The Crystal Barrel

by Kranjax via Midjourney

Kranjax looked across the bar at the man on the other side of it. White hair, a long white beard, and a purple Santa suit. His hat had a leopard print rim. It was unsightly, but the scar across his face dared anyone to speak of it, openly or otherwise.

The older man, who here went by the name of Nicholas, spoke while pouring him a drink, "Lambda Edition, right?"

his patron nodded, "Yeah, also the 'Jagged Tea', and a 'Hearth's brew Wine".

"I know you have magic that can keep you from getting drunk and all, but mixing those will mess up your stomach."

"Says the guy who had Bourbon with a side of Egg Nog as a drink."

Nicholas chuckled, "Got me there, kid. So who are the other drinks for?"

The answer came as a smirk and a nod, "Him..." As if on cue, the chair next to him was filled. Golden eyes, equally golden hair, and dark skin, all hidden under a cloak.

"What in the 7 hells just..." Solaris paused, looking at the drink and the man who poured it, "Aren't you a little old for bartending?"

Nicholas grinned tauntingly, "By your standards, maybe, but you're about as old as me. Just try not to burn this bar down, alright?"

Instantly incensed, Solaris raised himself from his seat, leaning toward Nicholas, and nearly spilling his drink. Kranjax stopped the glass from tipping, his voice calm, but stern, "Sit down, Sol."

Solaris completely froze, then turned his head with slow, staggered motions, like a robot with rusted joints. His gaze landed on Kranjax. "No.... no, no no no no no no! Not You! Every time you show up, weird things happen, bad things!" His eyes went alight and he reached for his weapon, only to realize he didn't have it. He paused, another voice coming from behind him.

"Sit down, boy. You've been through this enough times to know that it doesn't end well for anyone who upsets him."

Solaris arched an eyebrow before turning around. Golden eyes like his own, bluish-grey skin, and long ears. "Eber? When did you get here?"

"A moment after you, by the sounds of things." Eber looked around Solaris, to Kranjax, "Why the Crystal Barrel? How did that chain even end up here? Personally, I think 'Tavern Between Realms' would've made an excellent name."

Kranjax sighed, "First of all, that name was taken, and I have yet to think up a better one. Second, the other questions are now moot. Barrel rules still apply.

Before anyone could respond, the door to the tavern swung open. A being, with the general physical form of a goblin, their skin displaying a tapestry of the night sky, ambled inside, followed by Jesse, Michelle, and Allison.

The goblin spoke, "And what brings this colorful cast of characters here?"

Kranjax sipped his drink, "I had 300 worlds left for World Ember, and decided to drag everyone along with me."

Everyone except the goblin looked perplexed. The goblin simply nodded, "I suppose dragging Outworld into this is completely on brand for you." He, along with the others, took places at bar stools or tables and were served their drinks in short order.

Purpose / Function

Just like any other, it is a place for food and drinks (particularly drinks). A social gathering spot for those who wish to fill their stomachs with food, bladders with liquids, or their souls with conversation and company.

Entries

The building sports 1 set of saloon doors, and the other entrances/exits are more like glowing portals on the wall. Things that happen on the other side of the portals don't affect the bar.

Contents & Furnishings

The furnishings change as often as the structure itself and can be anything from cushioned pillows and low tables to crystal chairs and chandeliers, and anything in between. If you favor consistency, you'd best envision a room for your sole use.

Valuables

If you try to break off pieces of this bar, they will disintegrate in your hand and restore themselves to their original place. The most valuable things here are food, booze, and the occasional books.

The Astral Council would like to remind you that it is a bad idea to bother people while they are eating, that not even a snake will bite when you are drinking, and as for the books... we don't talk about the last person who messed with the books...
— Sabrina

Hazards & Traps

The place is safe. The people are the threats if you know who they are or what they can do. Be particularly cautious of that guy named Dara in the corner...

Special Properties

It's a shape-shifting building. Not much of a better way to explain it than that. Oh, parking is also free.

Alterations

This establishment, though seemingly made of a crystal, can change color, size, and the number of floors and rooms it has at the whims of the Astral Council. If it ever turns fully pink or white then sunglasses are recommended. There is usually a box of them at the door.

This place is different every time I come here, but they won't let me take it apart and study it. Such a shame, really...
— "The Chemist"

Defenses

It's a tavern made of crystals... we think. It does not break easily, but whoever seeks to harm or destroy this structure will rue the day they laid hostile eyes on it. One does not simply attack the gathering place of creatures from across several realms and dimensions. At the very least, they would have to oppose a member of the Astral Counil, and their powers are scarcely known or understood.

Tourism

I wouldn't call visiting a bar 'tourism', but you're welcome to come and look around...? Also, the chicken nuggets are great, and barkeep Santa keeps the drinks coming when he's not dropping presents or bodies.

Alternative Names

CrossWinds

Type

Pub / Tavern / Restaurant

Environmental Effects

Visitors are generally under the effect of "reverie". Happy and pleasant vibes usually abound, unless there is a malcontent, but that is what Nexus Node - "The Arena" is for.