46. Wizard's Room

This is apparently a bedroom, though it is so cluttered that it's hard to tell. There is a large bed centered on the south wall, which is half covered with piles of books and papers. An armoire stands open in the southwest corner, with robes and other items of clothing hanging in and on it. A desk resides in the northwest corner, also piled high with books, papers, ink bottles, and quills, the latter mostly bedraggled or broken. A lantern, apparently illuminated by continual light, rests atop a nightstand beside the bed. Lying on a chest at the foot of the bed is a very cute puppy. When you open the door, it leaps to its feet, tongue hanging out, very excited. As you enter, the puppy remains on top of the chest, even though it looks like it would like to run and jump on you. This is the room of Stephan DeSant, the Duke's wizard-in-residence. The puppy is his familiar; it wears a magical collar that allows it to transform into a dire wolf, which it will do if anyone attempts to approach Stephan's chest or touch any of his belongings (including the furniture). Once it transforms, It will fight to the death so long as anyone remains in the room, but if all interlopers leave the room it will return to puppy form. Dire Wolf: AC 14, HD 4, #At 1 bite, Dam 2d4, Mv 50', Sv F4, ML 9, XP 240