High Tower Inn
Perched on a quiet, ivy-lined avenue in the heart of the Garden Quarter, the High Tower Inn is a place of elegance, discretion, and subtle power. Known for its serene atmosphere and commanding view of the city’s skyline, the Inn has long been favored by nobles, sages, wealthy merchants, and diplomats seeking respite away from the bustle of the High Market and the politics of the Citadel.
Unlike the louder or more ostentatious establishments of the High Quarter, the High Tower Inn exudes cultivated refinement—a place where conversations are held in confidence, wine is poured from silent crystal decanters, and every guest is treated as if they might one day rule a nation.
Notable Staff
- Mistress Adelyne Virmont, the Innkeeper, is a poised and silver-haired woman of noble bearing and impeccable memory. Formerly of a lesser Aerdy house, she manages the inn with courtly grace and absolute discretion.
- Thalen, the half-elf concierge, has an uncanny ability to procure rare items, arrange safe meetings, or deliver sealed packages without attracting attention.
- Seras of Hardby, a retired battle-priestess turned masseuse and herbalist, tends to guests in the spa and is known for both her strong hands and gentle wisdom.
The High Tower Inn is not merely a place to rest one’s head—it is a retreat from the weight of the world, a place where knowledge can be exchanged behind closed doors, and where power wears silk rather than steel. For those in the know, it is one of Greyhawk’s most desirable—and most carefully watched—locations.
Architecture
The Inn’s name is literal: the main structure includes a graceful, three-story stone tower that predates many of the newer buildings in the Garden Quarter. Attached to the tower is a newer wing of finely cut granite and whitewashed timber, surrounded by manicured courtyards, flower gardens, and a high, wrought-iron fence overgrown with blooming vines.
Inside, the decor is soft but rich: rosewood floors, silk curtains, enchanted chandeliers that shift in brightness to match the hour, and walls adorned with tasteful tapestries and the occasional arcane map or fine portrait. A grand circular staircase leads to upper levels, where some of the most luxurious rooms in the Free City can be found.
From the upper tower suites, one can see past the city’s curtain wall to the Nyr Dyv, the "Lake of Unknown Depths," shimmering in the distance.
History
- That a former Lord Mayor secretly maintained a suite in the tower for a decade—hosting everything from romantic trysts to underground council meetings.
- That beneath the inn lies an ancient observatory chamber, once used by astrologers before Greyhawk rose to prominence.
- That a well-known bard disappeared after claiming to find a hidden chamber in the tower walls containing a book that "whispers the city’s future."
Tourism
The High Tower Inn offers a premium experience:
- Private suites and balconies with enchanted insulation for perfect temperature and soundproofing.
- Full-service dining, including exotic fare from the Wild Coast, Zeif, and the lands of the Flanaess, curated by a renowned elven chef.
- Onsite arcane amenities, including magical message delivery, discreet scry-proofing, and a resident healer.
- A spacious, quiet library parlor, favored by scholars and mages alike.
- Bathing chambers and spa services, using herbal infusions from the gardens themselves.
While not the most expensive inn in Greyhawk, the High Tower’s exclusivity and understated charm give it a prestige that money alone cannot purchase.
The High Tower Inn caters to a selective clientele:
- Foreign dignitaries and embassies seeking neutrality and discretion.
- Scholars and sages from the Universities and Colleges of Greyhawk in need of privacy and quiet.
- Elven and half-elven nobility, drawn by the inn’s garden tranquility and elegant charm.
- Retired adventurers, especially those now involved in trade, politics, or research, who prefer refined comfort over the noise of the River or Slum Quarters.
Despite its genteel atmosphere, secrets are bartered here as often as wines, and the staff knows when to leave a room undisturbed—and when to quietly intervene.
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