The Moss and Lantern

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXT96SVp0jg

External Description:

Tucked just off the main road near Draymoor's southern gate, is The Moss and Lantern. A large, white-washed stone building with peaked roofs and moss covered foundations. To the left, is a hitching post for horses - or other travelling companions. Two mistward lanterns hang either side of the large wooden door, the greenish hue giving the mossy foundations a green glow.

It sits next to the city's Steelward Hall, the unofficial gathering place for fighters-for-hire and former soldiers.

Internal Description:

Worn wooden floors are softened by moss-green rugs, and mismatched chairs clustered around low tables where regulars share stories and stew. The long oak bar is well-kept, with hanging tankards, jars of infused spirits, and a brass bell rung when food runs low or curfew nears.

A notice board along the back wall displays guild contracts, curfew orders, and the occasional missing person flyer.

Upstairs, rented rooms offer simple comfort and a mistward charm above each door. The tavern smells of ashbeet stew, barkfire cider, and old smoke — the kind of scent that clings to your cloak and makes you feel, if not safe, then at least welcome.

Owner: Tara Korrin (Human, Female, Late 40s)

Tall, iron-haired and broad shouldered. She has a scar over her left eye and calloused hands. She's missing her right arm, and in its place is a finely carved ashwood prosthetic - which doubleds as a cudgel when she needs it to.

Tara is stern but fair, with a dry wit and booming laugh.

Barkeep: Fennin Duun (Half-Elf, Male, Early 30s)

Wiry, sharp-featured and always in motion. His sleeves are stained with drink and ash, and his lantern-shaped earrings glow faintly in the dark.

He has a quick tongue and loves to gossip.

Tavern Menu

Drinks:

• Lantern Oil Brew– Thick, spiced mead with glowing flecks of fruit rind and peppercorn. Served warm. (6 cp)
• Ashberry Stout – Dark, bitter stout with a hint of burnt sweetness. Brewed from preserved ashberries. (8 cp)
• Barkfire Cider – Smoky cider made from frozen frostapples and stripped bark sugar. Popular among Mistguard. (1 sp)
• "Veilbitten" – A shot of pale spirit steeped with frost-mint and cracked pepper. Said to "wake the dead or kill the living." (5 sp)

Food:

• Ashbeet Stew – Root vegetables stewed in bone stock, with slow-smoked ashbeet and wild leek. Thick enough to stand a spoon in. (3 sp)
• Griefbread & Char – Slices of hard brown bread topped with salted river char and pickled mushrooms. (6 sp)
• Mosscrust Pie – A hearty meat pie (usually rabbit or goat) with moss-spice crust and ground frostroot mash. (1 gp, 3 sp)
• Tallow Toast – Griddle-seared rye soaked in garlic tallow, served with a smear of pickled marrow. (4 sp)

Special (when available):

Glowing Hare – A rare dish made from snowhare caught under a full moon. Said to shimmer faintly when fresh. Usually reserved for Mistwardens and council guests. (3 gp)

Cost Per Night: 6 sp per person