Kasaaptu agrees that speaking with more then one option for a guide is the wise decision, and maybe we can squeeze out a relevant tidbit of information while doing it.

"Barty, your beautiful new friend maybe can help smell out any bad guide choices, dogs are generally good judges of character. I would prefer to go with a guide that has more then profit as a goal, we wouldnt want to get stranded in a bad place or betrayed to potential enemies...." 

Kassaptu would also like to inquire into the possibility of acquiring a spell scroll or some other tidbit of Chultan magic or lore to add to her studies. She would like to watch some locals utilizing the new weapon she bought either in a contest or in a training hall once they are done checking out the other guide options.

" I overheard mention of a bath house. After we secure our accommodation for the night , inwould very much like to clean up in preparation for our journey.  Who knows when we will next have opportunities to be clean."

Badger approaches the "middle aged Chultan woman with a wide flat nose wearing light blue robes".

Greetings! We seek a guide, although you say some of them are imposters? How does one discern such?

Sir Darak Darkhall: Kneeling piously at Tyr's Shrine, Darak says a silent prayer for guidance and protection in this strange new land. After a moment, he slowly stands, thanking the Dwarf as he takes his leave. He follows to the market place, purchasing supplies for himself and his Retainers before returning to Kaya's, curious to see what Sedrik and Gregory have learned of this place.

Purchases:

Sir Darak, Silas, and Sickle descend down the hill from the Temple Ward and follow some directions they receive from a passerby. The creeping vines, sprouting flowers and leafy bushes seem to grow out of every crevice.  A singing Tabaxi (cat person) in a bright orange and blue dress wanders by in the street, playing a song and seeking an audience. Your sweat soaked padding under your armor is squishy and leaks liquid with every step in the tepid air. A sudden breeze comes up, a welcome distraction, and brings with it a different scent, a dampness cooler than the usual thick moisture in the air.  The wind seems louder, like a rushing, but it isn't anymore forceful. When the first few drops begin to fall from the sky you realize it's not wind you hear, but the rushing of rain.  A moment later a deluge opens up and you're walking in a downpour. Natives pull up hoods and continue walking, some make their way to the side of the road under some cover and seem to just wait. The cobbled road is slick with running water and the ditches on both side becomes mini raging torrents. You decide to take shelter just outside a restaurant whose outside sitting area is covered in wide awnings from which rain sluices down.  A woman that appears to be in misery walks down the street stopping at a nearby Chultan also waiting under the awnings who brushes her away with a cold look. She has no hood and the water is flowing down her face.  Her dirty clothes cling to her body. She appears to be in her mid-thirties. She walks up to the three of you, her face twisted in despair.  She speaks in as thick an accent as you've heard, "Plaaze sir.  Plaze halp. My husbuund. He's been wrungly sentenced, he's to be in the executioner run for stealing, but, it is a mistake, it was no him, plaze, I'll pay yall anything t' haalp." 

The dog seller hands over a small pouch, inside are some dried yellowish chunks, "Dried snake skin, good for chewin.  Otherwise, fresh scraps, as much meat as you can get him. Water, he's a thirsty fella."  He crouches down, and pets him, obviously caring for the dog, "Best o'luck with this one fella, seems you'll get along just fine."  He turns to Barty, "He ain't got no name, been callin him Shilku, but you name him what you like." He passes over the leash.   

Badger leads the three of you to the woman in blue. The smell of dried hay mixes with animal dung of a nearby stall, along with the a peculiar spice coming from a few stalls down that reminds you of pumpkin and tarragon. Here in the main tent, everything is shaded red by the light coming through the red and yellow tarp ceiling. A dull heavy background sound of rushing wind begins to pick up. A few moments later you spot through one of the large entrances a torrent of rain coming down in the city.  It's impressive to see so much water falling at once. Such storms in the north happen only once or twice during the spring or fall. It goes on for only about 10 minutes before letting up as quickly as it ends.  The woman in blue who'd you walked up to, speaks as you watch the rain, talking in an accent, but with almost a musical tone to her voice, "Tis common here. Once a day, sometimes twice. Sometimes lighter, sometimes heavier. Sometimes a storm comes with it.  If a storm comes, it will go on for a while, and the wind will be fierce. Best to take shelter and wait it out regardless.  Not much good moving around in that type of weather."  Badger turns to her, and poses his question. 

She shrugs, "It depends. Not a satisfactory answer, I know, but the truth. Sometimes it's easy. They offer too much for too little to entice you, but they blind you with gold only to guide your throats to their blades.  They must be sure to kill you though, such treachery if found out is frowned upon by Jobal and you'll be sent to executioner run for it."  She looks at the curious gnome and anticipates his question, "It is a large, long pit, outside the northern walls in the old city. Criminals are put in one end each day. Dinosaurs or other monsters are put in the middle. If the criminal can reach the ropes on the other end and climb out, they are free. Otherwise.." she shrugs, "..they are not.  As for trickery, some are more insidious, it can be difficult to tell. Perhaps their motivation can give some hint. For me, I wish to rid the jungle of evil. There are many ruins and ancient temples that must be reclaimed so that the spirits of nature can return to their sacred places and live in peace.  My motivation is seemingly trustworthy.  Assuming you believe me."  She smiles and winks a kindly smile. "You could also ask around if you like I suppose.  For instance, most people know me, and you'll hear that I give much of my hard earned coin to charity. At least, the amount left over after I pay Jobal. You can often get the dirt on the guides from most folk around here. You just need to find some whose opinion you can trust. So, really, you're back to square one.  My name is Eku by the way.  Good luck!"  

Kasaaptu pipes up, "Where can I watch someone using a weapon such as this?"  She holds up her Yklwa. 

Eku responds, "The gladiatorial pits are the best place to seen them used to full affect. There is usual a battle each evening. 5 copper to get in." 

Kasaaptu watches the large dog carefully during the exchange. It sits politely next to Barty, who holds his leash, and its eyes move back and forth watching the conversation. He occasionally looks around the market at a particularly loud noise or motion, but always returns his gaze back to Eku who he continually sniffs the air towards.  Kasaaptu doesn't have a lot of familiarity with dogs, but, she'd say he's cautious of her, since he keeps focused on her, but, not threatened. 

(Barty can make his way to the halflings next if he still wants...)

Sir Darak Darkhall: Taking refuge from the sudden storm underneath a nearby awning, the Paladin makes a mental note to also purchase four hooded cloaks at the marketplace. As the group patiently waits out the rain, Darak stands quietly as the old woman says her piece. Finally, he answers, "A tragic tale indeed, but how could we be of help? We've only just arrived and have no power over the law here."

Silas: "Executioner Run? What is that? When is your husband to be executioned? Run? Undergo?" Silas is unsure of the proper term, "If we were to help which to be blunt, we are somewhat of a time restraint," 

The woman, partially sobbing as water drips off the tip of her nose, "In less than an hour! The run, he just has to make it to the other end of the pit and climb out. You could help him!  From the outside of the pit!  You look like brave warriors!  Just help him reach the end.  He didn't do it, there was no trial or anything.  Come, come with me, please, it's just outside the north walls in the old city...everyone watches the run, come, please help!"  

She tries to grab Silas' hand with her hand which is aged from a life of hard work, calloused finger tips and wide knuckles from manual labor.  She tries to pull him with her. 

Silas will allow himself to be pulled back to this executioner run. 

OOC: may regard leaving armor behind in inn. 

Sir Darak Darkhall: The Paladin's brow creases, righteous fury igniting somewhere deep inside him. Between clenched teeth, he answers, "Am I to understand blood sport is what passes for Justice in this unholy land? No doubt the citizenry watch and wager upon the outcome? Heathens!"

His prayers for guidance answered, Darak says to Sickle and Silas, "Gentlemen, I cannot allow this miscarriage of Justice to stand. However, the gamblers will surely riot if outsiders interfer with their betting from the crowd..." Pausing dramatically, the Knight stares into the distance a moment before finishing, "No... I must take the Run in his place!"

Urging the woman to lead on, he continues, "I will not be dissuaded in this, my friends. I have the greatest chance of survival. It is the will of Tyr!"

(To be clear, you haven't yet had a chance to make it to the Inn, this occurred on your way there). 

The woman guides the group of you north up a street and into a massive market, leading the three of you through the smells, sounds, and sites of the place.  As she is walking you through the massive central tent, you spot Kasaaptu, Badger, and Barty talking to a guide.  A quick yell and wave and they break off their conversation to follow.  As you're leaving the tent the downpour has already stopped, and all that is left is the slick streets and the drops of water falling from every surface. The six of you are led north and along the western edge of the city and to a towering main gate through the north wall.  The cities outer walls are made of massive set stones, covered in plaster and faded murals. Vines tangle along the lower portions but appear clearly and intentionally trimmed off of the areas more than ten feet up.  The gateway, which is covered in greenery, is constructed of two massive wooden doors that appear oiled and well maintained against the rot and moisture. The crowds do not let up as she leads you out into "the old city", where two crumbling zigurats flank the main road, with a bridge stretching across the road above and connecting them.  Ahead there seems to be a very large crowd where the main road widens and is surrounded by stalls and a much more meager market.  It's clear the poor live outside the walls and is this old crumbling city.  Yet somehow, with the greenery, colorful murals and paints, it still seems to hold much zest.  In the center of the road ahead stretches a stone lined, fifteen foot pit, that's fifty feed wide and two hundred feet long.  Stands are set up sporadically around it, and a massive crowd crouches on every edge.  Betting seems prolific as bookies call out their odds.  Within the pit stride six fierce looking two legged lizards. The woman shakes her head in terror, "No no, the velociraptors, they are terrible...."  The pit runs north west to south east.  The north west end has a number of large wooden cages filled with about ten people. The south end has six knotted ropes tied to the edge.  The ropes appear rough and aged, and have blotchy stains of blood on them. The cobbled floor of the pit is smooth and well worn. Three inch deep trenches run down each side, each filled with a bit of standing water from the recent deluge. 

The woman leads you all the way to the north west end of the pit where the cages are.  This area is the only area cleared of crowds with several of the dark blue dressed city guards holding shields and spears, keeping the crowds back from the prisoners.  The woman points at a man in one of the cages who looks to be in his late thirties, worn from a hard life, and looking drenched and forlorn. "Mataska!" she shouts.  He looks over, perking up, and sadly reaches to his woman through the bars.

Sir Darak steps forward to one of the guards, "Good sir. I wish to run on behalf of that man." The guard looks well and truly puzzled as if a dinosaur had learned to talk and was explaining the finer points of oil paintings.  He scratches his head.  "Um...one moment."   He walks over to a wide table where a commander sits, discussing something with two other soldiers as they laugh.  The guard speaks to him, then gestures to Sir Darak.  There is some looks of bewilderment, then some wild gesticulating, and then the commander stands up and walks over to Sir Darak.  "You wish to partake in the run?  In place of this thief?  Why?  You will need to relinquish your weapons and armor at a minimum...but...I do not know...." he glances around at the crowds thoughtfully.   Something seems to occur to him, and a smile edges up around his mouth.  "Very well, if you wish to run on his behalf, so be it.  But!  If you do not make it.  He does not make it. Do you understand?"

Sir Darak Darkhall: The Knight grips the hilt of his sheathed longsword tightly, glaring menacingly into the guard's eyes. He steps forward proudly and proclaims, "I am Sir Darak Darkhall, Son of Dartleth Darkhall, Champion of Tyr, Warden of the Deep and Knight of the Realm! By what right do you claim to deprive a nobleman of his property? I am a volunteer, not a criminal!"

Persuasion: 22

Seeing he's beginning to convince them, but realizing the unlikelihood of the officials to allow armor and weapons into the pit, he adds, "I understand there are rules and procedures. Surely, you would at least allow a Knight his Shield? I am sworn to never allow it to leave my side."

(OOC: This might be my shortest lived character yet! Silas, can Darak get a Shield of Faith please? lol

Kassaptu can hardly believe what is happening here. Her father always told her stories of mighty Paladins and their fearsome assaults on our ancestors and how they followed the will of their Gods no matter how insane the request. It's a noble thing he wishes to do, but it puts the whole quest at risk, and there are more lives at stake then this one, downtrodden,  possible thief...It seems it is too late. The knight has already opened his mouth and is in deep dinosaur poop now. 

She whispers to Badger, " maybe we can find a discreet vantage point, in which we can provide some 'moral' support...ie magic...without anyone noticing. Those raptor things look quick and fierce. "

to Sir Darak, " Good luck in this insanity. There are millions of lives at risk here. Just remember,  you dont have to outrun the lizards, you just got to outrun those other hapless souls."

She gives the woman a stern look, and scowls at the alleged thief husband. If Sir Darak doesnt make it, her husband will wish he had been eaten by Raptors. 

If badger is on board, Kasaaptu will walk off to find a suitable location to interfere from, otherwise she will see what plan the others come up with.

Silas will pull Darkhall aside out of the guards' line of sight if possible then pat on his shoulder "Torm will surely want you and bless you in this righteous act you are able to commit," Silas will try to cast Bless on Sir Darak Darkhall without the guard noticing.

OOC: Shield of Faith has a VERY visible effect on people. "A shimmering field appears and surrounds a creature of your choice"

(OOC: Can you make that a Shield of Faith? lol

SoF stacks with Mage Armor too. Hint hint, Badger. lol)

Badger admires Sir Darak's courage, but feels sad that his prophesied demise should come so soon. Nevertheless, he seeks to aid his doomed companion, and while giving him a supportive hand-shake, discreetly casts Mage Armor.

He then goes with Kasaaptu to find a vantage point somewhere between the middle and the start, where he can attempt to cast Sleep on the dinosaurs once the run begins.

As the commander and his men talk, Badger and Silas both surreptitiously casts their spells (even though the bless will probably not last long enough to help him since it's still several minutes until the run is to begin).  The commander puffs out his chest, "You are running on behalf of a criminal. Please surrender your armor and weapons to your allies."   He motions for Sir Darak to come to one side with him, "Sir, were it me, I would let you retain your shield, but we answer to the council of merchant princes. Were I to let you take a shield into the run, I would find myself running two days from now."  He points across the pit to a large riser with a bright yellow awning overhead upon which are clearly some people of importance, surrounded by servants.  "Up there, you can see the man with the white beard, that is Ifan Talro'a.  He is one of the merchant princes. He would have me running.  But look, you are so large and strong, and compared to these criminals, well, you have a very very good chance!  I personally give you...even odds that you make it!  That is very good odds.  Even criminals who've run 2 or 3 times don't get those odds.  Best of luck."  

The rest of the group helps Sir Darak doff his armor, picking up the heavy gear and his pack and weapons and taking them to the side, leaving Sir Darak sporting only a light tunic and half-pants.  If there is any positive in this, it's that he is, for the first time, not feeling like he's suffocating in this place. With the rain done, the humidity seems to amp up and the heat returns.  Still lightly dressed he finds the sweat trickles down his back and his temple.  His toned muscles flex under his clothing as he goes to take his place amongst the other prisoners that they are now releasing from their cages.  Mataska, the accused thief and husband is taken to one side where two guards stand with him, a weapon held near.  

The crowd around the pit is cheering, a new found energy amongst them as large boards with odds are altered, replacing 'Mataska, fruit thief', with 'Sir Darak, on behalf of Mataska, fruit thief'.  Odds shown are indeed even.  Sir Darak scowls.  He thinks his odds are much higher. 

Down in the pit, the Velociraptors are prowling in small circles, eyeing the crowds at the edges.  One raptor lunges at the edge of the pit, snapping, where a man manages to just pull out of the way in time.  The animals cluck and coo in anticipation and excitement. 

Badger and Kasaaptu have edged their way 1/3 of the way down the run, and are in a good spot to help out.  The crowd around them presses in, in anticipation.

A man up at the Merchant Princes stand waves a large green flag.  The crowd cheers. 

Sir Darak is about to ask "how this works", when the the soldiers behind him and the other 'contestants' shout, 'In!', brandishing their spears towards the prisoners.  One of the contestants jump, landing on the cobble below and rolling back to his feet nimbly.  Several others begin to slowly lower themselves down the edge.  Another jumps, landing at the bottom with a loud "crack" as his ankle gives way and he thumps painful to his side, yelling in pain.   The six raptors all freeze, their heads turning in unison to the men jumping into the pit.  One shrieks a crackling growl, and they hop forward eagerly. 

Sir Darak, how do you egress into the pit?  If you jump, please roll an acrobatics or athletics DC 15 to avoid damage. If you lower yourself down, you avoid damage.  However you may "lose" initiative to the velociraptors as they charge the group.  

As Kasaaptu and badger walk away and before they are more then 30' away from the prisoner cages she presses her little finger and her thumb together and quietly says " the Jester's thumb is severed"

she casts Thaumaturgy three times against the 10 prisoners. 

A creepy whispering voice echoes in the ears of those who are about to die. 3 messages repeated for 1 minute within the hearing of only the 

Message 1: " when the cage opens....do not run...you will only die tired" followed by a ghostly laugh.  Persuasion: 15

Message 2: " when the raptors are released, fight them and Ubtao will return to protect you"   Persuasion: 5

Message 3: " when the cage opens do not run or Asmodeus will swallow your soul. When the cage opens fight and be saved. Those who seek to keep their lives shall lose them, and those surrender their life shall keep it."   Persuasion: 7

Once out of 30' range, Kasaaptu and Badger will find a location where they can use other spells without being seen to be doing so. Within  120' of the raptors and the prisoners who dont follow ghostly advice.

Sir Darak Darkhall: Leaping headlong into the fray, Sir Darkhall tucks and rolls as he lands among the prisoners. He roars at the beasts before him, bearing his teeth and snarling furiously.

Athletics: 18

Intimidation:  23

Action: Dodge

Movement: Move 30ft, attempting to circle around the Velociraptors, on the side of the pit where Silas and Badger are.

(OOC: Not too late for that Shield of Faith... lol

My goal is to convince the prisoners ( except for Sir Darak) to not run, but stop become raptor food so Sir Darak can make the run with either no Raptors following or less Raptors as they will be feasting and fighting the prisoners ( if the prisoners respond favorably to the suggestion). If they do not, one by one Kasaaptu will cast chill touch

To slow down or drop a prisoner for the ravaging raptors to focus on

The chill touch should be thematically cohesive with the message. If they continue to run away I will cast the same Thaumaturgy spell and repeat the messages followed by further chilly touches to get the point across.