(Perhaps open the game to a new player since it is literally early?)

((I'm working on that.))

((sure... 11  And I’ve always seen Shayne as a bit of a pickpocket and petty theft sort so I can definitely angle him that way if you don’t get a replacement rogue.))

((A parting gift it is!))

"What you lowlander need for supplies?"  Rock asks with a glance around.  "Not going to find much of these things in this town.  We be back soon, with kids, maybe get more supplies then?"  He would wait while anyone does any shopping they need, then be ready to go on to confront these giant-sized wolves with white fur.

As you prepare to exit the town, you spot a half-elven figure with bright red hair sitting near the ring of megaliths near the southern edge of town.  

Spoones, if you would like to introduce your character.

A hulking goliath leads a group of adventurers out of the town. As he spots the red-haired half-elf sitting just outside of the village he pulls up short.  "Well met."  Rock says in a deep voice, filled with rich humor.  "We go do this thing with giant wolves.  Have you seen any white-haired wolves bigger than me?"  He holds his hand up above his head to show the size he was told the wolves were.  "Going to be great challenge this thing..."

A youthful looking half-elf with bright red hair looking over a crude map looks up as he spots the group leaving town. He is well-dressed and you can see some of his bright red hair poking out from around the edge of his hood. From where you are you can see that he is not from around here and seems well equipped with a large pack and short bow strapped to his back. As he looks up his eyes brighten a little thinking that maybe you are NOT locals. 

"Hello there!" he calls as he starts approaching "Do any of you know which way to Bryn Shander? I believe that this map is dreadfully inaccurate and somehow I ended up in this god-forsaken hole."

His demeanor is very relaxed and friendly and his smile disarming but you can see that his eyes are assessing each of you with a piercing stare. 

"Rock know this thing." Rock says with a broad smile.  "We go to do other thing with wolves right now, you wish to wait for Rock in town or join us in hunting wolves?"  He gestures back to the town, then towards the path ahead.  "Should be great story, this wolf thing...  Once done Rock would be glad lead you to other town."

"Well met, Sir," Ines greets the half-elf. "Maybe Rock can help you, but I am afraid, I do not know this land at all. As he said we are going to help the locals with a wolf problem. Maybe helping them, they could help you."

"I do not know of this Bryn Shander but I am sure ze locals could help. I like your hair!" Avarice bluntly blurts out and suddenly becomes extremely embarrassed and bashful.

     Shayne spends some time making note of the proper spelling of everyone's name (if they know it) and proper pronunciation.  Otherwise Shayne will enjoy the travel and listen to any tales the others wish to tell.  At times he'll play soft, gentle tunes on his flute to pass the times, others he'll just enjoy the birdsong and sounds of nature.

Smiling at Avarice- "Thank you, we redheads need to stick together." *gives her a mischievous wink*  "Name is Elderan Finn, you can call me Finn." 

Turning to the whole group- "Wolves? No offense but you all don't strike me as trappers. I'd be glad to join in trade for some guidance, I am a fair shot with this bow but something tells me there is more to this story than just some wolves."

Finn picks up his backpack and sets out with the group. 

"Apparently, these wolves can talk and kidnap people to hold for ransom. Oh, and I'm Ines."

     Shayne retells the tale the others heard in town.  He tells of the fearsome kidnapping of the twins, the casual, violent cruelty of the Wolves Of Unusual Size, and the sinister ransom demands.  And threats!  The vile threats of how none could leave town without being torn asunder, hobbled whole and then spat out so the marrow could be sucked from their still living bones...

     Needless to say, the bard’s telling if the tale was a lot more colorful and coherent than the villagers, if even less factual and over the top.

Rock listens to the telling, a broad smile on his face.  Once done he claps Shayne on the back with one big hand.  "Rock take this lowlander back to peaks to tell story of Rock's many victories once all these things we are doing are completed."  He nods his head as if it is decided.  "Now let us do this wolf thing."  He leads the way onward.

You all leave the town and begin your trek toward the old giant's house.  

((Because I should have given you this information earlier, and forgot:

Icewind Dale has become trapped in a perpetual winter. Ferocious blizzards make the mountain pass through the Spine of the World exceedingly treacherous, and this land has not felt the warmth of the sun in over two years. In fact, the sun no longer appears above the mountains, not even in what should be the height of summer. In this frozen tundra, darkness and bitter cold reign as king and queen. Most dale residents blame Auril the Frostmaiden, the god of winter’s wrath. The shimmering aurora that weaves across the sky each night is said to be her doing—a potent spell that keeps the sun at bay.

Dalefolk live in a scattering of settlements known as Ten-Towns. The drop-off in caravans coming from the south and travel between settlements in this never-ending winter has left everyone feeling isolated. Although each town has resolved to appease the Frostmaiden with sacrifices of one kind or another, no respite from winter’s fury seems forthcoming. For adventurers such as yourselves, Ten-Towns is a place to test one’s mettle and, in the spirit of heroes who have come before, leave one’s mark on this frigid, blighted land.

))

Not long after you leave town, you all are approached by a snow-white wolf with pale blue eyes, whimpering and favoring its front left leg.

The wolf hobbles toward you all, speaking in a strained, harsh whisper.  "Help.  Please help."

"Wolf no seem dangerous." Rock says, striding forward to meet the wolf.  "What be wrong with wolf?" He asks it.  "Children stomp on paw?" He says with a booming chuckle.  He eyes up the wolf as he approaches though, looking to see if there is some trick afoot.

Insight:  9

 "I have never 'eard a wolf speak before! It appears to be injured," Avarice concludes as she looks directly at the wolf, assessing the situation.

     Shayne, unsure if he should grab rapier or quill settle for putting his hand on the former and paying close attention to the events as they unfold.  
     “Does this seem a mite coincidental to anyone else? “ Shayne asks in a hushed tone to those around him.  

Ines walks forward, hating to see any creature in pain, but she hesitated. "I could heal you, Wolf, but it seems your kind is not friendly to people."