The Honey Hole

by magejosh

Tavern:
Owner: Zara Buzzheart, Female Nectarian (Honeykin Subrace)
Bouncer: Thorax Irewing, Male Nectarian (Bumblekin Subrace)
Location: Nestled on the outskirts of town, near the crossroads of the farmland and mines. The area is abuzz with the gentle hum of bees and the distant clatter from the mines. The giant hollowed tree that houses The Honey Hole stands tall, its entrance resembling the mouth of a beehive.
Description: The interior of The Honey Hole mirrors the intricate design of a beehive, with hexagonal compartments and natural lighting filtering through translucent panels. The air is sweet with the scent of honey and herbs. An assortment of Nectarian crafts adorns the walls, alongside maps of floral regions. The tavern boasts a special section for alchemical experiments and herbal concoctions, visibly separated from the indoors dining area. The Nectarians keep a large outdoor dining area with many tables and chairs, that when they close for the night they interlock into a spike barrier wall around the tavern, flying over and inside when done.

Quests and Rumors

By Gather Info
DC:1
Mysterious disappearance of rare flowers from the local botanical garden. Witnesses report seeing unusually large bees in the area.

DC:11
A rogue apothecary is selling counterfeit Nectarian Preserving Beeswax, harming the reputation of genuine producers. The Honey Hole seeks help in exposing the fraud.

DC:13
A renowned botanist has gone missing while researching a rare, supposedly magical, flower in the nearby forest. It's rumored that Nectarians may know the forest better than anyone.

DC:15
Rumors of a hidden underground spring beneath the mines that can enhance the properties of honey. The Honey Hole is interested in locating this spring for their brews.

DC: 17 (12 if the one making the check is familiar with Nectarian society)
A conflict arises between the Nectarian colony and a local farmer's association regarding land use and beekeeping practices. Diplomatic intervention is required.

DC:20
A powerful druid, known for their ability to communicate with insects, has been sighted in the area. The Nectarians are eager to establish contact for potential alliance and knowledge exchange.

Specials:

Honey-Glazed Boar with Wild Berries and a Tankard of Mead (7 sp)
Nectar Drizzled Salmon with Almond Bread and a Mug of Floral Brew (8 sp)
Honeycomb Delight with Cream and a Glass of Sparkling Honey Wine (6 sp)
Nectarian Preserving Beeswax (1 lbs tin) (1 gp)
Bumbleberry Pie with Cream and a Goblet of Elderflower Cider (6 sp): A sweet and tangy berry pie, made with a mix of wild berries, topped with fresh cream. Paired with a refreshing elderflower cider that complements the pie's flavors.
Stingkin Spiced Ribs with Honeyed Carrots and a Horn of Dark Ale (9 sp): Tender ribs seasoned with a special Stingkin spice blend and glazed with honey. Served with honeyed carrots and a robust dark ale to balance the sweetness.
Buzzkin Salad with Nectar Vinaigrette and a Cup of Herbal Tea (5 sp): A light and healthy option featuring a mix of local greens, drizzled with a sweet nectar vinaigrette. Accompanied by a soothing cup of herbal tea blended by the Buzzkin.
Echokin Mushroom Stew with Sourdough and a Flask of Honey Liqueur (8 sp): A hearty mushroom stew, known for its complex flavors, served with fresh sourdough bread. Paired with a smooth honey liqueur, crafted using Echokin techniques.
Royal Honey Glazed Duck with Wild Rice and a Chalice of Spiced Mead (10 sp): A succulent duck dish glazed with royal honey from the Queen's own reserves, served alongside aromatic wild rice. Accompanied by a chalice of spiced mead, perfect for the cooler seasons.
Honeycomb Ice Cream with Berry Compote and a Shot of Honey Brandy (7 sp): A sweet dessert of creamy honeycomb ice cream, topped with a tangy berry compote. Served with a shot of warming honey brandy, distilled on-site.
Pollen-Dusted Trout with Herb Salad and a Glass of Honey Infused White Wine (9 sp): A delicate trout dish, lightly dusted with pollen, giving it a unique flavor, paired with a fresh herb salad. Accompanied by a glass of white wine, subtly infused with honey, providing a floral undertone.

Nectarian Influence:

Given the Nectarian ownership, The Honey Hole uniquely integrates their culture and products. The menu features honey-infused dishes and drinks, and the establishment hosts educational sessions on beekeeping and herbalism. It also serves as a hub for Nectarian-related quests and information, bridging the gap between the Nectarians and other races.