Hearth & Hall Inn

The Hearth & Hall is a renowned inn and tavern located in the Dwarven Enclave of the Chasm District in Neverwinter. Owned and operated by Nora Truesliver, the establishment is celebrated for its exceptionally clean accommodations, hearty food offerings, and Nora's famous spiced ale. At the heart of the inn stands an impressive stone hearth, the signature architectural feature that gives the establishment its name.

Proprietor

Nora Truesliver, affectionately known as "Mother Hearth" throughout the Dwarven Enclave, is the owner and proprietor of the Hearth & Hall. She is a devoted follower of Berronar Truesilver, a dwarven deity, and runs the inn as a testament to her faith. Nora's dedication to the principles of home, hearth, and family bonds shapes her management style and the warm atmosphere of the establishment.

Nora is well known in the Dwarven Enclave and is the untitled leader of the community. Nora is respected for:

• Sheltering those in need
• Organizing community gatherings for dwarven holidays
• The critical role the inn played in rebuilding the dwarven community after the Great Fire

History

Founding

The Hearth & Hall was originally built in 1420 DR by Nora and her husband Torvin Truesliver during their early years of marriage. Local tales still recount how the couple passionately debated every detail of the construction, ultimately arriving at harmonious solutions that enhanced the final construction. Torvin, a respected stonemason known for his steady hands and meticulous attention to detail, designed and constructed much of the original inn alongside Nora.

The Great Fire of Neverwinter

In 1452 DR, Neverwinter suffered a devastating fire that began in the Arcanist Quarter. When the flames reached the Hearth & Hall during an autumn equinox celebration, Nora organized bucket brigades while Torvin created firebreaks by demolishing smaller structures. Their efforts saved all guests, though much of the inn was destroyed.

The central stone hearth, Torvin's masterwork, was the only structure that remained standing amid the ruins, becoming a symbol of resilience for the community. Nora and Torvin dedicated the stone hearth as shrine to Berronar Truesilver for saving their lives and the guests of the inn.

Rebuilding

In the aftermath of the fire, the couple converted their damaged cellar into temporary quarters for themselves and displaced families. Nora maintained a small kitchen that became a gathering point for the community. The rebuilding process demonstrated their determination as Torvin called upon fellow masons from Sundabar, and Nora organized displaced dwarves into work crews.

Rather than simply restoring what was lost, they redesigned the inn with improved safety features, incorporating:

• More stone elements
• Wider staircases
• Water cisterns
• An innovative ventilation system

When the renovated Hearth & Hall reopened eighteen months after the fire, it stood as a testament to dwarven craftsmanship and resilience. The rebuilding effort strengthened not only the physical structure but also Nora and Torvin's marriage and their standing within the community. They became leaders in the dwarven community, and the Dwarven Enclave was established around the rebuilding of the inn.

Notable Features

The Central Hearth

The centerpiece of the inn is its massive stone hearth, personally carved by Torvin Truesliver. The original hearth spanned from the underground cellar to the first floor of the inn. During the reconstruction, Torvin extended the hearth to the second and third floors of the inn.

The hearth provides warmth and solace to all who spend time near its flagstones.

On the ground floor of the inn and above the fireplace is a delicate stone latticework - Torvin's final project before falling ill - that contains their intertwined initials and Berronar's symbol, a secret message of devotion visible only to those who know where to look.

Cuisine

The Hearth & Hall is known for its hearty food and Nora's famous spiced ale. Particularly notable is Nora's potato soup, which is served during her daily soup kitchen at lunchtime for the poor and hungry.

Community Role

Beyond its function as an inn and tavern, the Hearth & Hall serves important community purposes:

• Soup Kitchen: Nora runs a small soup kitchen at lunchtime, serving potato soup to the poor and hungry as part of her devotion to Berronar Truesilver
• Community Gatherings: The inn hosts gatherings for dwarven holidays and community events
• Secret Sanctuary: The Hearth & Hall secretly provides sanctuary to dwarves fleeing trouble, with Nora viewing her regular patrons as an extended family deserving of her protection

Neverwinter Culture

The Hearth & Hall and its resilient owners have become symbols of dwarven determination and community spirit. The tale of how the central hearth remained standing after the Great Fire is often recounted as an inspirational story throughout the Dwarven Enclave. The story is also well known in the other districts of Neverwinter.

The Hearth & Hall spiced ale has become a popular drink among the Neverwinter Guard and Nora has recently started sending regular deliveries to the Captain of the guard.