Phillip will speak to the desk clerk at the inn, and pay for his room for another night. He gets the impression that the party will look for somewhere cheaper to stay tonight (and he’ll probably join them), but he wants to travel light today, so he pays, and stows most of his gear in his room. He’ll also offer: if anyone else wants to leave anything in his room for the day, they are more than welcome to.

Phillip travels light today (details):

He doesn’t get distracted by anything on the way to see Syn, but is happy to stop off places if anyone else wants to.

When the party get to the Prince’s villa, Phillip is pleased to be recognised by the staff and greets them affectionately.

He shows great concern when Syn needs to sit, but is not surprised, as he’s seen her condition deteriorate.

Just as Philip is about to ask the questions he thinks are on everyone’s lips, Evo speaks up! He’s relieved and pleased that Evo does a grand job of summarising the parties initial concerns. And so he listens and waits to hear the kind prince’s answers... 

Alton would forgo paying a gold piece, instead bringing all his gear with him in the city. He would just do his best to conceal most of the weapons beneath his cloak. In regular halfling fashion, Alton digs in the breakfast and tries to sample everything; soaking in all of the unique culture and food of Chult. 

“Yes,” he says in response to Syn while patting his stomach. “The food— out stay was perfect. A great way to ease into the new area.” Alton then gives a nod of acknowledgment to the prince before staying silent to allow someone to ask questions as Evo speaks up. 

((That's right, there are a few #5 locations. Wakanga's villa is in the middle group of #5. Right beside Goldenthrone #4)

Syn responds to Evo "Ugh, yes, of course, cleric Evo. I remember from yesterday. You came very highly regarded from Fred... ughh.... I am sorry. The curse has me quite ill today. Selûne is it? Yes, pardon me I don't even think I asked which deity you were affiliated with. Alas, my mind is not clear, even after the rest."

Wakanga speaks up "It's ok dear,you sit and rest. I will help answer any of the hero's questions. You are heros, all of you, for coming all this way. I will help you any way I can, friends."

Wakanga will now continue to speak and Syn nods as the prince speaks "I know this all must seem like a wild goose chase to all of you. I will be frank. It kind of is. The thing is, if nothing is done, from what we are learning, this curse will not stop just here in Chult. It is headed for the mainland and who knows after that."

"There are probably more guides that you can count out there in our city. Many folk from far and wide come to explore the vast rainforests of our lands. Thing is finding the right one. The guides come and go around here most days as the turnover is quite high. I cannot recommend a specific guide, although most will be familiar with the curse as well as with the lost city of Omu. Yes, some guides are expensive. Some aren't. You may want to stay away from the cheap ones though. Wait, isn't Phillip your guide?" he looks at the Grung very seriously for a moment, and then chuckles. "Just kidding, little guy. We are proud of you and would not have asked you to be a part of this if we didn't think you'd be a good asset. He knows the jungles terrain and will be able to help you in your quest. In our quest."

"There's been talk that the soulmonger is hidden deep within that lost city of Omu, but that's all the information we've been able to uncover so far. Yes, there may be folk at the port/harbor that have more information. There also might be dirty rat sailors who send you on a wild velociraptor chase because they've nothing better to do. If you plan on starting at the harbor, try and find the harbormaster. He'd be the best bet anyhow. Perhaps a venture forth on a ship to an alternate starting location could be wise. Anyhow, there's likely some guides walking about down there as well. Busiest place in the city no doubt."

"As far as finances go, if you band of hero's that we've humbly called forth require assistance with financing, let us do as much as we can." The prince kind of frowns at Syn for a moment, kind of a 'why didn't you give them any money yet'  type of look, but then remembered her ailments and that she might not be thinking clearly, and lets the moment slide. 

"I can provide 100gp to you as a city float should you require funds for a guide or equipment. I can also give you some potions to start, and anything you purchase from my enterprise will be discounted. Syn also gave you the map, right?" (Map of Chult tab) 

((Ok, all of you can select any 2 common potions, and any 2 uncommon potions and add them to your inventory. The prince would've also given each of you Insect Repellent-Salve as well as a Rain catcher. These are things that they would've had ready for you.

Someone can keep track of the 100gp float. 

Also, you are able to buy the following from the prince (please subtract 50% from these prices):

Potion, common 80 gp
Potion, uncommon 300 gp
Spell scroll, 1st-level 100 gp
Spell scroll, 2nd-level 550 gp

((Currency value as you are seeing is different in Chult, things are more expensive. Could that mean more treasures?!?))

What is next? Let me know if I missed anything!

"Thank ye, Prince Wakanga. That is solid advice on guides and the harbor master. Aye think aye may have a good guide potentially but she is, as ye say, is expensive. The funds will help offset this, as will yer potions, but aye think we will probably need to supplement even that."

Evo then gives a bow to both Syn and the prince before stepping back to allows the others in.

"Prince Wakanga, I'm a trained herbalist, but I don't know the plants around here. Is there anyone I could speak to about what to avoid, what are useful, what can be made into other potions or salves?"

The prince slowly bows his head towards Evo "If you do run into something in your preparations which may require more funds, do come back and we shall discuss. Also, if you need assistance with guides if you have no luck at the harbor, I suggest visiting prince Jobal. He controls the entire guide network and would be able to make recommendations."

Gotur, the prince greets you. "Ah yes, Gotur is it? Syn told me about all of you heros last evening but my memory tends to fade from time to time. A herbalist is a fine trade. You'll indeed want to speak with princes Jessamine."

Wakanga would explain that you can't just go to the princes personal villas like we came to his, but any formal meetings with the princes can be done at Goldenthrone. It's just behind his villa. Most princes are there most days. 

"More of a hobby, I'm a woodworker by trade...," he says modestly, "well, I was before I got mixed up with Alton here. Now I guess I'm in the business of trying to save the world."

He gives his halfling companion a grin.

Phillip’s eyes go wide for a second when the prince says he thought Phillip was the guide, but then he smiles when he’s let off the hook. He also does a shy, little bow, when the prince says he’s proud of him and flatters him with complements.

Phillip collects some potions ((2x potions of healing and 2x greater potions of healing - is that allowed?)), and takes his insect repellent and rain catcher.

Alton returns the grin. He would then take 2 potion of healing, a potion of growth, and a potion of water breathing. He also gratefully takes the incest repellent and rain catcher.

”Thank you very much Prince Wakanga. These items with greatly benefit us in our quest.” He says with a nod. 

((Two regular potion of healing, a greater, and a potion of animal friendship.))

((2 potions of healing, a potion of hill giant strength, and a  potion of water breathing))

Evo nods at Wakanga's advice.

((If it's discussed, Gotur will share that he is able to prepare and cast water breathing on the whole party, it lasts the day, but does take a 3rd level slot.))

As the party are all choosing potions, Phillip will add that he can always breathe water (if they just need to scout something out), but potions and spells are good too if we need more help in the water or all need to go that way.

Evo will comment that the toenail in the potion of giant strength is gross.

Gotur, the prince looks up at you and responds "Hero Gotur, it seems you are skilled in many ways, and I am honored that you have accepted Syn's request for assistance"

((Phillip, the healing potion load is fine! 2 common, 2 uncommon, no restrictions))

Gotur, you would've definitely had time to tell the party about your water breathing magic after seeing the others choose a water breathing potion. ((anyone can replace their choice after hearing this if they wish, but you have to do it now))

((also, if you didn't already, please make sure it's the insect repellent - SALVE instead of the insect repellent - INSENCE in your inventory. They are different and I had originally put the incense in the post by mistake.))

Alton, the prince smiles in return. "You are most welcome my hero, although it is I who should be doing the thanking."

Syn now manages to say some words "Gotur, Alton, Evo... thank you once again for coming all this way. I don't know what is to become of us but I am confident in all of you. And Phillip! My dear Phillip. Look at how far you've come. If there is anything else yo... *cough cough cough*"

The prince steps in "Syn, dear, please go retire to your room, you need your rest." Then he says to you all "Feel free to return to my personal villa anytime if there is anything else you might require. I do not know what kind of timeframe we are looking at with this curse, although I do believe time is of the essence. At least for Syn's sake."

((there are specific rules about how fast the curse kills folks who are resurrected and takes their souls. Syn is basically on a clock right now. You might get more specific information about the death curse from other people including specifics on stuff like how long it takes to kill you, what happens with the souls, etc. etc. Now, meta campaign stuff, it doesn't matter if Syn dies one way or another, I just wanted to tell you this little nugget as it adds some intrigue into the campaign I feel. So, you guys can take as little or as long as you want to prepare before you start into the jungle. it isn't a huge deal if your characters aren't completely in this just to save her. Also, just because Phillip knows the  main entrance to the jungle in the city, maybe you guys will decide to enter the jungle from somewhere else on the map, somehow. Just a few other things to throw at you))

So, what is next? Grand Souk for Gotur? You could go to Goldenthrone right now too as it's right across the way. Or something else?

it is getting hotter as the morning progresses. It's about 10:30am now. 

((Could certainly still be handy in a pinch! But just that the party has other means to get by if we ALL need to be underwater.))

If Syn seems unsteady, Gotur will offer her a sturdy half-orc arm to walk her to her room and make sure she's as comfortable as she can be.

"Thank you again Prince Wakanga, we may be back with any other questions for you or Syn, or if we decide we need to purchase a few more potions."

"Well fellas, where to now? I'd be interested in the Souk, but if we want to chat with any of the other Princes, we could head over to Goldthrone... might be better to do that sooner than later? Think there was talk of checking with the harbormaster for other leads on guides?"

((I can keep track of the 100gp party funds.))

"Aye'd like to check around the port mehself for guides before asking this Jobal prince for their recommendation. Aye don't understand the system whole out but aye'd like a chance to check meh options before someone tells meh who is best. Seen enough people get screwed by inside dealing! Maybe swing by tomorrow?"

He walks with the others to the Goldenthrone if that is where they want to go initially,

"Souk is on the way do the harbor? Wouldn't mind a walk through there mehself."

Phillip bows graciously to the prince and thanks him for his time and aid.

Then he turns to the party, “Hmmmm.... ffffff-through the Souk, to the docks, sounds like a good start... Uh huh, uh huh... ... Mmm... and I tend to agree with E’vo... that we could do our own asking around, before we get more guidance from the other prince. Yup yup yup”.

Evo gives Phillip a friendly pat on the back at the support then pauses to consider what he just did.

"Uh..."

Con save: 23

(A 5 with advantage, ha! Let the good times roll...)

Evo is poisoned for 1 minute!

(prepping Goldenthrone post now)