Jorik's Rest

Overview: Jorik's Rest was a large tavern and gathering place located on Harrow’s Hill in the small, isolated town of Krezko, deep in the northeastern reaches of Chernaya. Built upon the foundations of what was once a pagan chapel, Jorik’s Rest served as the social and communal heart of Krezko, providing warmth, shelter, and a meeting place for the villagers and travelers alike.   History and Role: Named after its founder, Ren Jorik, the tavern was rebuilt, transforming from an abandoned and ramshackle place of worship into a center of village life. The Rest was more than just a tavern; it was a hub where locals gathered, a place where travelers rested, and a hidden stronghold for members of the The Circle, a resistance group opposing the Crown. For years, it quietly hosted secret meetings and provided a safe haven for those fleeing the Crown’s wrath.   The Siege and Destruction: In recent times, Jorik's Rest became the focal point of a tragic and violent event. Inquisitor Ilarik, one of the Crown's most feared Witch-Hunters, led a regiment to Krezko, seeking to root out and eliminate the Circle members hiding there. The situation rapidly escalated into a brutal siege. The tavern became a last bastion for the villagers and rebels, including Ren Jorik, the tavern's current owner, and his adopted daughter, Elara Jorik.   During the siege, the villagers and rebels inside Jorik’s Rest faced an overwhelming force, including regiment soldiers equipped with cannons. Despite initial thoughts of making a last stand, the defenders ultimately chose to flee through a secret tunnel leading out of the town. As they escaped, the burning tavern became a kind of unintended diversion to cover their retreat.   Aftermath: Jorik's Rest, along with the entire village of Krezko, was reduced to ashes in the ensuing inferno. The flames consumed the tavern and much of the town, leaving behind little more than smoldering ruins. The destruction of Jorik’s Rest marked the end of its role as a community center and a sanctuary, and its loss was deeply felt by the survivors who fled into the wilderness, carrying with them the heavy burden of their defeat and the memories of those who perished .