So you're all sitting in a tavern and ...

[Olgar Shiverstone]

What do you think is the source of the "you're all sitting in a tavern" plot hook?

Both Gandalf in the Hobbit and Leiber's Sheelba of the Eyeless Face and Ningauble of the Seven Eyes have scenes which fit the "you're approached by a stranger who wants you to ..."-type hook. But are there original fantasy sources for the tavern scene?


And just for fun, complete the thread title:

So you're all sitting in a tavern and ...

... all the patrons rise as zombies and attack!
... a stranger in a grey cloak, beard, and pointy hat approaches and offers to send you on an adventure.
... you observe a halfling pickpocket the barmaid.

 

[hong]

... the bartender says, "what d'you think is this, a D&D adventure?"

 

[Pinotage]

... the bartender walks over, "Your nemisis is sitting in the dark corner over there, recruiting evil minions. Once you're all together, the arena's out back. Saves everybody a lot of trouble."

I think meeting in a tavern is better than say, a lavatory, the butcher shop, or out on the street

Pinotage

 

[Buttercup]

...suddenly a stranger wearing a black leather cloak walks in. Conversation ceases.

 

[diaglo]

QUag Keep by Andre Norton also has this scene....




.. the dice on your wristband suddenly turn

 

[Harold as a Verb]

What do you think is the source of the "you're all sitting in a tavern" plot hook?

Thirsty authors.

 

[nakia]

. . . your food, which was fine when you began your meal, now tastes like ashes. The wine in your goblet has turned a deep red in color. . .

 

[Turanil]

... you realize it's the wrong place.
... you realize you don't have money to pay for the drinks.
... you are told they don't serve ale to under-age adventurers.
... you are told that customers who slap the barmaid's ass are sued.

 

[kengar]

I think it's the Prancing Pony and Strider in the corner, but that's just an impression.

 

[Ghostwind]

The bard begins his rendition of a new love ballad by Swinging Zombie Wang called "We're gonna eat your brains".