Dragonlance Classics: Dragons of Despair

[GruTheWanderer]

When the robed figures notice the party, one points and another moves forward to meet Tanis and Flint. A hood and a black cloth mask covers his face. Heavy gloves and thick leg wrappings cover hands and feet.

While the other monks continue to pull the wagon forward, the leadmost figure speaks, "Good day to you, travelers. Please pardon the questions of an old cleric. Some days ago, our healing staff was stolen from Xak Tsaroth. Now one of our flock is dying, and we desperately need that item to bring our brother back to health. He lies yonder in the back of the cart. Have you heard any word of a blue crystal staff?"

 

[ErichDragon]

Crystalmir Lake. When last I gazed upon it's shores I was sure that I would be a Knight upon my return. Now I am not sure that will ever happen. What meaning can my life have if I cannot redeem my family honor. What meaning can any life have with the presence of the Knight's all but gone.

Snapping out of his moody introspection, Sturm moves along the road to stand by Tanis and Flint.

OOC: Sorry for the missed post. Training seminar kept me away from a computer.

 

[Shalimar]

Tanis gives the monk a wry smile, "I have indeed heard about the staff. My companions and I were attacked by a group of Hob-Goblins who were seeking it for a creature named Onyx. Would you know why they would be looking for it or know about it?" (Diplomacy check +6)

Internally the half-elf is wondering whether or not he should ask Goldmoon to come forward, if these were the owners of the staff, then they could have knowledge about the true gods to share. This could truly be a sign from the gods that she had been looking for for so long. He makes up his mind deciding that this truly was a lucky break. "Goldmoon," he cries out beckoning her forward with his hand, putting his other hand on his sword hilt for a fast draw if he happens to be wrong.

 

[Jemal]

As the kenders sharp eyes see Tanis' hand on hi ssword, he plants his hoopak in the ground, ready to fire if their leader signals its need.

 

[Jarval]

Goldmoon slowly walks over to Tanis, mistrustful of the monks. She shifts the staff from her left to her right hand, trying to keep it as far away as possible from these travelers.

"I know a little of the healing arts." She speaks up as she nears the monks. "Perhaps I can help your friend, although I have no magic of my own."

 

[Sen Udo-Mal]

Flint rolls his eyes over the thoughts of monks and false gods, to often do they roam this world in these dark days. He does notice that Tanis is not completely trusting of these fools but he does not draw his axe... yet... wouldn't be very nice to scare these men incase they are just farmers who got religion one day and joined this group.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

While Goldmoon is still approaching, the leader responds to Tanis, "Perhaps these hobgoblins have heard of its healing powers, too. When and where did you encounter these hobgoblins? I have not heard the name Onyx before, but I fear for us all if the staff falls into the wrong hands."

When Goldmoon arrives, the leader speaks, "Thank you for the offer of aid, but only the staff can help this one. The malady is a magical one, and he has become hideous to behold."

 

[Shalimar]

"The Hobgoblins attacked us in the town of Solace, rather bold of them, attacking people in the middle of a town like that, they must really fear this Onyx to do that." Tanis says shrugging at the behavior. He looks over the monks and their cart as he contnues speaking, he had already been attacked once by people looking for the staff, he didn't want to be attacked again, there was just something about clerics in black that was unsettling, it was just something about the color.

"Where exactly is Xak Tsaroth? I was told of it recently, told that I should go there. What is it like? Surely you who live there will have something to say on the subject."

 

[Jarval]

Goldmoon moves closer to the cart, trying to see the monk in the back.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

The cleric's voice grows suspicious, "Who told you to go to Xak Tsaroth? The one who knows its location may be the one who stole the staff. Our order is private, secluded. You are forbidden to go there!"

The other clerics are close enough to hear their leader's outburst, and you see them look at one another. They appear tense.