[Location] The Crown Inn and Tavern - Player's Guide

[Michelle]

The Crown Inn and Tavern

The oldest and most venerable tavern in all of Aelyria Prime - in all the Empire - remained the busiest location in the city. Once it had stood out from surrounding buildings; now, the Crown Inn and Tavern dominated the entryway to the city. The formerly haphazard, jutting additions and the original building had been drawn together and formed into a brand new structure unlike anything the city had seen before. No longer scarred red brick, it was an icosahedron, a twenty-sided shape, three stories high, made of cyclopean-sized stone that were painted red with accents of many colors. The weathered, heavy oak doors had become new again, with no sign of the damage that had been previously done. As always, the doors of the Crown stood open, and welcomed the people to come inside. Every other side of the icosahedron's first and second stories was occupied by arching, decorative windows. During the brightening, these allowed sunlight to fill the interior; at twilight, the setting of the suns made the last rays glow like ara outside the windows as the rooms grew darker, and the wall lamps were lit.

Guests entered first into the foyer, which was at once elegant enough to charm the most noble of patrons and comfortable enough to feel like home to any road-worn traveler. The foyer was empty but for a crescent table that curved out from the right hand wall, where the rooms on the third floor may be reserved. Behind it and to the side were the stairs to the third floor, with a private staircase to the largest, most expensive suite hidden in a more discreet location.

Directly across the foyer from the open front doors was a grand, open archway that lead into the pride of Prime: the Crown Tavern. Through it came the sounds of people determined to be alive - drinking, laughing, arguing, talking, singing. It remained the favored meeting place for all kinds of people. At the archway stood a very large, strong, and sober man, lightly armored in leather and wearing a deep cerulean cloak; the emblazoned sigil upon the front was, as it had been, the sigil of Zenthia Tilsaro, owner. The devoted woman had not abandoned the Crown in the darkest of times, and was now the proud proprietor of the finest establishment in the civilized world. Old-time patrons might note the absence of the former "no weapons" rule; Zenthia had found it nigh impossible to enforce (most simply hid weapons upon their bodies) and unrealistic to store all weapons and return them to the proper owners.

Inside, the new Crown Tavern was breathtaking. It was a large room, the main bar curving about the center of the room, angled to match the geometric shape of the unique building. Tables were fitted to all twenty corners and scattered throughout the open space of the floor. At the southern wall was the door to the kitchens, through which staff frequently traveled, and a great fireplace with a grouping of chairs and smaller tables, usually occupied. Stairs leading to the upper levels were found on both sides. The first story was entirely open to the second; patrons were now able to dine at tables around the interior balcony and watch the glorious commotion below through the intricate latticework half-wall. Candle chandeliers gracefully suspended from the ceiling of the second story softly illuminated the rooms, but allowed the many corner tables to remain in the privacy of shade. A dozen servers carried trays of food and drink throughout the crowds. Only the back wall of the second story was closed; this was a closed, private dining room, made available for nobles to secure absolute privacy, or for meetings requiring extra measures of security.

The Crown was always packed, as people had nowhere else to go while kept within the city, and they needed a place to gather, discuss, and seek fun and entertainment. All races and sorts were here, enjoying the sense of warmth and camaraderie the Crown Inn and Tavern offered.

[Aesha]

Locations

• The Front Desk - The front desk is located in the entrance lobby of the Crown. It is used to book rooms, pay for stabling of horses, and any other such queries that might arise.

• The Gardens - The Gardens are used by residents of Prime or people staying at the Crown alike. They are free to peruse and are often used by people who fancy a walk amongst the trees and flowers, or sometimes in the warmer months, the lawns they contain are used for picnics.

• The Stables - The stables are where the horses of the current residents of the Crown are kept. The stables also house the horses that are owned by the tavern itself, and the two goats that provide the kitchens with milk. The stablemaster is not adverse at anyone who has a love of horses looking around them.

• Zenthia's Apartments - The apartments of Zenthia Tilosaro, owner of the Crown Inn and Tavern, and where she conducts most of her business. Unless you are accompanied by a member of staff or have a previous acquaintence with the owner, access will most likely be denied.

[Aesha]

NPC Directory

• Alissa Farahsdaughter - Vagaran Human who runs the front desk. Alissa has long blonde hair and blue eyes. Alissa is a friendly person, who is generally not afraid to say what she thinks. She does however, have an overactive imagination, and tends to see omens in portents in everything. These often make her thoughtful for a time whilst she figures out whether they are good or bad. She has not lived in Alleria Prime long. Once the Allerians had left the city, she entered the capital looking for work, and gained her job at the Crown.

• Anaiya Moshova - A young human girl of about sixteen patterns. Anaiya is one of the Crown's waitresses, and has been since she was about fourteen. She is petite, and a little skinny, though her figure is fuller than it used to be. She has messy hair, the colour of dirty straw, which is usually tied back into a bun. She has blue eyes, which always sparkle with a hint of mischief. Her light coloured skin means that the few freckles on her face show up easily. Anaiya is an ex-street urchin. She was taken in by Zenthia who was determined to train the girl up to become something of a polite young lady. However, Anaiya proved too much work for the owner of the tavern and she put her to work as a waitress instead. Anaiya is friendly, outgoing and just a little bit wild.

• Hettie Gillam - A half-elven waitress in her late forties who can't do anything right, no matter how she tries. Hettie has light brown hair, eyes to matched, and ears that are slightly pointed. Her physique is slim, but not that of an elf. She has been working at the Crown since the latter days of Winter, Era XII. She always tries her best, but somehow still manages to mess up orders, charge the wrong amount, or create some other disaster. Though she is elven on her father's side, her upbringing in Prime itself was nothing but human in its nature and apart from her appearence her mannerisms are mostly that of humans.

• Martim Galestrom - The head bartender of the Crown. Now in his late forties, Martim is originally from Tearsfall. He ran away from home at the age of fifteen to seek his fortune in the city, and has worked at the Crown ever since. His hair is slightly thinning, and the once brown locks now contain an element of grey, but his green eyes remain as youthful as ever. His homelife has always been something of a mystery. However, he is extremely good and knowledgeable at his job, gets on well with all the customers, and is an ideal person to ask about anything to do with Prime itself.

[Shorty]

Beers - Per Pitcher - Per Tankard

Archadoon Commons Ale - 25gc - 6gc 5s
Archadoon Dwarven Stout - 25gc - 6gc 5s
Crown Inn Commons Beer - 5gc - 1gc 2s
Crown Inn House Ale - 7gc 5s - 1gc 8s
Crown Inn House Stout Extra Lager - 10gc - 2gc 5s
Crown Inn Traveller's Beer - 1 gc - 3s
Dancing Girls Dwarven Ale - 12gc 5s - 3gc 1s
Keethco Ale - 10gc - 2gc 5s



Liquor - Per Shot Glass

Arium Moonshine - 3gc
Hinterland Light Rum - 4gc 4s
Hinterland Dark Rum - 5gc
Midpoint Brandy - 1gc 9s
Midpoint Whiskey - 1gc 9s
Placidian Gold Whiskey - 5gc
Placidian Single Malt Whiskey - 15gc


Wines - Per Bottle - Per Glass

Red Wines
Arakmatian Spicy Red - 75gc - 18gc 8s
Charismian Red Vintage - 100gc - 25gc
Crown Inn House Red - 20gc - 5gc
Paxian Red - Red Riparia - 60gc - 15gc
Placidian Sweet Spiced - 160gc - 40gc
Sangre du Carmelya - 190gc - 47gc 5s
Silrosian Wine - 125gc - 31gc 2s
Southgate Ruby - 70gc - 17gc 5s
Taralonian Ruby - 65gc - 16gc 3s
The Suns - 140gc - 35gc
Tiger's Blood - 50gc - 12gc 5s

White Wines
Arakmatian White - 160gc - 40gc
Autumn Maize - 50gc - 23gc 5s
Crown Inn Clarel - 40gc - 10gc
Crown Inn House White - 20gc - 5gc
La Quista Pearl White - 100gc - 25gc
Lemon Lust - 175gc - 43gc 8s
Medonian White - 35gc - 8gc 8s
Naturan Wine - 75gc - 18gc 8s
Nuryondi White - 200gc - 50gc
Sylvan White - 75gc - 18gc 8s

Sparkling Wines
Carmelya's Ecstacy Champagne - 290gc - 72gc 5s
Crown Inn House Champagne - 50gc - 12gc 5s
Dryad's Dream - 230gc - 57gc 5s

Non-Alcoholic - Per Glass/Cup

Coffee - 2gc
Milk - 5s
Tea - 5s
Elfin Tea - 1gc
Juice (Apple, Orange, Grapefruit, Tomato) - 1gc

Entrees

The Chefs Specialty - Tender beef strips in a fine wine sauce with tantalizing herbs and spices, a whole baked potato, with spicy Yarrowlish cheese, melted, and laid liberally on it, fine rice pilaf with a secret combination of spices, a fresh sliced toasted role, heaped with butter and a serving of our famous onion soup! - 8gc

Veperes - Leafy greens, onion, and potato slices served with a dressing of olive oil - 1gc

The Bountiful Sea - 10 jumbo shrimps batter fried, a small lobster tale with butter sauce, a thick fillet of today's catch grilled with butter and spices after a fine marinade, 10 batter fried scallops, and a fresh sliced toasted roll. If you have a big appetite, or love seafood, this one is for you! - 5gc

Crafties Lobster Feast - One large lobster tail cooked to perfection, using Crafties special butter sauce, a whole baked potato, with spicy Yarrowlish cheese, melted, and laid liberally on it, fine rice pilaf with a secret combination of spices, a fresh sliced toasted role, heaped with butter and a serving of our famous onion soup!- 5gc

Crafties Crabs - 14 juicy, succulent pieces of crab meat, freshly dipped in Crafties special batter, and fried to perfection, 2 large crab legs with Crafties special butter sauce, 6 toasted and stuffed mushroom caps, stuffed with spicy sausage and bread, and a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter. - 4gc

Zimmers Delicate Wave - Assorted fresh fish, mussels, and crab meat poached in white wine, chilled and marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, served with a fresh salad, and a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter - 8gc

A Taste of Delight - thinly sliced raw tenderloin beef served with imported richatas cheese sprinkled with white truffles and topped with a light garlic cream sauce. It is served with a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter and a small salad. - 8gc

Stellos Styled Duck - A whole oven roasted duck served crispy with natural juice and sweet corn in a delicate cream sauce, includes a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter and a small fresh salad. - 2gc 5s

Crowns Succulent Duck - Carefully boned and prepared. Served with Raspberry sauce and Wild Rice. - 5gc

Sautéed Veal Liver Imperial - Sautéed veal liver in a sauce of roasted garlic, with onions, tomatoes and mushroom caps, served with roasted corn and smoked shrimp bisque. - 5gc

Finalish Lamb - Herb-crusted lamb loin roasted over an open flame, with Narish potatoes, fresh mint relish and a small fresh salad. - 6gc

A Taste of the Sea - Fresh Sea Scallops broiled in White Wine, Garlic and Butter, served with over braided pasta with clam chowder and a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter - 4gc

The Crown Inn and Tavern's Signature Chicken - Freshly boned Breast of Chicken poached in White Wine, Butter and seasonings served with Mushrooms and a Cream sauce. - 2gc 5s

Drelic Steamed chicken served over boiled rice. - 1gc 5s

Pronis - Heavily seasoned Turkey, cooked long and slow in a pit. Served with vegetables. - 3gc

Filet Mignon Supreme - A tender Filet Mignon grilled to your liking and topped with an Herb Crust, accompanied by a Red Wine sauce, served with a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter and a small salad. - 10gc

Crown Ribs - A full pound of specially selected, carefully aged slowly roasted Prime Rib of Beef, served with our famous onion soup - 12gc 5s

Warriors Feast! - a 32oz porterhouse stake, spiced and cooked to perfection, a whole baked potato, with spicy Yarrowlish cheese, melted, and laid liberally on it, fine rice pilaf with a secret combination of spices, steamed broccoli heads, with melted cheddar cheese, steamed Julian carrots, a fresh sliced toasted roll, heaped with butter and a serving of our famous onion soup! - 15gc

Prime Ribeye Steak - With caramelized onions mashed potatoes, creamed spinach Lobster Bisque with Nuryondi White - 12gc 5s

Rack of Lamb - Lightly Smoked and Roasted Rack of Lamb with potato and goat cheese sauce, baby root vegetables and Tomato Consommé, with Vegetable Garnish - 6gc

Steak and Potatoes - Cooked and spiced to perfection - 5gc

Soups
Large Bowl - 3gc Small bowl - 15 Silver

Onion soup
Roasted corn and smoked shrimp bisque
Clam chowder - Thick, Rich and creamy, clams in every spoonful
Tomato Consommé, with Vegetable Garnish
Krolaca - Braided pasta, chunks of beef, and pieces of chicken in broth.)
Fregat - Creamy stew made from potatoes and milk, with additional vegetables.

The Crown's Special Desserts

Kalatakya - Caramel covered in melted Kalat. - 1gc 5s

Kempota - Chilled, sweet pudding made from preicota fruit. - 1gc 5s

The Warrior's Refreshment - will put you on your legs again after a hard battle day... Sponge cake imbued with liqueur and coffee, covered with thick, delicious cream - made with sugar, egg yolks, marsala, cream cheese - and surface sprinkled with abundant cocoa. - 1gc 5s

Fruit Enchantment - abundant raisins - fat and juicy grapes of the finest quality - plus apples and peaches cut in the tiniest pieces, all kept together in thin jelly, covered with a surface made of little stripes of crisp shortcrust. - 1gc 5s

The Giant's Chestnut - chestnut-shaped big cake, covered with a crisp crust of dark brown plain chocolate, with a strip of ochre-colored marzipan at the base; inside, sponge cake with a double layer of maroons glacés and chocolate cream; a light touch of spirits. - 1gc 5s

Snake's Bite - a snake-shaped roll of crumbly paste - made with flour, egg yolks, butter, sugar and honey - filled with "gems": walnuts, raisins, pine seeds, candied oranges and pistachios. - 1gc 5s

White Clouds - fresh, white curls of whipped cream on the surface of a sponge cake, filled with a double layer of chocolate cream, on a base of a vanilla cake slice. - 1gc 5s

Assorted Biscuits - abundant plate of different biscuits: soft almond ones, with or without candied orange; lemon flavored; chocolate; almond paste with candied cherries or pistachios; cream puffs rolled in melted chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. - 1gc 5s

Menu written by GM Mike, GM Tolbin, Ness, Fingnor Culuthiene, GM Aesha, GM BBK.