[center][h1][url=https://dicecloud.com/character/yTCSK2MyFAkd8uzEZ/Kethan-the-Master][color=DEAD2B]Kethan [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/392744031378997248/394914784572866600/A-Kethan.png[/img][/color][/url]&[url=https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1433845][color=00aeef][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/392744031378997248/394220275912409088/A-James.png[/img]James[/color][/url][/h1][/center][hr]James held the door for Kethan waiting for him to enter. Once both inside he did take note of the other robed figure before them talking frantically to the goliath that was hunched over looking like he was done with the conversation. Outside of those two there were only a few humans patrolling and a person behind a bar counting what was probably coin. The state of the tables reminded him of a few bars he had been in, at least two were in Valera.

James let's the goblin pass after the goliath had ended the conversation, watched it for a brief moment, then looking walking up to the counter. [color=00aeef]"We are looking for information on some frost giants, and probably warmer clothing. The frost giants are led by one who is called Hrasvelger."[/color] James leans forward on the counter watching the goliath carefully.

[color=DEAD2B]"Failure is forgivable, Ignorance is insufferable."[/color] Another quip from the hoary cleric of Ioun as he bowed his brow to bid the gentlemen off. [color=DEAD2B]"Come along then you rascal, calling me grandfather to mock my age much less to honor my sagacity."[/color] His cane-staff touched the ground first as the older of the two dismounted his from his faithful servant. It was far less than graceful certainly, although given his age and remaining life of his knee cartilage it was still impressive someone as old as he still rode. Well, using human standards at least, elves had their nigh immortality, and dwarves aren't usually seen riding horses given their vertical handicap.

So it was the guild, not bad for a cold little hamlet, but certainly nothing as wondrous as Kethan's own local chapter. Too many adventurers from there always flitting into his library and making a mess of things. Asking his fellow librarians for assistance on seeking information about this or that through the day. Fortunately they had specific staff to help with the mild nuisance but spellcasting and scroll-writing services were part of the cleric's duties amongst others. Everyone had their responsibilities within the organization, although it was clear the cleaning staff were a bit lax given the state of disarray things, surely it was not a welcome party for their unannounced arrival. And then again, few people have heard of Kethan these days, and perhaps Sir Lakeltia or Lady Mavros would be have a greater celebrity status, or a guild member. Who would give the time of day to an old man and a talentless bard?

[color=DEAD2B]"We came because the gods command it, although the cold inspires impiety."[/color] A witty reply to the goliath at the counter. [color=DEAD2B]"And as my, more direct acquaintance here had told you, warm clothing, and giants. In that order if you will... Guildmaster I presume?"[/color]

The Guildmaster bit his lip at the requests for information. The call for them being on a mission from gods, that part in turn earned a sigh. While the goliath would shake his head, he would also open his mouth to share his two copper pieces on the matter: "Guildmaster, yes, that is I. For the information you seek however, I must regrettably share with you that you are hardly the first to seek said undertaking. Many have come before you. Very few, in turn, have returned. And those who have have come back in shambles. God's mission or not, are you certain you are prepared?" He placed his hands on the countertop and leaned over it, judging the two men with his gaze from above. "Just the two of you, no matter how powerful you may think yourselves, will not stand a chance."

[color=DEAD2B]"Certainly shopping for winter clothing is not so horrendous and undertaking Guildmaster,"[/color] A fair point after all, since Kethan did suggest the goliath give information in a particular order. One was more pressing than the other. [color=DEAD2B]"Jest asside Guildmaster, We won't be the last to search for giants if the cold claims us first. There are more of us coming... Hopefully if they can find their way here."[/color]

The Goliath snorted, thoroughly unamused by the old man's words. "If you made it here without troubles in your current attire, you can also find your way back in it. If there is no reason for you to go and throw your lives away, why should it be enabled by giving away knowledge that will only lead to your doom? For one of your age, I would have suspected you to be able to tell such truths", he stated in an offended tone and waved towards one of the few tables that were currently not being cleaned. "If there is nothing else you seek, it is better you sit down and wait for your friends to arrive. Perhaps they manage a more convincing speech."

James winced at Kerthan's words. Surely the cleric would have known to try for a less abrasive approach. [color=00aeef]"We only seek to prevent others from suffering the same fate as these adventurers. We have also gotten word there is a dragon working with these giants and they are moving."[/color] He pulled away from the counter heading to a table.  [color=00aeef]"Here first of course. But I guess we can't help you if you won't help us."[/color] He added. He figured a honeyed approach wouldn't work now since the cleric had been so brash. Maybe a bit more with a half truth would help however.

[color=DEAD2B]"You would withhold information then?"[/color] A tap of Kethan's walking stick as a reminder of who it was the guildmaster was dealing with. The Symbol of Ioun emblishing the handle as more than mere ornation. A symbol of faith and authority all the same, a source of power for the faithful, much less so than the arcane. [color=DEAD2B]"As I have said, we are here by the Gods, do not test my faith Guildmaster, I assure you at my age, there's little life to throw away. We understand the possiblity of death is great,  but it is our lives or yours as is so often the case, and our failure will most likely result in the death of those unwilling to throw their lives away. I have already come to terms with my mortality, whether I can stand before my lady Ioun in her hall as one of her scholars having willingly disobeyed her is something I cannot do. As such, I would again ask you for information Guildmaster,  and I beg  you not to withhold anything for if many have failed, then it is in their failure shall we learn to suceed Guildmaster."[/color]

The Guildmaster slammed his hands against the counter and leaned further towards the old man that had walked in and was now acting like he owned the place. "I do not care what your dogma says about this or that! If I gave the information to every single adventurer that cam knocking, this village would be responsible for even more death than it already is! Do you think it is easy for our sentries to gaze into the distance, to be the last who see the cloaks of the adventurers leave, never to return!?" The goliath bellowed, before falling back to the space behind the counter, rather than over it.

A deep breath and a fist risen to his forehead later, the Guildmaster rubbed his forehead against his knuckles and continued, now in a much calmer tone: "Look, old man, if you are who I think you are, you are well known for your capability to heal, not as much slaying giants and dragons. I do not seek to obstruct those with the capability to take down said threat. But giving away the location to those ill prepared would only lead to unnecessary death." He removed the fist from his forehead and placed his hand on the counter once again, looking Kethan straight into the eyes. "You will have your knowledge once the rest of your allies are here, on the assumption they seem competent."

As James sits at a table near the hearth and listens to the guildmaster and Kethan exchange words. While doing so he took out the lute and played an old song that he heard in a tavern long ago. [color=00aeef]"Come Kethan the fire is warm. The others should be here soon and the man can make his judgement of our skill."[/color]
He started to sing in dwarvish to the tune he played. It was for sure not his best he thought as he missed a few cords and sung slightly off key. He would need to work on that to maintain his guise.

With a solemn nod, the warning was taken well. Yes, Kethan knew the risks, and more so he had been in the Guildmaster's position many times over. How many fools had he sent to their deaths over the last few years in his retirement?  Few returned, and those who did often were seeking more information on this or another misadventure. Those who did not return, Kethan could only assume they had either given up their quest or died in such attempts. Perhaps it was easier for him knowing that his powers of resurrection could bring back the dead, and perchance even request his goddess intervene.  If indeed the Guildmaster knew who Kethan was, then perhaps the goliath would understand this was no willy-nilly party of would be errandboys leaping to their cold and untimely deaths. They were seasoned champions, legends of their own right no less across the land.  But all that slipped away the moment that brash idiot opened his mouth. A most mediocre melody, twas not the cold that numbed his fingers or voice, no the roaring fire ought to banish those and certainly Kethan was not yet falling apart at the joints so why wouldn a spring chicken? Perhaps it was his instrument that took to the cold, but certainly a bard would check and tune his instrument as his lively livelihood depends on it, no there was something else amiss that casted Kethan's doubts over the so-called bard. [color=DEAD2B]"Unless my hearing fails me in my age boy, if you keep playing like that, he won't need to wait very for the others..."[/color]

Failing hearing or not, the waiting was nonetheless over. The doors to the Guild Hall opened once again, making way for a half-orc clad in full plate armour, and two quite a bit more lightly armoured and less imposing women. Marcus, Ada and Scrapmouse had arrived. The Guildmaster raised his eyes towards the door and nodded to the fresh arrivals. "Here with these two?" he requested to know.

[hider=Mechanics&Rolls]
Kethan persuading the peeved Guildmaster for information: 18 [s]22[/s]
James's performance: 12
Kethan figuring out what is going on with said lack of ability: 21

All the Titan Hunters have arrived at the Guild Hall.
[/hider]
[@JBRam2002][@Lurking Krog][@Guardian Angel Haruki][@The Grey Dust]