Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="pdzoch" data-source="post: 6860625" data-attributes="member: 80982">The Black IrisName: The Black Iris (Tavern sign is a white circle, outlined in black, with a black iris painted in the center)Description Exterior: This two story wood and plaster building is made of wood stained so dark it looks black and white plaster.  The lower half of the first floor and the entire second floor is all blackened wood, and the plaster provides a stark contrast between the timbers on the first floor. A roof is covered in black tile, and a short black tile roof on the first floor provides a covering over the entry porch. A short wooden fence demarcates the porch of the tavern and lattice work of black wood decorates the windows on the second floor. Reed blinds cover the windows from the inside.  An enclosed lantern is mounted on the outside wall beside the entryway and on the corner posts of the porch fence.  Standing beside the door is a man wearing a long purple and black robe with oversized sleeves in which he tucks his hands. Whenever a patron approaches, he bows and opens the door for him or her. Description Interior: The striking image of the polish black floor catches you first.  Black wood also covers the lower half of the walls before turning into a glowing white parchment illuminated by a lantern from behind. The tables are short and are accompanied by curved squat benches. Both are painted a high gloss black.  Upon inspection, a black iris outlined in purple is painted on the tables.  Gold, white, black, and purple cushions decorate the floors and squat benches.  An open floor space is decorated in intricate leaf patterns punctuated by purple-black iris flowers, all framed in a twin thin lines of gold.  Opposite the tables and chairs across the open floor space is a small bar space, all painted black, besides which is small raised platform upon which sits several musical instruments, including a large brass gong.  At the other end of the bar a foyer that houses doors to rooms behind the bar and a stairway leading to the second floor.  The reed blinds are plain white and opaque, blocking light from outside and blocking shadows from inside being cast outside.  Several patrons are enjoying their meals already.  They look wealthy and capable.  Fine weapons are clearly visible and within easy reach of their owners at the tables.  The mood is serene. A servant in the same black and purple robe as the greeter outside approaches you, bows, and shows you to a table.Note: The patrons here look very successful, wearing fine clothes, eating fine food, and carrying fine weaponry.  There does not appear to be any “royalty” here or other members of nobility or wealthy merchant class.  These patrons appear to be extremely well mannered, confident, and capable people who have earned (or taken) their wealth through dominate skills.  These patrons could be very dangerous.Proprietor: A female raven-haired elf named Ayda Ralolynn owns and runs this establishment.  Her beautiful features have not been diminished by her senior years, but continual emotionless expression does detract any pleasantness of her features.  She wears black and purple robes like the rest of the servants, but an ornate multi-green vine and leaf pattern with purple and black silk iris flowers cover her main robe. She exudes grace and confidence in her every step and movement. She will not tolerate misbehavior or ill manners, and she will ask patrons to leave if they do not extend utmost courtesy to others in the inn. Lady Ayda is not to be trifled with.  She is the former head of the assassin’s guild, having decided to “retire” from the guild without prejudice. She is an expert on poisons and anti-toxins and has ready-made remedies for most poisons. None of the patrons are full aware of her past, but they all do know that she is very skilled with the sword and dagger and unarmed combat as they have seen her effortlessly manhandle the occasional unruly patron out onto the streets. Lady Ayda is a business woman and she is not influenced by patrons buying extra services or pricey menu items. Lady Ayda’s professional name was Moriloth, a secret she guards vigilantly.Other details: The Black Iris hosts ten private rooms, each with low bed, plush pillows, plush blankets and silk sheets, a small table and sitting pillow, and chest.  Private baths are also available.  For a fee, servants tend to the rooms and guests, providing turn down services, grooming and bathing services, and bringing drinks and food to the rooms if requested.  Servants can also run errands for room guests, delivering messages, sharpening weapons, mending items, and purchasing items on a list – all for a 10% markup in fees.  The servants rely on artisans to perform tasks, so the quality is always the highest.  Servants can even be paid to provide or seek information; however, Lady Ayda controls all information.  If she feels the information is valuable, she will direct the servants to “fail” to discover the information.The gong announces the nightly show.  The bards take up their positions to perform.  Lady Ayda the proceeds to the center of the floor while music plays; after a flourish, she then takes a seat at her private table. A second gong announces the entrance of several dancing girls who perform a variety of dances through several musical numbers. The patrons politely clap at the conclusion of the show.  Several of the dancing girls are also room servants.The meals are expensive, but are exquisite and the highest quality, though seldom hearty.  The tavern serves wines (mostly elven) and a large variety of teas (some rare and expensive) and a special hard liquor call the “Black Iris” – a very dark alcohol that smells and tastes sweet, but is extremely strong and expensive.Lady Ayda maintains a private office behind the bar, next to the dressing room and across the hall from the kitchen.  The larder and cellar are in the basement. She lives in a private residence behind the inn, across a private garden adjoining the inn that can be seen from the upper rooms of the inn.Story Hook: 1) Your Lord and patron has learned that an important envoy may be in danger.  He has asked that you escort the envoy safely to him.  The envoy is expected to stay briefly at the Black Iris.  If possible, find out who is attempting to harm the envoy and why. 2) A rare poison has been identified as the cause of death for an important noble in your kingdom.  Your lord has requested that you track down the source of this poison, and find out who is behind the murder, and why.  3) Yuan-ti have been spotted lurking in the nearby forest.  It is rumored that they have taken up residence in the ancient ruins deep in the forest.  But if they are being seen so far from the ruins, why have they ventured so close to the city? (They are actually servants to a green dragon who has established the ruins as his lair).</blockquote>

Verification