Moonstone Mask
The Moonstone Mask is a large inn that sits on a floating
earthmote connected to the docks of the Protector’s Enclave section of Neverwinter. It is regarded by many as
Neverwinter’s finest, most luxurious inn. The locale is
named for the half-masks worn by all of its staff, which are
lined with glowing moonstones.
One might assume the Moonstone Mask’s impeccable
accommodations and unparalleled views are what entices its patrons, but it is actually the Mask’s staff that are the inn’s primary draw. The serving staff are all trained to be expertly skilled companions as well as friendly and loyal confidants. The staff can be expected to offer erudite conversation and skill in a variety of games. It is this companionship that has made the Moonstone Mask a destination for the people of high rank and wealth for over a century.
While the Moonstone Mask no longer employs only women
as its serving staff, all of the customer-facing employees are exceptionally attractive. The Moonstone Mask’s staff are all dressed in sheer black, each also wearing the inn’s
namesake masks and an amulet.
Liset Cheldar, a half-elf woman, currently serves as the
Moonstone Masks’ proprietor. Liset is presumed to be the
descendant of the Moonstone Masks’ previous owner,
Ophala Cheldarstorn. Unlike Ophala, who was a powerful
mage, Liset does not appear to possess such powers. Liset is friendly and known to flirt with guests.
Architecture
The inn features a large, warm, and inviting ground floor
dining room. The room also serves as a comfortable lounge
with an impressive hearth. The rest of the first floor is taken up by kitchens dedicated to preparing haute cuisine for the inn’s many guests. A grand, spiraling staircase leads up from the dining room to the guest rooms above. The atmosphere of the dining room is generally relaxed with polite conversations occurring throughout.
Guest rooms occupy the second through fourth floors. The
rooms range in size from single-bed studios to large suites
on the upper floors. All feature comfortable beds and
luscious fur rugs. Guests staying in the inn’s rooms can
expect meals to be included with the price of their stay, but
alcohol can cost extra. Naturally, the Mask features an
impressive selection of fine libations.
For guests travelling through the most elaborate means, the roof features a special landing for winged steeds. It is
rumored the Mask is laden with hidden wall panels that can
open up for secretive travel within the inn itself. The staff is
said to open these panels by speaking certain magical
words. The fifth floor, directly below the penthouse suites,
houses a lively festhall with music and dancing. The
aforementioned magical soundproofing ensures this doesn’t disturb any of the guests.
History
The Moonstone Mask was built by Ophala Cheldarstorn, a
mage and member of the Many-Starred Cloak. Ophala is
also the creator of the magical masks and amulets worn by
the staff. Before the Mask was sent floating above
Neverwinter, it was rumored to feature secret entrances
where special guests could enter and depart unnoticed. It
was also rumored to have basements that connected to
tunnels of dwarven-held areas of the Underdark.
In the mid-1400s DR, the inn drifted into the Sea of Swords
after the eruption of Mount Hotenow snapped the inn’s rope tethers. The ropes tethering the inn were eventually
replaced by large, sturdy chains, but only after the inn went
drifting over the Sea of Swords for months. Even after the
Mask was finally returned to Neverwinter, it ultimately
attracted too few guests, became insolvent, and shuttered for a few decades.
After Lord Dagult Neverember started his “New Neverwinter” movement to begin rebuilding
Neverwinter, Liset Cheldar was able to not only convince
Neverember that she was the rightful heir of the Moonstone Mask, but also able to have him help fund the restoration of the inn to much of its former glory under Ophala Cheldarstorn. In repayment the inn served to often house Neverember and many of his mercenaries and officers throughout the 1470s and 1480s DR.
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