Thelen Kaarn is the leader of the Winterhold Mages Guild. He asks the player to recover a stone tablet in exchange for information on the location of Labyrinthian.
DialogueEdit
When you first approach him, he will introduce himself and immediately ask for help. "Welcome, (player name), to Winterhold. I trust that the weather has not affected you adversely? Well, it has come to my attention that there have been certain inquiries about the Labyrinthian. My name is Thelen Kaarn, and I find this quite interesting. Few have sought out this legendary place, manyless have found it. Perhaps we can do each other a favor. Allow me to explain."
"A few days ago knights from the Fortress of Ice attacked a small caravan destined for our Guild. This caravan was to deliver to us an object of unimaginable importance, a missing tablet that would help decipher a part of the Elder Scrolls. This piece completed a map to the Labyrinthian. No doubt the knights returned with their booty to their Fortress, and are by now deeply ensconced within its walls. We could not hope to get in there and recover that tablet piece. We are not prepared for such an endeavor. If you would agree to attempt this, I would gladly tell you location of the Labyrinthian. All I need is the missing piece to solve the puzzle. Will you agree to help us?"
Should the player accept, he tells them: "I am pleased to see that you do not shy from danger. Enough talk then, here is the location of the Fortress of Ice. When you have the missing piece, return here with it and I will share with you the location of the Labyrinthian..." Thelen gestures once and the location of the Fortress of Ice is magically inscribed onto your map...
If the player instead refuses, he says the following: "I had wished that you would not shy from danger, but I can understand your decision. If you change your mind, I will await your return. Just ask again of the Labyrinthian here at the Guild, and I will try and help..." Thelen bids you farewell, then walks down a corridor and out of sight...
When the player returns after declining, he is still eager to work with them. "Welcome again to Winterhold's Mage's Guild, (player name). I had hoped you would wish to speak again on this matter. The knights grow restless, I think they mean to move our treasures elsewhere. If they do so, we will not be able to recover the missing piece of the Elder Scrolls, and the location of the Labyrinthian will be lost forever. Will you help me recover the tablet?"
When the player recovers the tablet, he is overjoyed. "I had hoped and prayed for your safe return. I see you were successful. Your deeds will be sung among the tales of heroes. If you will wait a moment, I will give you what I promised..."
Thelen fits the piece into a larger tablet, then reads what is written. He gestures for your map. With a feather pen he inscribes the location of the Labyrinthian, somewhere in the Skyrim Province, onto your map...
If the player comes back without recovering the tablet, he is far less happy. "I see that you where unsuccessful against the knights of the Fortress of Ice. Perhaps you should prepare using what you have learned of their defenses. You may rest in town as long as you feel necessary. The option to try and recover the missing piece of the Elder Scroll lies with you. If you decide to try again, bring the piece back here to me. I will await your successful return..." Thelen smiles kindly, patting your shoulder. He then turns his attention to his work, satisfied that your needs have been met...