Broken Dagger (Inn)
The Broken Dagger is an inn on the edge of Myrkentown.
Contents
Location
Tucked behind a shield of forestry sits a welcoming two-story inn and tavern. Its originator, having planned for expansion, had claimed the property surrounding the site where he would build the most popular establishment in Myrken Wood. A quick ride up a narrow path from the town's common shops and buildings, The Broken Dagger stands as a welcoming retreat.
Having changed many hands since its beginning, the entire inn has fallen under neglect. Gone are some of the more memorable decorations from the tavern as many a bar room brawl has ruined them. The house stables are left to the hands of passers by who offer work in exchange for a room and meal. The original garden, no longer suffers. Finer crops, rich in color and flavor, are being produced on premesis. Expert grounds keepers have turned the flimsy patch of soil into a garden that blooms the finest. A number of beautifully scaped, yet simple, planting areas are now part of the property.
The natural beauty of a fresh water lake and stream grace the property of the inn, providing more than enough water for consumption and activity. Delicate grasses span meadows behind and beside the original tavern, which is surrounded by small clusters of fruiting trees. It is the perfect setting for creatures and humans alike.
The Inn
Across the front of the tavern, the porch is a place for patrons to rest and enjoy the fresh air. A weatherworn swing seat takes up one end of the porch, and a long bench beneath the front windows provides further seating.
On passing through the heavy oaken doors one finds oneself in the common room - the heart of the tavern, the double-height ceiling supported by a single stout beam in the centre of the room with rafters branching off to each side. Much of the floorspace below is taken up by sturdy tables and chairs.
The common room boasts two fireplaces - on the left lies the main hearth, kept lit throughout the year and surrounded by a half-circle of well-upholstered furniture; on the right is the secondary hearth, only used in the depths of winter when additional warmth is needed.
Ahead, the bar stretches across most of the south wall of the room, open at the east end, behind which is a door leading to the kitchens and stores. The teak countertop displays the marks and scars of a long and often violent history. Behind the bar are shelves bearing row upon row of bottles, vials and decanters, an extensive array of exotic spirits and liqueurs.
In the far right corner a flight of stairs leads up to a gallery overlooking the taproom and gives access to the inn's guest rooms.
Construction
The building remains in its original form, but some renovation has been done to make accommodations for guests. You are welcomed to explore the tavern at your leisure.
Lodging
Eleven rooms are provided for the comfort of weary travelers. Guests are provided with fresh water and towels, a single pallet bed with a feather mattress, a trunk for storage, and a sizeable mirror. Housekeeping is done twice each day (once in the morning, once in the evening) to supply fresh water and linens to occupants.
Food and Drink
Guests at the inn are provided with a complimentary full breakfast as part of their board; other meals can be ordered at the bar.
Stable
To the left of the Dagger, and some 150 feet behind, lies the stable and pasture area. From the outside, the barn appears in excellent condition, made primarily of very large logs; it looks much like a log cabin. There are two large double doors, which open out and a barn loft door above them. Inside, the floor is a very smooth stone, well worn by horses' hooves. To the left of the entrance lies the hay pile, used mainly for the bedding of the stalls, and kept inside so that dampness and fungus doesn't begin to grow there.
To the right are large ale barrels that now hold only the best of grain and some higher quality hay. There is a small door, off to the right here, and once inside, one finds the room scattered with the necessary equipment used for riding. There are shelves and shelves of brushes, ointments, hoof picks, bits, and ropes on one wall. The other three walls are filled with saddles, blankets, bridles, and harnesses in many shapes and sizes. The barn contains six stalls on each side, making twelve altogether. To the back of the barn is another door that leads out towards the fenced in pasture area.
Gardens
There are a number of gardens kept on the property. A Pleasure Garden exists for guests who wish to stroll among boxwoods and cultivated wildflowers. The Kitchen Garden lives behind the main house, supplying the tavern cooks with needed herbs and vegetables. Larger plantings that require serious tending may be found within the Field Crops, and finally The Orchard exists on the slope of a large hill leading high and away from The Broken Dagger. Small beds of flowers and pretty window boxes are also well-maintained by the gardens staff.
Currency
The Broken Dagger's staff deal in Trae Kelsan Shillings.
