The Iron Chalice

The Iron Chalice is a well-known tavern and inn in A Víz Széle Parish, striking a balance between tradition and the practicality of the lakeside district. The establishment adheres more strictly to the laws of Fekete Tó than its rival, The Fiery Crab, which has earned it a reputation as a relatively orderly and dependable place. However, it remains vibrant and full of life, reflective of its location and diverse clientele.

Exterior

The Iron Chalice is a sturdy, two-story stone structure with dark wood accents and a curved roof designed to shed the damp cavern air. A wrought-iron sign shaped like a chalice hangs above its wide double doors, glinting faintly in the bioluminescent light of the parish. Lanterns of drow make—filled with softly glowing fungi—frame the entrance, offering a warm but muted light.

Interior

The tavern’s interior features smooth stone walls adorned with nets, fishbone carvings, and other nautical decor reflecting the parish’s fishing culture. The wooden beams and tables are polished but show the wear of countless patrons. The bar, made of dark, glossy stone, is the centerpiece, with shelves behind it stocked with ales, spirits, and more exotic Underdark liquors favored by drow patrons.

The taproom is lively but never chaotic, with a mix of merchants, sailors, drow, and locals. A small stage in the corner occasionally hosts musicians or storytellers, though performances tend to be low-key compared to the rowdy entertainments of other taverns.

Clientele

The Iron Chalice is particularly popular among drow who value its adherence to law and order, though it also welcomes the hardworking folk of the Lakeside Parish. The tension between drow and non-drow patrons sometimes simmers but rarely boils over, thanks to the firm hand of the proprietor. The tavern has a subtle air of hierarchy, with drow often occupying the choicest seats while locals make do with more modest accommodations.

The Inn

The second floor houses modest yet clean rooms for travelers and merchants passing through the parish. Drow guests are often given priority, and the rooms feature dark, heavy curtains to block light and ensure privacy. Each room comes with simple furnishings: a sturdy bed, a small writing desk, and a washbasin.

Specialties and Atmosphere

The Iron Chalice serves hearty meals like spiced fish stew, freshwater mussels in a savory broth, and dense bread made with lake-grown grains. For drinks, it offers house-brewed ale, fermented mushroom wine, and a strong drow spirit known as Shadow’s Edge.

The tavern’s atmosphere is less rambunctious than The Fiery Crab but carries an undercurrent of quiet tension due to the mingling of cultures and the subtle interplay of status among its patrons. However, it is known as a place where deals are made, news is exchanged, and travelers can rest without fearing too much trouble.

Proprietor:
The Iron Chalice is run by Syrath Vlynore, a stern but fair drow woman with a knack for maintaining order. She commands respect from both locals and drow patrons, ensuring disputes are settled quickly and quietly. Despite her stern demeanor, she has a soft spot for regulars who show respect for the establishment and its rules.