Dragons of Autumn Twilight summary

The Quest Begins

In Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis, the story begins with a group of old friends, including Tanis, Sturm, Flint, Raistlin, Caramon, and Tasslehoff, reuniting in the town of Solace after five years. They soon learn that the world is in turmoil. The gods have abandoned the world, and the people are left to fend for themselves. The friends decide to embark on a quest to find proof of the gods' existence and hopefully bring back the balance of the world.

Their journey is filled with numerous challenges. They encounter various creatures and people, some friendly, and others hostile. They also meet a mysterious woman named Goldmoon, who carries a staff with a blue crystal that has healing powers. This staff is a sign of the true gods' existence, and the companions believe it can help restore faith and balance in the world.

The Battle Against Evil

As they continue their journey, the friends find themselves caught in a battle against the forces of darkness. They are captured by the Dragonarmies, led by the evil Highlord Verminaard, who seeks to conquer the world. The group is separated, with some being taken as prisoners to the city of Pax Tharkas, while others manage to escape and continue their quest.

While in captivity, Tanis, Goldmoon, and Riverwind, a plainsman and Goldmoon's companion, manage to unite the slaves and lead a rebellion against the Dragonarmies. During this time, they also discover the existence of the true gods, who have been imprisoned in a mountain by evil dragons, explaining their absence from the world.

The Reunion and the Final Battle

Meanwhile, the other companions, who have managed to escape, gather an army to help their friends at Pax Tharkas. They are joined by the mysterious elf, Laurana, and the knight, Gilthanas, who are siblings and children of the Speaker of the Sun, the leader of the good gods. The group reunites and plans to free the good dragons, who can help them in their fight against the Dragonarmies.

In the final battle, the companions, along with the freed good dragons, manage to defeat the Dragonarmies and kill Highlord Verminaard. They also manage to free the good gods, who promise to restore balance to the world. However, Raistlin, who has been secretly studying dark magic, is tempted by the evil goddess Takhisis and gains immense power at the cost of his health.

The Quest Continues

In conclusion, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a tale of friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil. The companions' quest to restore balance to the world is far from over, and they know that their next steps will be even more perilous. The book sets the stage for the subsequent novels in the Dragonlance series, promising more adventure, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.