Larken nodded to Nefriti as the last of the bandages were administered. He hated the taste of the local drink, but when there's nothing else to drink these would come in handy. At the very least, they may be able to bribe some locals with the stash. He noted the departure of Cor and Jil, but didn't comment on it. If they didn't return in the hour, they'd have to go to the Marketplace without them. He was confidant that Cor would be able to find him in the Port much quicker than he'd have been able to find them. Acquiring provisions for this journey was at the top of the list. If they had extra coin, some locals would come in handy to tend the animals as well. 

He looks over at the newcomer. A priest of Torm by the look of her. "I assume you've been offered a place in our expedition?" He asks the female half-orc. "Where is it you're trying to go?"

Cor’avin up a stool next to Qwasha. "I'm looking for a guide, would you happen to know anyone foolhardy enough to brave the jungles?"

Jil will sit next to Cor, hands crossed in her lap, and keep to herself.

The man you settle next to is older in appearance, balding, with his greying hair tied tight into dreads. He is sipping on what appears to be tej, with a vegepygmy at his side. "Foolhardy?" he inquired with a glance to the side. "Not foolhardy, no. Knowledgeable? Yes. Yes I do. Who is asking?"

 “I’m Cor’avin, this is my friend Jilwyn,” the rogue grinned, finally feeling the tiniest bit of success. “We are mounting an expedition into the jungles to search for the Soulmonger, and Aazon mentioned that you were the most capable guide.”

Qwasha folded his hands and regarded Cor'avin curiously. "I know the jungles, yes. Do you know whereabouts you search?"

 “The short answer is, no,” Cor laughed at herself, realizing how much of an idiot she sounded. “By the gods that probably isn’t going to convince you to come with us. The only lead we do have is that we need to start in the Aldani Basin.”

"Aldani Basin?" Qwasha hummed. "I know of the area. Or a route to it, in the least." Qwasha glanced to the vegepygmy. "What do you think, Weed?" The vegepygmy made a strange sort of creeking, croaking sound and Qwasha nodded. "I think so too." Qwasha turned back toward Cor'avin. "The path is dangerous, and payment required. Five gold a day is the going price."

"Of course," Cor'avin nodded, pursing her lips. 5 gold a day with the first month up front was more than she had at the moment, but she had expected some bartering going into this. "I've heard rumors that some of the guides in this city work for a price not measured in gold. Is there any possibility we could work out one of those deals? My friends and I are willing to do whatever it takes to rid these jungles of the evil currently poisoning Chult."

Qwasha leaned back and his lips curled up. "Well there is something you could help me with." He glanced to the vegepygmy. "You see I have much dislike for the undead that roam the jungle forests. I am a part of the Emerald Enclave and I make no bones about it." Qwasha considered them. "If you do not mind in helping me root out these...foul creatures that threaten both wildlife, and civilized life, I'm sure we can come to an agreeable price."

"We just killed a handful of undead at the Temple of Tymora!" Cor grinned. "We would be happy to help you."

"Truly?" Qwasha looked surprised and pleased. "I must have missed the alert. Why didn't you tell me, Weed?" he looked to the vegepygmy. "Honestly." He turned back toward Cor'avin. "Well, I think we will make a wonderful team. When do you plan to leave and what have you gotten to prepare so far?"

"We'd like to leave as soon as possible, although the later it gets in the day the more I am thinking that won't be until tomorrow," Cor replied, happy to talk to business. "Truthfully, our only purchase so far has been a few rain catchers. We don't have many funds, and I wanted to see how much it would cost to secure you first. But with your advice, we are ready to go shopping for whatever supplies you think are most necessary."

Qwasha nodded. "First and foremost papers would be best. A charter of exploration would be very helpful. We do need to head to Fort Beluarian. I was only here for a small bit of business, but as that has been concluded..." Qwasha shrugged. "Most of my travel materials are up at the Fort, and I do need to finish up a small bit of business there as well."

"So to the fort, and then to our business at the Aldani Basin," Cor'avin nodded. "We will gather the rest of our party and then purchase a charter. What other supplies do you think are necessary?

Qwasha stroked his chin in thought. "You already have the rain catchers. I'd suggest some insect repellant. The bugs can be rather frustrating. Water, rations--you will want plenty. Any arms or armor you think you might need. Fort Beluarian sells plenty in arms and armor. Your wits would be very important." Qwasha looked to the vegepygmy. "Hm, yes, and tej. Tej is always great to have on hand when you take a moment to relax with nature."

Cor'avin grinned. She had a hunch that she and Qawasha would get along quite well. "I will look into making those purchases," the rogue held out her hand. "It will be a pleasure traveling with you. Jilwyn and I need to buy said supplies and gather our other party members who are currently healing up after that scuffle with undead. Would you like us to meet up with you in the morning?"

Qwasha gave a nod, a wide smile on his face as he took her hand. "Oh yes, yes. Meet me and Kupalue here. We will wait for you before we leave through Malar's Throat for Fort Beluarian."

Cor'avin and Jilwyn made their way back to Malar's throat and Aazon's residence. They did not have the funds or time to get a writ of exploration the proper way, so it was time for the rogue to make herself useful and use her underworld contacts a little bit. They came upon the door to the shop in the early hours of the morning; noon still a few hours off. Cor wrapped on the door softly, to which the door cracked open only the slightest bit. "We are not quite open," Aazon spoke softly, then paused. "Little thief?" The door opened a bit wider, but not enough to allow them inside. "To what do we owe this pleasure at such an early time?"

“I just missed your face so much I couldn’t stand it!” Cor gave a wink, placing her foot in the doorway to hold it open. “Also, I had a less than legal inquiry to make. Is this a good time?”

"Less than legal inquiry?" Aazon murmured, mildly surprised. "Please, come inside." He shifted to the side and allowed Cor'avin and Jilwyn to step inside. "Please take a seat. I will go and make some tea."

"Aazon? Do we have guests?" Jobal slipped out from a back room with lips faintly pursed. "We are not even open for business." A fairly tall man, with dark hair a large curly mess and a beard that is just beginning to grey, the Merchant Prince was dressed more conservatively than she would have expected.

Cor glanced over to see that Jil had bowed her head, but was remaining silent. “Jo-Jo! What a pleasant surprise!" the thief greeted the Merchant Prince. Of all of the powerful people in the city, there were worse for her to run into. Jobal at the very least found her amusing. "This is my friend Jilwyn, Jilwyn this is Jobal.“

Jil smiled and said, "Blessings."

Jobal arched an eyebrow over at Cor'avin and then his gaze shifted over to Jilwyn. With measured steps Jobal brushed past Aazon, one hand trailed down the other man's back, before he came to a stop before Jilwyn. He took her hand and smiled. "A pleasure, my lady." He glanced back to Cor'avin and then straightened. "And why are we entertaining the rogueling this morning, Aazon-dear?"

Aazon returned with a tea tray and settled it down onto the table. He sat himself in one chair and Jobal flopped himself into Aazon's lap. "Something not-quite-legal," Aazon murmured.

"Ah, how fun," Jobal grinned. "Shall I leave you to it, then?"

"Stay if you like," Aazon replied nonchalantly.

"You could be entertaining me because I am delightful company, you know," Cor arched an eyebrow. "That is always a possibility."

Jobal side-eyed Cor'avin and then sniffed. "Doubtful. Now what is it that you wanted?"

"I am doing quite well, thank you for asking," Cor leaned forward, her posture straightening. "Right to business then. As you both I have no doubt know, we'll be making an expedition into the Jungles soon. It was suggested that we get a writ of exploration, but I don't have the time or money to do it the proper way."

"Aazon did inform me," Jobal murmured and glanced to the other man consideringly. With a put upon sigh Jobal climbed to his feet and off of Aazon's lap. "I shall leave the two of you to it, then. Aazon-dear." Jobal cupped Aazon's face for a moment with one hand, smiled, and then slipped over to Jilwyn. "You look highly uncomfortable, my lady," Jobal said softly. "Why don't you join me in the back and we can have a proper tea while the two...talk business."

Jil glanced back at Cor. The other half-elf had picked up on her anxiety on the walk there, and Cor'avin had admitted that there were some in this city that did not exactly love her. Cor gave a half nod and shrug. "Go where you'd feel most comfortable, Jilwyn." As annoying as Azzy could be, they were both safe here. Jil bit her lip, but placed her tea back down and stood. She gave Aazon a little bow, and followed Jobal.

Aazon leaned forwad after Jilwyn and Jobal left the main room and headed out back through the kitchen and into the back. "A writ of exploration," Aazon mused. "Be frank. What are you looking for."

"A writ of exploration," Cor said. "I thought that that was obvious. Whether you obtain for me a fake or a copy or a real one that I can then use to create a forgery makes little difference to me."

Aazon folded his hands, eyes sharp on Cor'avin. "I see you've gained some...advice for your travels then." He leaned back and breathed, lips pressed down in pensive thought. "I might be able to acquire what you seek...for a price."

"How much?" Cor nodded. She had never expected to get any of this for free.

"Not any sort of coin," Aazon picked up his tea. "A favor for a favor, shall we say?" He smiled. The smile made Cor'avin's palms sweat. Favors were dangerous. They could get a thief killed, or worse, captured and sent to war.

"It depends on the favor, but so far this deal seems more than fair," the rogue replied, doing her best to remain cool.

Aazon hummed. "And if the favor is to be repaid at a later date?"

“It would be preferable, as lives depend on us starting this expedition sooner rather than later,” Cor pursed her lips. “Have you decided on a favor, or is it a generic favor to be called upon at a later date?”

Aazon set his cup down. "There are people at play, little thief, and depending upon the situation I might have need of your services sooner than later. I will...let you know when you are needed," Aazon said lightly. "Do we have a deal?"

“Yes, yes we do,” Cor’avin held out her hand.

Aazon took the hand and smiled. "Good. And I hope you have given thought to my words from yesterday, little thief. Things stir in the dark." Aazon released her hand. "Return in the morning and you shall have your writ."

“Thank you for the more than generous deal,” Cor replies. “Can you tell me anything of the things that are stirring in the dark? Surely a favor owed by a dead girl is less useful than one owed by someone alive.”

Jobal led Jilwyn through a small curtain of beads and then out a carefully placed door into an enclosed garden space that already had a steaming pot of tea settled onto a table. "Sit, my lady," Jobal said. "I am sorry for the...poor business."

"Please, don't apologize," Jil said, taking a seat. "We all do what we have to in order to survive." She took a sip of tea, then quickly sat it down. "Oh dear, I've forgotten to introduce myself! Please, call me Jil."

"Jil," Jobal tasted the name and smiled brightly. "Very well then. Please, feel free to call me Jobal as well. I...detest shortening my name." His smile turned a bit tight. "How are you, my dear Jil?"

"Very pleased to meet you, Jobal." Jil took another sip of tea, thinking. "I'm as well as can be. A little out of my element, I must admit."

"Aren't we all in some respects?" Jobal mused. "I admit, I did not expect to see guests at this hour. An expedition into the wilderness is what you are doing, yes?"

Jil nodded. "Apparently there's some curse. We've been hired to investigate." She took another breath, heart racing. She hoped her nervousness wasn't noticable.

"Ah, yes," Jobal mused. "The dead no longer can be returned, and those returned are now nothing more than walking, rotting corpses." He leaned back in his chair. "I would keep your true purpose quiet, my lady. Not everyone would take kindly to the idea that Chult is the source of this...problem."

"Regardless if it is, or isn't, this curse effects people everywhere." Jil bit her lip again, choosing her words carefully. "Chult isn't responsible for this. Chult is being effected by this. The people of Chult suffer as much as anyone else, and yes, one could say it looks bad for Chult. But I don't believe it looks bad because the people are to blame." Jil shook her head sadly. "I only want to help, and restore everyone."

"A noble cause," Jobal agreed. "Not everyone thinks as you do. Be careful, my lady, for there are those who will try to take advantage of that spirit." He gave Jilwyn a smile. "On that respect I do have a request, if I may? You can honor it if you wish, or not if you don't. Merely just...hear me out."

Jil's eyes dropped to her tea. She knew people would try to use her. It had happened before in the past. She just hoped she would be smart enough to tell when someone might be doing just that. "I'll listen to the request, but I won't agree to anything until I've given it good thought."

Jobal nodded. "That is all I ask," he said. "As you no doubt have seen I...aspire to map all of Chult myself, given the way the walls of this small abode bear their signs. I used to be quite the adventurous spirit in my youth. Retired now, of course, but I still look to find such interesting trinkets. If you come across a map, or anything else of interest to the island and jungle's history, I only ask you send it my way."

Jil considered the request. What harm could a map do? She took a long sip of tea. "If I find anything of interest, I'll see that it makes it to your hands, if we aren't in need of it."

"Of course," Jobal agreed and stood. "Now I believe your friend and my dear Aazon are finished. Such deals never take too long."

Jil went to place the cup gently on the table, but her hand trembled, and the cup clinked loudly. She slowly rose from her seat. "My apologies. Thank you for the tea and the conversation." She gave Jobal a little bow.

Jobal lead Jilwyn back into the room, just as Cor'avin and Aazon were shaking on their deal. Aazon smiled, picked up his tea, and said nothing more, not answering Cor's question. "Thank you again for all the help," the half elf nodded to both men before exiting the building. "Are you alright? Did he say or do anything to you?" She questioned Jilwyin in hushed tones the minute they were outside. 

Korine watched as first Cor'avin, then Jilwyn, left the temple following the poor exchange with Nefriti. So strange, thought the paladin. A girl who seems to count on her wits and way with people to survive, yet has such a poor way with them so often. She shook her head and turned her attention to Larken and the newcomer - another half-orc, this one a woman. So... big.

A grin crosses her face as she approaches, recognizing the Tormish priest by her attire. Finally! Something familiar. She joins the pair and nods in greeting. "Torm's blessing upon you, Lady. I am Korine Thunderfist, called to his service as well. I see you''re meeting our newly-assembled expedition team." She offers a respectful salute, fist to chest, as she had been trained to do. At the same time, she subtly draws attention to the pendant around her neck which signifies her own allegiance to the Order of the Gauntlet. "Camp Vengeance, you say? I admit I've only just arrived here in Chult myself and don't know much about the lay of the land yet. You've been told it's somehow along our intended route?" 

Undril nodded her head, and sharply mirrored Korine's salute. "Yes, Korine Thunderfist. My path takes me through the river, and from what I have heard your travels will as well. You aim for the Aldani Basin, correct, or did I mishear from miss Jilwyn and...Inete, was it?"

Inete smiled nervously. "Camp Vengeance is along the route to the Aldani Basin, and as you have agreed to take me..." she trailed off, and then glanced around for Jilwyn. "Ah, Jil thought it would...behoove us? For additional help."

Undril shifted again and glanced toward Inete, and then toward the assembled party. "When do you aim to depart?"

Vistani listens to the exchange and notes that Cor and Jil are not amongst her friends. She pulls out a flute and starts quietly playing it in a way not to intrude on any conversation, but it adds to the ambience of the temple's outer rooms where they are still assembled. At this rate, they might leave the next morning.

Now that the fight was well over and she had acquired a great boon, she wanted something else productive to do. She could go roam the docks if the crew smartly waits to try for the next morning. Besides it appeared some of the plan had changed again. If this never really got off the ground, she would lose nothing out of it other than an exhilarating trip into the jungle. Who knows, maybe she would meet up with some of the nefarious pirates lurking in the area. An off note whistled out of her flute as she started chuckling. 

Korine shakes her head in response to Undril's question. "We had hoped to be able to depart today, but after the delay due to this attack I'm not sure. Some of the others were seeing to last minute supplies and still trying to locate a guide that had been recommended to us. Hopefully they return soon and we'll know where we stand. I imagine we'll be in the city for one more night at this point."

“And a writ of exploration,” Cor’avin put on a smile. The conversation with Jilwyn was exhausting. She was rarely so... open with people. Especially not with Jilwyn. “So far no gold lost either way, as well. Qawasha gave me some tips on what to buy, but it isn’t much. He also won’t be ready to go until morning, so we have all night to prepare.”

Larken stands as his two favorite people enter the temple. It really didn't feel like a long wait, as he knew they'd be back within the hour. When Korine mentioned a possible delay, he almost raised his voice in objection, but was glad he didn't. The delay seemed inevitable. "A writ of exploration?" Larken asks. "How did you..." He stops himself from asking the question and smirks instead. "Very well," he says. He knew he shouldn't be surprised, but it saved them weeks of travel since they had one now. Not to mention they didn't have to go out of their way to avoid the Flaming Fist on their journey.

"We should reserve provisions and animals," Larken decides to change the subject to shift the focus from the writ. "We'll need more now since we've added yet another to the group."

Korine rose from where she had been resting and rejoined the group as they discussed what was to come next.  If this official "Writ of Exploration" was a document required here, then she wasn't going to concern herself with how it had been acquired. More important was helping these people and finding the source of the curse.

"Someone is behind this curse, whatever it's purpose," she offers.  "Someone powerful, and presumably rich as well. It makes sense that they would oppose any who sought to put and end to it. It's no surprise that they would have eyes and ears on the streets. I think your advice is spot on Jilwyn and we should indeed be careful to pass ourselves off as merely another group of treasure seekers out in the jungles."

At Larken's comment on the task at hand, she nods in agreement. "I'm glad to hear you found our guide, Cor'avin. With his input we now have a better idea of what we have left to buy in preparation, and how much money we have left to do so. We should finish that task and then get a good night's rest so that we can meet Qawasha and get started as early as possible tomorrow."

"I expected as much."

She did not look surprised at all that the guide did not want to leave until tomorrow. Afterall, even he had to get organized and could not be expected to go on the same day for such a trip. The could be other things going on, but she was not privy to all the negotiations that appeared to be mostly done by Cor with some help of Jil and/or Larken.

"So I'm still on the outside of this group and can't say I did much other than accept a room, make a killing playing my viol at the same tavern you lurked at last night, and learn a lot about what you are doing mostly in public places. I don't even think I gave full disclosure of anything I know though I did say some things. Being the entertainer that I am, I hear a lot of interesting things if in the right place. People talk too much and I know I am gregarious myself, but I can chew your ear off for hours without really telling you anything or tell you things in parables so those really hearing get it." 

She chuckled and started cleaning her flute.

"Oh, I don't want to know anymore from any of you unless you want me to know and anyone else around me within earshot."

"Are you all patched up and ready to go?" Cor asked, a tad impatiently. "Vistani, we are happy to have you with us as another ally in the jungles. So long as you know what you're getting into, I don't see why we need to share any more than that we have a vested interest in seeing the evil in the jungle eradicated. Most of us are virtually strangers, but I still trust that you I won't wake up with a dagger buried in my back."

"Qawasha didn't recommend purchasing mounts," the rogue turned to Larken. "We do, however, need rations, water, and insect repellant."

"Another day in Port Nyanzaru? Very well then. At least its more time to finish getting the last of the things we'll need. As for mounts, I'd be inclined to agree with Qawasha - they'd drain resources, and may not be entirely reliable, running off or breaking their legs."

Kulan stands up from the bench he had been sitting on. He had used the time in the temple to have a nap, waking up only once Jilwyn and Cor'avin returned. He stretches, before moving to the group.

"Not mounts," Larken scoffs. "We need animals of burden to carry nearly twenty days of food and water for each person in the group. If not that... we need to hire locals. Even then we'll be hard pressed for food by the time we're half-way through the jungles." The thought of using the locals wasn't bad. They could probably care for themselves, but at least donkeys are edible when it came to them dying in the harsh environment. 

Korine pursed her lips. "Not to sound too ignorant of the struggles of this environment, but  I will admit I don't know the specific challenges. Do we really need to carry three weeks worth of food with us? I'd think the jungle would be full of animals we could hunt for food, or whatever wild fruits and vegetables are natural here. Surely we can gather some of what we need as we go?" She looked sideways at Cor'avin as she spoke, certain the girl would jump on that admission with some snide remark.

Vistani shrugged, but was glad some people had finally shut up about what they were planning to do in public places. The other good point proved to be they just needed to be sure to have the means of getting food and lugging rain catches for water in the place. She stepped outside behind Jil to take a look around where they had fought earlier. Going into the jungle with these people was probably a stupid idea on her part considering she spent most of her time in cities. However, she had enough of the story to be intrigued. Maybe she would get out alive and make a killing on the tale.

Within a scant few minutes of entering the bazaar Cor'avin was able to scout out a large, general store like structure placed next to what looked to be an animal pen. Given the tall, dark skinned woman tending to the animals and the small lockbox within her eyesight it too appeared to be a store--the hardy looking animals would make great mounts, or even pack mules. The general store itself was filled with bright colors and several signs of the various Merchant Princes, as if they'd come together for this one singular purpose. The counter was manned by a shorter, older man with a slightly crooked back. He held a walking stick in one hand, laid across the counter itself.

As the party enters into the store the elderly man eyed them up and down, his wrinkled face pulled into a frown for a moment. He looked to be somewhat crotchety and stiff, but after a minute he relented his gaze and gave the group a nod. Spread out into the rather large, colorful building there are crates practically full of large barrels of water, several blocks of citronella scented incense, containers of greasy salve, rain catcher's lined against the walls, Tej happily advertised, and flyer's promoting the sale of canoe's. Rations are piled in boxes and crates near the counter, one of the only items not controlled by one specific Merchant Prince.

Where the water and rain catchers, and upon the advertisements for the canoe's, rests the familiar sign of Ekene-Afa, the Merchant Prince that often deals with such items. The advertisements for Tej, the greasy salve and scented incense all bear the sign for Kwayothé, who controls those items for trade. The prices were listed well within eyesight above each item, clearly to deter those who would attempt some sort of underhanded dealing. The elderly man's eyes remain steadily on the group as they enter the store.

Canoe - Ready Today!
Courtesy of Ekene-Afa
50gp each

Incense - No Bugs Shall Pass
Courtesy of Kawothé
1sp a stick

Salve - To Protect One's Perfect Skin
Size - Gourd
Courtesy of Kwayothé
1gp

Rain Catcher - Environmentally Friendly!
Courtesy of Ekene-Afa
1gp

Tej - Sweetest Necter
Size - 1 gallon cask
Courtesy of Kwayothé
2sp

Water
Size - 1 gallon cask
5sp