The Half Stop Tavern

The Half Stop Tavern is located in the Jingré Region - between Yemina and Weaver.

The Half Stop Tavern is an Inn and Drinking Tavern reknown for its grand celebrations, especially during Enjils Aura Sitaare.

Cordites Tun the poet is said to often frequents the tavern.

Approaching the place where a bridge, wide enough for large carts, crosses Cing River, the road heads North to Weaver (7.5 hours) and South to Yemina (6.5 hours) on the North-West side stands a lone building - a Tavern.

A few flowering low plants surround the building. It is a solidly built wooden a single level, with big reinforced wooden doors on 3 sides (North, South and West). It has a concave veranda all the way around and large windows that have heavy shutters, that can be closed against the sand storms.

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There are Stables that can fit horses, camels, elephants and one dragon stall (medium dragon size). There is a flat part built over the stable roof for medium (or smaller) dragon to land - ladder down.
The place was only built in the last 5 years - being watched by the air patrols (on dragon back) in case of trouble.

Accommodations in the inn consist of several wooden bunkbeds in two other rooms (East looking) and straw mats near the hearth. Backs against kitchen stove. View to West has The Whale Sea on the horizon. The desert looks quite calm and lovely from this advantage point.

A heated outside bath, is fenced in for some privacy.

Tavern owner

Bernie 'Bernida' Softstep = Halfling with tanned skin, round face and bold lips - braided on top her head silvery-gray hair and cheerful green eyes. Her clothes are well tailored green skirt and off-the shoulder matching green blouse, with a clean white half apron - brown sandels laced up her ankles

STAFF

Waitress = Fernnella Softstep - female Halfling - Bernie's niece - has some interesting childhood stories. Dany's ex of The Seekers
Bouncer = Gareta Vansillim - Half-Elf female) - stronger than looks

HIRED HELP

Young 7 year old - Air Genasi male - can clean with wind and make wind highlighted small animals (like feathered rabbits) - saved from traders "brought" set free ... slim, like would blow away in wind; short wispy cloud like white hair that shimmers blue in places, that shows the mark of a slave on back of neck with the word "free" above - eyes like Lightning - always barefoot - wears very pale blue tunic with rolled up pale blue pants

Elderly Earth Genasi male - sand is favourite type of earth - can sweep without a broom - digs for Lightning Sand "Fulgurites" with Draft - slender elderly man, who watches the ground a lot - Greying messy hair with sandy colours all through it - brushy eyebrows; sand orange eyes in thin slants - always barefoot - thin natural coloured trousers and tunic top; the mark of a slave on back of neck with the word "free" above - excitable and seems young when racing across the sand barefoot

Young 6 years old - Wood Genasi female - quiet and pretty, wood like skin - solid build - stands tall and calm - leave like auburn hair with green mossy tips - striving green eyes - the mark of a slave on back of neck with the word "free" above - moss green over parts of rough brown skin - long angler face with thin lips and mossy eyebrows

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The Tavern is bright with sunlight pouring in from 3 sides. The low 4 long tables and low 6 short tables have be attached to the floor. There are no seats - everyone is provided padded cushions. (allows for Halflings to serve food and drinks.
SMELL - The smell of food greets you - meats, cheeses, soups, stews and breads.
TASTE - the aroma leaves a taste of herbs and spices on your tongue.
SIGHT - The place seems clean and well-kept, and quite new.
SOUND - A group of loud, hungry Human and Half-Elves guard ground patrol have taken over one long table, they look unimpressed were you enter. Only other people in there are two tables (1 is 2 High Elves; other is a Human couple with a young child - who is playing with wooden blocks).
TOUCH - the reinforced wooden floor feels smooth and slick, freshly polished, under your feet.

The bar is usual height, with stairs in front in 3 places for small races.

"Welcome travelers, what brings you into my Tavern at this harmonious time?" Her voice is delighted and melodic. Bernie is an exceptionally beautiful Halfling, with tanned skin, braided silvery-gray hair and cheerful green eyes. Her clothes are well tailored green dress and a clean white apron. She may have aged, but has lost none of her strength.

Another Halfling female appear from the kitchen. Fernalla stands in the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise. "So what may I serve you all?" Fernalla is not a stunning beauty like her aunt (by marriage), but she is not plain in any way.

"You are one of those who left your homes to go on your Worldwalk." says Fernalla. "We are people, out in the world."

Bernie explains that the next celebration party starts tomorrow. Anyone who knows Halflings that means from First Breakfast. There will be lots of foods of as many types as they can get. There will be fireworks in the evening and lanterns outside laced to the veranda. Music will start early and continue all day and long into the night.

A Brewer's wagon arrives. Samples of different brewers for customers to try. Brewer named Topper, is a male Halfling with a extended tanned tummy sticking out from under his blue and yellow striped top. Pants held up by a heavy pair of bracers and a heavy belt. Rosy cheeks and a warm smile. A leather cap balanced on his brown hair.

Soon more Halflings arrive. A band of five with mischief in their smiles. Blanrel (boasts of being the brother of Dany of The Seekers ) with a few of his friends. The whole place is decorated with coloured ribbon and brightly painted wooden sculptures. Wooden statues are decorated with little lanterns.

Bernie illusionist friend, Dwarf from Helterdeep named Kirribena (Kirri) Redbarrel arrives with some supplies (2 other dwarves) and her magic ready.
Halflings just appear to just keep arriving.

The dragon rider Kai lands on the barn with her yellow dragon (acid) named Ona at dawn.

The local centaurs do not come, Bernie is very disappointed by that.

HALFLINGS RIDDES

Riddle = I have a mouth but cannot speak, lay on a bed but never sleep.

Show spoiler

Answer: A river.

Riddle = A goblin walked twenty miles into the woods to find me, stopped to look for me when he got me, then threw me away when he found me.

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Answer: A splinter.

Riddle = I have more heads than any hydra and more tales than the longest book.

Show spoiler

Answer: A sack of coins. 3 playing cards are in a row - A Diamond is on the left of a Spade (not necessarily next to it). An 8 is on the right of a King. A 10 is on the left of a Heart. A HEart is on the left of a Spade.What are the 3 cards? [10 Diamonds; King Hearts; 8 Spade = left to right]

As the evening settles in the fires burn brighter and the young children snuggle one parent sleepily insisting they are "not tired"

The Halfling party goers make a Halfling sized doll out of wax and straw, and head outside with wine, liquor, fire wood, spears and maybe a couple of goats. They get drunk, sing songs, stab the doll a couple of times, toss it on the fire and then roast goat.
Making a prayer to the Goddess of Luck - Tymora.
Next there is a buffet style meal with honey cakes, sweetened teas and mead.
Finally there is candle light dance, where the participants hold beeswax candles (cleaner burning than a Tallow Candle) and dance on late into the night. A few Pixies dance in the rafters ... their giggling and singing delights.
The desert night is so cool and a breeze off the sea, travels across to the Tavern. A male Gnome Wizard with a snowy white beard and his red haired female Fighter friend rest in a corner lean close together in a loving seated pose.