polite gratitude, "My thanks." Lifting his head, he then proceeds to walk directly towards location of the High Merchants. Taking the most direct route, but also ensuring to maintain his discretion, there were no benefits to be had from gathering other's attention. With his red hood still pulled up, he blends back into the port streets.

For Jadyn:

The High Priest did his best to speak the truth. Always the truth. Never a lie. A lie would be a great sin. The High Priest does not sin. 

“Those undead have been around since before I was born. They have always existed. It was worse when Ras Nsi used his dark necromancy to raise and control the undead. But he was defeated long ago and what’s we have now is due to his negligence when he was alive.” The High Priest rubs his hands together in thought. “I will use my Divination to speak to my God and ask for his help. Come to me tomorrow and I will see what information I can gather for you.” 

Wrinkling her nose at the passing bard whose name was apparently Rand given what he told the serving girl, Quill have a nod at his instructions, mentally sighing over the loss of her own plans but too well taught to argue with one who was so much visibly older than herself.   Shaking her head at the dwarves comment, she opened her mouth to respond to Gairlik's comment only to close her mouth with a resounding snap when she realized she couldn't say anything that didn't sound resounding rude.

Instead, she turned to the newest addition to their table, smiling widely as she did so.  "Greetings!  I am glad you found the food as good as I have!  I will have to try the fish before we leave the city.   It's not often I get such a treat, my great Hurdy-Gurdy of a cat always steals what few I manage to catch." Finishing her food with a flourish, she sighed contentedly, passing a copper to the young woman who came to collect her plate.  Shaking herself from her stupor, she gave her forehead a slap.  "Forgive me, I'm being terribly rude, allow me to make introductions.   This is Gairlik," gesturing towards the dwarf with a free hand, " we were just getting acquainted!  You call me Roywna, although Gairlik said he liked Larunda better, so you can call me that too if you like, or anything really.  I'd love to learn your name!  Elves always have the best names, no offense Gairlik, but dwarfs tend to heavy solid sorts of names that  sit heavy on your tongue.  Elf names, oh, they just trill off the tongue and sing in the wind.  You are an elf, aren't you? " 

Quill cocked her head at the woman across from her, considering, before deciding dismiss the matter with a wave of her hand, blushing as she began to apologize.  "Sorry, I'm being rude again aren't I?" Smiling once more, this time more gently, she continued in a more subdued tone  "Anyway it seems we have a little time to get acquainted if you like, while our....." She paused not sure what word to use for the curious bard, before deciding somewhat questionably on the water option, " friend to make himself fit for company.   Not sure if you heard but he wants to meet up in twenty minutes or so.  Although how we are to find everyone in that time in such strange city when we were supposed to meet at The Thundering Lizard later, I have no clue!  Still, we must humor the poor man.  Older humans tend to get cranky when they are kept waiting. " She finished with a nod of someone imparting a piece of great wisdom. 

So the undead aren't new... A red herring then, maybe. Jadyn thanked the priest, dropped a gold piece into the collection bowl, (OOC: 1gp) and left the temple. I'll assume the others got whatever there is to get from the rowdy inn.

Jadyn made her way to Kaya's House. Ordered some bread, cheese, and ale. (OOC: 2sp) As her food was served, she spotted Thom coming downstairs and heading into a separate dining room. Jadyn picked up her plate and mug and followed him.

Thom had laid out maps and notes... of the city. She set down her food. "I thought we were here to find the Soulmonger. Looks like you're planning a heist." She tore off a hunk of bread with her teeth. "Well, I have a day until the priest will have his answers for me. Show me what you've got."

     Gairlik, with a mouthful of food, waves a hand at the gnome to indicate no offense was taken. He then slurps down half the contents of his mug to assist getting the food down. "Ah, excuse me," he says, wiping his mouth then offer a hand in greeting the elf. "Like she said, Gairlik...Holderhek. And how did you...," the dwarf pauses catching sight of 'Rand' coming back downstairs with an armful of papers and going into the private dining room, followed shortly by the cleric. "So, uh... Do we want to see what he, and the others found out?" 

     He then reluctantly rises from his chair. Before going to the room, he downs his drink and walks to the bar. "Another please," he thinks for a moment. "Better make that two."

Thom opened his eyes and glanced at the newcomer. "Take a seat, we have no need to rush, especially if you have to wait a day for your answers." Thom eyed Jadyn's plate and mug. "Besides we wouldn't want you to ruin your appetite on...rumors." Thom let out a sigh as he picked up one of the notes seemingly at random. "It's important to know everything we can about this port before we head out. Especially if this is the only true city on this forsaken island. Take this for instance..." Thom slid the note he was holding over to Jadyn. "Why would the price of Heavy Armor be five times as expensive, when everything else in town seems to follow that of Baldur's Gate." Thom tapped a finger to his forehead as if trying to pull information out of it. "Who runs the town, and why doesn't he want people to be so heavily armored. When surely those beasts..." Thom indicated a drawing of what appeared to be some kind of dinosaur on another piece of paper. "...could cut you or me in half with just one bite." Thom glanced at the map that was filled with notes and several areas were circled. One place, Thunder Lizard appeared to have a fat red X across it. "Information can keep us out of trouble. In more ways than one. He rummaged through the notes once again, looking for nothing in particular. "Tell me Jadyn, what have you learned from this priest of yours? Surely he mentioned something to you already."

Jadyn took the note from Thom while she chewed. "Hmm. With as dense and dangerous as the jungle is reputed to be, I wouldn't think heavy armor would be that useful. You'd just die of exhaustion, or get yourself stuck. Maybe the price is high because no one bothers to import it. But if we want to pull on this thread, we could try commissioning a custom piece from a local blacksmith. That should be the same price, and would reveal if there's some special 'heavy armor tax.'"

Jadyn ate some of her cheese. A different variety than they had in Baldur's Gate. They probably have to make the cheese especially low-moisture here, or it wouldn't last any time at all. Makes sense.

"The priest told me this city has been under attack by undead for decades. The necromancer that raised these hordes was defeated, so not obviously related to the death curse, but it could be a lead. Whoever's using this Soulmonger could be following in his footsteps, or using his old lair. Ras Nsi, was his name." Jadyn washed down the dry cheese with some ale. "He said he'd ask his god about the death curse and have answers tomorrow."

"There was also a group of men looking for someone else named Artus Cimber. They were willing to pay 500gp to find out where he is. But they left as soon as I showed up. I don't know who they are, or who Artus Cimber is. Did that name come up in your searches?"

Thom looked up from his notes at the mention of Ras Nsi surprise etched across his face. "But it couldn't be..." Thom said to himself, in such a low voice it sounded as if it was meant for himself alone. "Artus Cimber? No....the name doesn't ring a bell. It wouldn't be too difficult to find out. A city this big actually serves as an advantage to us." Thom thought back to the Stone of Tear and how easy it was to have the nobles kill one another just on the whisper of a rumor. "In a city, this big rumors spread not only quickly, but easily..." Thom began scanning over the map he had procured as if looking for something. "All we need to do is spread word that Artus Cimber has returned to town. After all from the sounds of those men, it doesn't even sound like they know if he was in town or not." His thumb started tracing several alleys a few blocks from the inn. "If we had a description it would be more believable but either way, anyone willing to pay...500 GP... just for information would want the man badly enough to just react to a simple whisper And this..." Thom smacked a thump down on one of the alleys he was tracing. "Is where we would get that information." Thom pulled on his mustache, once again deep in thought. "Now whom in our party would make a good decoy. Preferably someone quick. Maybe Damien..." Thom seemed to have forgotten Jadyn was in the room with him, now so deeply in thought that the end of his sentence trailed off.

Lesnalore was taken aback by how excited it seemed Quill was. Few seemed to be as excited as she was in exploring so it was a rare treat to talk with someone who loved it just as much as she did. As they introduced themselves she leaned over to look at the dwarf, a slight wave of her hand in hello before returning her attention to Quill. "Roywna and Gairlik. I might have trouble with that but otherwise is so very good to finally speak. I do agree about elf names, mine is Lesnalore Falsight, but Les is fine in a pinch. Although to be honest elf only on my mother's side, dad was a ranger who spent a good part of his life working with her. That's neither here nor there."

Seeing Thom ready with an armful of what looked to be paper work brought her no joy, but a job is a job, standing up from her seat as she hurried off to drop off her bag before joining them in the dining room. "Ah, Roywna which one would be mine room? This bag gets a little heavy after carrying it around all day." She asked before dropping it off in the appointed room before joining the others in the dining area, catching just on the tail end of needing some one quick. "Not even half of us here and you already planning, are you sure you're a bard? Awfully smart for one."

     Garilik stifles a laugh with one of his mug of ale, almost choking. "A smart one doesn't end up smellin' like shit!" 

Thom gave Garilik a simple glance before turning his gaze to Lesnalore. "Smarts isn't even the half of it. Where I come from we play a game, Daes Dae'mar. and unless you learned to play it... Thom held up a finger as if to emphasize his point "...and play it well mind you. You would end up dead with a knife in your back." Thom ran his eyes over the room not settling on any person longer than any other but still giving the impression that he was weighing each person individually. "A game where each act from commanding an army to washing one's clothing is judged equally. In some ways, the clothing judged more heavily. With time, maybe you will come to learn it. Thom glanced at the map in front of him. "Though to be honest, it would serve no use in this bloody town."

"How about you two..." Thom pointed at Garilik and Lesnalore. "... have you heard anything on this Artus Cimber or perhaps the failed necromance Ras Nsi? If not would you fill us in on what rumors you may have picked up?" Thom glanced down at his notes studying something that was written the words Ras Nsi with a question mark crammed into the corner of one note.

Dariel finds his way the park,feeling much of the tension leave his body as soon as he finds himself amongst the trees. He walks through the park, simply enjoying being in nature again, able to pretend for a while that he isn’t surrounded by a seething mass of people.  Eventually, he hears some birds singing nearby and follows the sound until he sees them on the ground ahead  

Seizing upon an idea, he casts Speak with Animals, then slowly approaches the birds.  “Hello there,” he says to the small creatures. The birds cock their heads inquisitively at him, hopping a few step back, but not fleeing. “It’s okay, he tells them, “I won’t hurt you. I’m a friend.”

 When they don’t fly off, he continues to approach cautiously until he’s a couple armslengths away, then sits on the ground. “I was hoping you could give me some information.  I’m here to stop a monster and am hoping you can help me. I’ve heard there’s many monsters here, but thought you could tell me more about the island.”  He looks between the birds, then asks several questions, waiting in between for the answers before moving on.  “What parts of the island do you avoid visiting?  Where it is unsafe to go?”  And then, “What are the scariest monsters on the island, and where are they?” Finally, “Where is it safest on the island outside the city?”

when he’s finished asking the important questions, he asks one more as an afterthought. “Have you ever seen a turtle with gems on its shell?”

For Vander:

The birds flutter around Dariel's head. Each singing their little song, mimicking the tranquil park. When Dariel begins to place his questions one lands right in the palms of his hands. In it's melodius sing song voice, the bird chirps the answers Dariel seeks. "Most of us stay away from the forest. It's to dangerous. A Tyrannosaurus Rex which has been Zombiefied has made its home there. He does not like visitors." The bird flies out of Dariel's out stretched hand and another takes its place. "There is no one place that is more dangerous then another. It's all dangerous. Just better to stay in the Port. Never adventure out. No where is safe." The second bird flutters away to be replaced by a third. "You speak of King Toba. He rules Snapping Turtle Bay. He can be sweet. Or he can be deadly. It's better if you just listen to our advice and stay right where you are." The bird flies out of his hand one more time and lands along the other two by the fountain. "You will die if you venture into that forest. Everyone always does in the end. We would hate to see one of Nature meet that same fate. It's not often we get to talk to one like you." As Speak with Animals fades away so do the birds, flying over the forest and out of sight.

For: Damien

Damien easily follows the directions given to him by the locals and comes upon Merchant Prince Jobal's Villa. A lavish villa where he lives and conducts private business. This villa served not just as a tropical home but a fortress. The walls ran up 12 feet topped with carnivore teeth, slivered seashells, and broken glass that glitters colorfully in the sun. The front door, showing with bright colors of yellows and blue, stands tall on the massive door frame. 

With a knock at the front door Damien was greeted by a tall muscular man who demanded to know what he wanted. With a quick explanation the man signals for Damien to follow.  The entryway of the villa contained a pleasant, breezy, tiled courtyard. In the center of the courtyard sat a splashing fountain aligned with a variety of local plants. Damien notices 2 other guards, similar in appearance to the first one, standing guard just inside the front entrance. Looking up, Damien can see the ceiling runs high at about two stories tall.

The guard leads Damien into a room decorated with silk draperies in the windows, tapestries of forest animals being hunted, and mounted heads of various beasts of different species. Decorative columns run high, a large rug placed in the center of the room encircled with very comfortable looking pillows. One of two windows looked out into a well kept garden. It was here Damien was left well the Guard went to fetch his master. It was only a few minutes before a man with a brown puffy hair entered the room. A smile shown on the mans rough face, his thick muscled body was heavily decorated in scars of various shapes and sizes. One nasty scar, what appeared to be a deep cut from a pawed animal, shown darkly on his check. 

"Welcome!" the man said, holding out his hand to Damien. "My name is Jobal. Could I get you anything to drink or perhaps some fruit to enjoy?"

Damien holds up a hand to turn down the invitation, "Thank you, but I am on business." Meet the man with his normal, stoic gaze, he keeps going, "I've been told you are the one to if I required a guide through these lands. Would that be true?" While speaking Damien doesn't move from where he stands, but does place both hands on his hips, close to his blade's hilts. 

Staring deep into the man's eyes, Damien keeps his tone the same, but looks out for any subtle tell or sign of the man's inner workings. From this man, he can sense the blood of many others behind him. Damien knew his kind, they weren't good by any means, but worse than that, they were smart. They were strong in what mattered. In the mind. But more than that, Damien could sense the power within the man's body. No matter were he looked, Damien couldn't find any openings to attack the man, his very, seemingly casual, stance, was truly that of one who had danced along death's scythe many times. Damien was fortunate he had sated his bloodlust before coming here, otherwise he would be the one suffering.

"You seem like a survivor, but I doubt you would be the one guiding people if you live in this place." 

(Edit: Add details from insight check)

For Damien:

Jobal listened to the new comer and smiled at the man. "You have to be a survivor to grow up here! It is true I spent my glory days in those very woods and because of what I found I am now very welathy. Now let me tell you this." Jobal casually strolled over to the head of what appeared to be a three horned triceratops head hanging on his wall. "My real passion is helping the next set of adventurers prepare for their own journey into those same woods. Nothing brings me more joy then that." Jobal takes a moment to glance at a tapestry of a Tyrannosaurus Rex letting off a ferocious roar. "If your looking for a Guide then you are coming to the right place. In fact you are coming to the only place. Aazon could you come in here for a moment please?"

A skinny tall man entered the room, dressed in a brown leather hide and with a short dagger hung from his waist. He bowed respectfully to Jobal before turning his attention to you. "This is Aazon Talieri. He is one of my greatest friends and an aid to me and my business. He will help introduce you to those who can help guide you through the forest."