[center][hr][url=https://dicecloud.com/character/Djqq8uCfXzGvyJpXz][b][color=7FFF00]Kethan the Librarian[/color][/b][/url][hr][/center]

Always rushing headfirst without a thought. Kethan shook his head at the charging goliath of a man and his hounds. Melonhead indeed, much to Tessa's nickname for the barbarian, why did warriors not give a moment for an old man to pause and think? Dogs and all, attempting to madly break down the door! It was too easy, all too easy, the unlocked gate was perhaps divine providence, but surely there would be a test of mind and skill rather than of brute strength alone. And true to this philosophy, the cleric of Gilean walked onwards. Still minding the dragonborn who muttered something, catching it was quite difficult in the rain, even with the old man's acute hearing. He may be old of body, but Kethan's senses were still sharp, his eyes, his ears, his mind. Sure his memory may fail at times, but for the most part recalling bits and pieces of information acquired over the decades of being a librarian was still possible. A wide array of topics from the arcane and esoteric, to more mundane things such as the life cycle of the common gnat. A wellspring of information and if he could not provide any saintly advice to a farmer asking for a forecast of the weather for planting seasons, or a passing adventurer asking for some scrap of history, a book may point the way proper. And failing those, perhaps a ritual or two to divine the question posed. Regardless, what Kethan has learned well over the years made it clear that time in wasted on the young and reckless.

And by the time the elder made it to the doorway, which the boisterously loud boy had attempted to simply breakdown with little mind to property or subtly, it was clear the giant's failure suggested there was more to the door than just the strength of mere material. All the while one amongst their little troupe had left, with the archer introducing herself as Ada, plying the leaving member to remain on with all the charm her tongue and wiles could afford. Certainly the Deserter spoke truth. All this smelled of a swamp ogre's unwashed toenail, with the layers of mystery and suspicion swirling around them, but Kethan stood by Tessa, it was she that volunteered them both, it would besmirch her nobility should they back out now. And if there were lies, about them, then this old man would bring the burning light of truth to anyone who would dare bear false testimony. Falsehoods are to be cast out and purged, every fact checked to keep the knowledge of the world unsullied by deception.

It was as shame it was raining, robes becoming soaked in rain, and a knowing look at Tessa suggested neither of them really enjoyed getting their outfits wet. Kethan himself wore something far more practical than her, a belted robe with three pouches hanging on his right, though he did have a set of clerical finery for ceremonial purposes kept in his pack at the room the stayed in. This was only planned to be a short stop, a bit of rest before continuing on their travels. His self-imposed exile turned the former librarian into a wandering hermit, or at least until he met the noblewoman spellcaster. And a wry smile chuckled to himself, thinking it ironic that they had not just brought along Shaktimaan. Sure a goliath was strong, but an elephant ought to have a much easier time ramming down a door. But alas the great beast was probably not enjoying being caught in the rain back at the tavern.

Alric, and Iris. Named names, how unfortunate that a villager had to name the father, and presumable the daughter. If they had no names, there would be nothing to write on the headstones should they fail. And yet they still bore not a surname known to him as the clergyman preferred to use more formalized greets of last names in polite company. Kethan himself dropped his own surname, simply called Kethan, or Librarian, or any combination of either title and name. The order was his family, the books and their authors his children, but all those were taken away. So he could sympathize with the distressed father, but books were not of flesh and blood. Perhaps Tessa, or Ms. Imlotel, as the elder referred to her by, was something of a daughter to the old librarian, but even there their relationship was more of consoler and companion. And between the two of them, they pulled each other towards the path of enlightenment. And with the second intervention of this villager providing a map to their treasonous party, well perhaps it was a sign that the gods were on this man's side. Even the Deserter apologized and returned, offering to risk his own neck in penance for his accusations earlier.

[color=7FFF00]"There is no sin in seeking truth young man, only in choosing to remain ignorant."[/color] Some words offered to the repentant swordsman (Arius). [color=7FFF00]"In example, by your armor and blade, I took you for only a swordsman, a dangerous assumption in my error, perhaps next time before we are dashed into this rainstorm, we may gather ourselves and account for our individual assets... And weakness such as my advanced age..."[/color] A short bowing nod acknowledging the return of the prodigal son. It was difficult to ascertain for certain, but of the group Kethan may have been the oldest present, by giant and hair, for elves and dragonborn were difficult to age by human eyes. Their lifespans greater than that of an ordinary human, and thus the effects of time were less pronounced. Speaking of dragonborn where did that cutpurse go? Nevermind that, hopefully off to do reconnaissance, entering through like a thief in the night, sulking about in the dark and rainy. [i]Let us come in like honest men.[/i]  

[color=7FFF00]"I believe this ward the goliath encountered is an arcane lock."[/color] Upon quickly gazing at the doorway, and gently tapping the surface of the door with his staff to incite the flashing magic. [color=7FFF00]"It is fortunate it is only that. If you are able to dispel such an effect, there may still be a physical lock to bypass. But I believe there is at least one amongst us here who is capable of fooling any such mechanism. And perhaps I may offer some insights to a myriad of lock designs as some guidance... Ada was it? come child, allow me to share my knowledge."[/color] And by that, Kethan took a few steps away from the door to allow the spellsword to cast, prepared to offer some insight into the inner workings of any locks they must defeat in addition to the spell. He had not prepared to dispel magic, nor was Ms. Imlotel if he recalled, then again they had a usual standard of spells between them. For example, bland food and water was conjured by Kethan, the flavourless gruel spiced up by Tessa, and any mess cleaned up by her arcane cantrips. Such an arrangement also meant Shaktimaan had food an elephant needed, and a way to take care of anything the creature left behind post-meal.

Should the elven archer allow it, Kethan could unlock something by his own power. Opening up her mind for a moment of divine insight, to guide her skills and perhaps allow her to successfully use her lockpicks. After all, with the dragonborn who Kethan caught in the corner of his eye making way to the balcony her past performance with the gate did not bode well for gaining fruitful entry. A tap on the forehead should be enough, and with Gilean's favour, may the elven maiden know enough to bypass a lock...

[hider=Mechanics] 
Arcana check to discern spell on door: [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/rolls/3334]22[/url].
Offer to cast Cantrip: Guidance on Ada
Also passive perception 23 vs Stealth 23 for noticing Crow Eater.
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