THE WAND'RING MAIDEN INN

 

Details: The Wand'ring Maiden Inn is an old, established, and well-kept wooden Taryŵnish establishment that doesn't just serve Taryŵnish customers, but, mostly Taryŵnishfolk are in attendance. It's a tense room, when Lumenorians show up. There might be outright hostility between the parties, but, the nature of the place ensures there are at least a few Lumenorians, every now and again. Caliborians are generally left alone. The inn is a coaching warehouse for travelers of all kinds, and merchants, but, the remarkable thing about this inn is its proprietorship. It has a long history of being passed down to those who explore and possess the spirit of adventure. The former owner always chooses a replacement from those they have likely dealt with in the past, but, not always. The Wand'ring Maiden was founded in the Age of Restoration. It had been a coaching house and wainwright, steadily, for years since, until a former owner's daughter, Mairŵen Redmane, the Maiden Errant, after being swept up in an adventure of her own in which she fought the forces of an evil dragon prince and saved Bridge Town, all in the name of The Lady of Light, settled down. She saw an opportunity and transformed the coaching inn into a place where anyone looking for rumours and gossip about various goings on around town and in The Wilderness can find or post them. A post around which the bar is built is a place where advertisements and announcements may be placed. But, only there. The Maiden is well-known for its storytellers and musical performances by bards and its lively, light atmosphere. It's not an appropriate venue for families or those other than wayfarers. Tomŵs, the Wanderer, a former rogue (hinted at, but, unknown, unless you've dealt with him) and bard (well-known), runs the inn, now, on his own. There are two large male Taryŵnish forest cats, Alyŵc and Níŵl, that haunt the inn and its many rooms, drawing both amusement and ire from any visitors, as well as local nearby residents, as they are always chasing one another through the halls and streets. They are renowned for being the fathers of many local litters, which has led to a rise in street and farm cats in Bridge Town... which has in turn led to a drop in rat and mouse infestations. But, there are cats everywhere in the area, now. The warehouse is open to use and storage for anyone looking for a place to store their goods, for a price. It's under lock and key, so breaking in is difficult. Tomŵs is much like his younger brother, the current owner of The Pedlar, but, they are at friendly odds with one another, as brothers often are. Orwain is much more dour and taciturn, and does not take any unnecessary risks, if he can help it, considering the nature of his activities. Tomŵs, on the other hand, is well-known for being able to acquire and provide many (legal, simple) things. He deals with visiting merchants and traders, the provisioners, even, and anyone else who might want to move something, rather than traveling like Orwain does. He even takes a cut, himself, for the convenience, as he will discreetly move things that others won't. Sometimes, the brothers work together, but, not often, and never without bickering, heavily. Tomŵs always makes sure he is mostly on the up-and-up with the law, by paying his taxes to the Mark for (most) goods acquired and sold, and the trouble instigating any activity in The WIlderness might cause. A large number of servants, mostly serving as his spies, most of them beautiful farmers' daughters, but, not always, are welcome to stay in the servants' quarters, as regular paid help and brothel workers. Tomŵs is always eager to please the patrons of his inn. His game is entertainment. Gaming takes place in back rooms and alleys, like most of Tŵr Drág and the town above, but, rarely out in the open, as it is frowned upon by local authorities. Most of the town at large disdains The Maiden for being as bawdy as it is, and inviting an element of trouble to the town. No one really bothers with Tomŵs, however, because he is located in the 'Tröll Way', outside the walls of the town, and he spends money and goods paying off local officials and those who would complain about his practices. Most people warn others off The Maiden, but, can't help but agree that it is a great source of information, and the entertainment is first-rate. Tomŵs and his brother send each other business, frequently, but, disavow all knowledge of the recommendation and activity. The Maiden is also a good place to find help, retainers and hirelings, as with The Black Ram. The Maiden and Ram frequently 'cross-pollenate' and send each other business. True Black Rams, however, somewhat disdain The Maiden only for the fact that work acquired there may not be 'real' warrior's work. Prices are often higher at The Ram, as well, since the warriors are so specialised. Anyone can advertise at The Maiden, at no extra cost.