Tiax has been in Borderland Keep for only a couple of hours. He's met Mitch, Corporal of the Day Watch. Tiax's name and arrival date have been logged. He's been warned by Mitch, "Any time you go, you sign out. If you come back, and you ain't signed out, you ain't getting back in. Vice versa applies. Your access is limited to the outer bailey. Cause any trouble, and you'll end up in the stocks...or worse."
A local lad showed Tiax to the inn and tavern. The wooden sign out front depicts a goblin's head with an arrow through its skull from ear to ear. In Common under the chin are the words, "The Pierced Goblin".
The tavern itself is a largish structure. The facade -- painted with cheerful colors -- is about fifty feet wide west to east. It abuts the west wall on its left and the inn on its right. The building has a small second story on the eastern 20 feet of the structure.
Inside, Tiax sees a single, large room about twenty feet deep north to south. A trapdoor in the northeastern corner of the floor is open. A serving wench -- a stout, functional girl of about 20 years -- emerges from the basement, a tray of tankards expertly balanced on one hand.
Two rows of wooden columns support the peaked ceiling, which is cross-braced by rafters. The interior is brightly lit by several oil lamps. Various hunting trophies, including the head of a rather large wolf, adorn the walls. Examples of weapons attached to plaques are also present. There is a stage against the far west wall. A gnome sits on a high stool, playing the harpsichord with more gusto than skill, but it's obvious he's enjoying himself.
One large table seats five armed and armored individuals, perhaps another adventuring party. At the head of this table is a dwarf in chain mail. His tabard is made of fine cloth and sports a coat-of-arms in gold, green, and sable. Its device is a bear rampant. With him are a half-elf woman in comfortable traveling attire, twin human men in studded leather and dark green cloaks, and a willowy, androgynous elf in robes and a beret. Assorted weapons lay on the table or on the floor close at hand. The dwarf is cutting a wedge of cheese with what appears to be a finely made dagger.
A lad of about sixteen approaches Tiax. "I'm Piotr, tavernkeeper's son," he introduces himself. "Have a seat, please. We've ale for a silver a pint, and fresh bread, a copper a slice. Hot pies are a silver." He glances up at Orinar. "An entire roast fowl is a steal at a single gold."
