The Guttering Flame

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQiUgrHqB9w 

External Description:

Across from the Stables, and next to the Church of Mystra, The Guttering Flame is a tall, two-story stone structure with a slate roof and a long wrought-iron sign depicting a lantern with a flickering carved flame.

The mist always seems to gather near its doorstep, even in daylight — but the ironbound lanterns hanging from the eaves burn day and night, fed with glowing oils that shimmer blue and green.

A carved phrase above the heavy oak door reads:

“Light endures when we will it so.”

Internal Description:

The interior is dim but warm, lit by lanternlight and a long hearth fire that crackles at the far end of the common room. Mismatched chairs and benches are scattered around scarred wooden tables. Thick beams stretch across the ceiling, hung with old charms: feathers, carved runes, and mist-stained trinkets.

The tavern smells of smoke, damp wool, and spiced rootbrew, and there’s always a low murmur of conversation — never too loud, as if people are always listening for something outside.

A mistward rune is carved into the center post of the room, just visible beneath layers of polish and candlewax.

Barkeep: Mara Duskveil (Human, Late 40s, Female)

Tall, broad-shouldered, and sharp-eyed, Mara runs the tavern with quiet authority. Her hair is tied back in a braid streaked with silver, and her sleeves are always rolled up.

Mara speaks in a gravelly, low voice, and rarely repeats herself.

Tavern Menu (Chalked in faded white script above the hearth)

Drinks:

• Rootbrew – A spiced ale made from roasted Nightroot and honey. Strong and warming, with a bitter finish. (2 cp)
• Ashwine – A fermented brew made from Ashbeet juice. Deep, earthy flavor with a strange sweetness that lingers. (5 cp)
• Glowberry Wine – Tart and faintly glowing, made with berries from the Veilgrove. Used in toasts for luck. (1 sp)
• Mistfire – A rare shot of distilled Emberroot spirit. Sharp, spicy, and sets your throat ablaze. (1 sp)

Food:

• Stew of the Day – Made with Ghostleek, dried fish, chunks of Nightroot, and broth thickened with Winter Rye flour. Served with ashbread. (3 cp)
• Lantern-Baked Pie – Flaky crust filled with sautéed Ashbeet, minced mushroom, and Emberroot mash. Emits a faint warmth when served. (5 cp)
• Flatbread & Ashbutter – Charred Winter Rye flatbread with whipped goat butter mixed with Ashbeet salt. (2 cp)
• Forager’s Plate – Roasted Emberroot wedges, pickled Ghostleek stalks, and a dollop of fermented Ashbeet relish. (3 cp)
• Crisped Pond Eels – Flash-fried in Nightroot oil, seasoned with crushed Emberroot flakes and served with misty vinegar. (4 cp)

Cost Per Night: 4 sp per person