Startled, but wary, Shellin snaps his book shut. He takes a step back, and studies the Rougarou. "State your business."
"Uh... hello?" Rribak says, looking at his companions, and then back at the creature.
Is this just another one of the big folk? Or some kind of wolf-monster? The man seems to think he can talk to it, so I'll wait and see what happens, Rribak thinks.
As the creature appears, Kali draws her scythe and threatens it.
Vallus nods as the others spring to action. "Hello, neighbor. Are we intruding on your time alone?" He asks in a slow, steady voice, his hand resting on his mace.
"No not really," the Rougarou said. "I'm looking for something, and it's in Ptolus."
"Ah, we're heading there now. Can you share what you're looking for?"
What a strange thing.
Threll will cast Detect magic and look the man over.
"I'm looking for a stolen magic book," the rougarou explains. "It's in Ptolus somewhere. The book belongs to me."
The rougarou is not under any effect you can discern with detect magic.
"That's too bad. Do you know who stole it? We may be able to point you in the right direction if you provide us with some details." Vallus says, nodding.
Assured the Rougarrou is free of enchantment or curse, Shellin chimes in
”Shellin believes there is safety in numbers. We can travel together and you can inform us of how we might help you.”
Rribak shakes his head.
"First monkey-people, now dog people. Are all you big folk based on some kind of animal?" Rribak asks.
Kali chuckles and says "Interesting question."
Tony dropped back at the sudden appearance of the creatures, leveling his crossbow at them as he did.
Listening to the creatures request, he arched an eyebrow.
"And, is there a reward if we find it?" He asked persuasively.
Shellin smiles and moves to Tony's side
"Tony is right, we would be happy to help you, given a reason to do so."
"The thief Shulikar stole my master's spellbook," the rougarou explained. "You may call me Thirsyr. I'd like to get the spellbook back, and I'll gladly pay 1,000 gold pieces on it's retrieval."
Shellin makes a mental note. Yet another reason to handle the Dark Mage.
"Well, you are in luck friend. Shellin and his friends already have Shulikar's bounty in our sights. We know of the people who he meets with. We simply must find them and," his smile widens, "Convince them to direct us to Shulikar."
"That's good," Thirsyr said. "I wish you the best success."
"Well then, our course is clear. On to Ptolus!" He called out.
Kali tosses the plant that she had been swinging back and forth and keeps walking, presuming that the others would scream if they needed help.
While the others walk on, Shellin takes a moment to take out a map and shows the rougarrou where they are, and where Ptolus is. "Where should Shellin bring this book once we recover it?"
After he has his answer he will smile and thank the rougarrou before hurrying after his friends.
The rougarou points to a place on the map where the book maybe delivered. "Master's tower is there. Bring the book there," he explains.
Vallus nods. "It may be that our paths will cross again. Until then, fare you well."
As they set up camp for the night Shellin will sit by their fire, reading one of his books. This one with dragons across the cover. The long shadows of the campfire stretch his little horde of dragon shadows, making them appear larger in the night.
They seem to all be huddled around Shellin, giving the appearance of reading over his shoulder.
”Well, we have certainly had a lively week. Who else besides Shellin is ready to be done with the traveling?”
Shellin will sit up for awhile, reading and bantering with those who stay awake.
After awhile, he tucks in to his sleep roll and rests.
In the morning he takes time to eat a ration of deer jerky and prepare his spells before calling out to everyone, ”Shall we set off?”
There is still a good day that day. The sky is partly cloudy, good enough to travel in. Something must be wrong, around Ptolus it usually drizzles.
Maybe.
”Shall we set off?”
"Yes, let's go. I wish to see this city!"
Shellin will hurry everyone along, urging them toward Ptolus out of sheer curiosity.
Tony is upbeat, strolling along towards his city.
"I'll be glad to wash this mud off at least. Say, have any of you boys been to Ptolus before? You'll love the opera house there!" He enthused aloud.
Shellin smiles as he joins in. "Shellin is new to Ptolus. Shellin must say he is relatively unaware of it's brighter points, but yes, a bath sounds lovely."