Gruun quickly retrieves some of his rations from his pack along with a waterskin and offers them to the creature awaiting it to answer the other's questions.

"Hox is Hox, scale beast has good cave." Hox answers, somehow ignoring the fusion of lizard and horse. Perhaps he feels more at ease when he see another scaly being such as him.

Tanakir looks at his allies, alarmed that they're giving this strange being even a little modicum of trust.

"We are... adventurers. Who are you, and why are you here?"

The creature gratefully accepts water from Gruun, but passes on the rations, saying, "This old body needs little."

"Adventurers..." he mutters, "I had a name once...as did my clan. I have been waiting...for you, it seems...watching. That which you seek...was lost...with my mate. She has been gone...for so long...I have not the strength to find her. If you find her...please...tell me of her fate."

For Rycider:

OOC: Ready to advance once the next response or action is taken.

"Old one, my respect to you. How long have you been here?", Aradurk asks.

The ancient lizardfolk centaur picks his head up wearily, casting his gaze to the cavern ceiling. "Time lost its meaning to me," he speaks slowly. "I have lived many years...and a thousand lives...all at once, waiting for those who would claim the staff."

"Where did your mate go before the staff was lost? Is there anywhere to start, or will we have to scour this entire place?"

Killian rolls her eyes at Tanakir. "How would we claim this staff?"

The ancient being closes his eyes, and for a moment it seems he may have passed, his breaths so small and still. Then, he opens his eyes once more. "It was taken by my mate, taken to fight the ooze," he imparts. He sighs, his weary body almost seeming to melt into the floor before he explains, "We were the guardians of the staff, once, before it came. The foul creature devours, and devour it did..."

"My mate...and the last of our clan...left to rid us of it. One final attempt...they did not return. I was left...here...to wait...I know not where they are, or where it is. It roams, and devours..."

Killian kneels. "We will find it, then, guardian, and your mate, if they still live. How may we deliver you from your suffering?"

The weary creature rests his head upon his front hooves and mutters, "You already have...please...tell me if you find proof of her fate."

Gruun leaves the food within the reach of the creature, a look of sorrow plainly written on his face. "Let us find this ooze so the land can be rid of it."

Looking somewhat unsatisfied, Killian will rise to her feet, and turn to climb back to the surface, her sword hand opening and closing into a fist, repeatedly as she goes.

Once outside, as the party gathers, Killian asks, "What do we know of oozes, and how to defeat them?"

Aradurk, a touch confused but also sad at the sight of the old’s man’s plight, reaches over to the centaur’s shoulder, and says, “We will let you know. Thank you for your service.”

 Then Aradurk joins Killian and Gruun.

OOC: Who is leading the way to find the ooze?

Anyone who wants to make an Intelligence check to determine their knowledge of oozes may do so.

Tanakir will take the lead on the expedition.

Intelligence check: 11

Killian will let Tanakir lead. 

not well known for his intellect, Aradurk follows as well.