Nestled amid the trees and rustic buildings that make up the town of Stonewood is the Earthen Bough Inn and Tavern, a rustic but homely safehouse for adventurers, wayfarers, and travelworn vagabonds. The Inn's Proprietor
Touris Velkyn is a good-natured but profit driven individual.
Exterior Details:
Facade and Architecture:
The Earthen Bough Inn is a charming, two-story building that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings of Stonewood. The structure is built from local timber, with large, exposed wooden beams forming the framework. The walls are covered in weathered wooden planks that have aged to a warm, honeyed brown, giving the inn a rustic and inviting appearance. The roof is shingled with dark, slate tiles that add a touch of sophistication and practicality.
Decorative Elements: The inn’s exterior is adorned with creeping ivy and various climbing plants that soften the wooden facade. In spring and summer, vibrant flowers like morning glories and honeysuckle bloom along the edges, adding bursts of color and a pleasant fragrance. Small lanterns hang from wrought-iron sconces on either side of the entrance, their flickering light casting a welcoming glow as dusk falls.
Entrance:
The entrance to the inn is marked by a sturdy, hand-carved wooden door with iron fittings. Above the door, a rustic wooden sign hangs from a wrought-iron bracket, inscribed with the inn’s name in elegant, flowing script. The sign is embellished with carvings of entwined vines and leaves, reinforcing the connection to nature. The door is flanked by large, paned windows that offer a glimpse into the lively interior, where the warm light and bustling activity are visible through the glass.
Outdoor Seating:
In front of the inn, there’s a small outdoor seating area with a few wooden tables and chairs. This space is shaded by a large, ancient oak tree whose branches provide a natural canopy. The tables are often set with checkered cloths, and small, flickering oil lamps are placed on each table for evening illumination. Potted plants and hanging baskets of herbs and flowers add to the cozy, homely atmosphere.
Signage and Details:
The inn’s sign features an intricately carved emblem of a bough with several leaves, symbolizing both the name and the natural surroundings. Beneath the sign, there is a small notice board where local events, announcements, and special offers are pinned. This board is a hub of information for the villagers and travelers alike.
Surroundings:
The path leading to the inn is cobbled and well-maintained, with neatly trimmed hedges and small garden beds on either side. The surrounding area is kept clean, with the occasional decorative touch like a wooden water trough or a stone birdbath adding to the quaint charm.
Additional Features:
At night, the inn’s exterior takes on a magical quality with the soft glow of the lanterns and the gentle light of the moon filtering through the leaves of the oak tree. The sound of laughter and music from within can be heard drifting through the open windows, inviting passersby to step inside and enjoy the warmth and hospitality.
Interior Details:
General Atmosphere:
The interior of the Earthen Bough Inn exudes a cozy, rustic charm with a blend of warmth and subtle elegance. The space is designed to make patrons feel at home, combining practical comfort with a touch of Drow sophistication. The ambiance is lively yet intimate, with a gentle hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Layout and Design: Upon entering, guests are greeted by a large, open common room. The floor is crafted from wide, polished oak planks that have darkened with age, and a few well-worn rugs add warmth and color. The walls are lined with wooden paneling, decorated with various artifacts, maps of the region, and intricate carvings depicting Drow motifs and local legends.
Common Area:
The focal point of the common room is a large stone hearth with a roaring fire, providing both warmth and a crackling, comforting sound. Above the hearth, a large mantle displays a collection of curiosities—antique weaponry, strange trinkets from the Underdark, and the occasional taxidermied creature. The space around the hearth is arranged with a mix of round and square wooden tables, each with mismatched chairs that have been individually crafted but share a rustic, homey quality.
Seating and Tables:
The tables are made from thick, rough-hewn oak, polished but retaining their natural grain and character. Each table is set with simple yet elegant tableware: wooden plates, metal cutlery, and clay mugs. The tables are adorned with small, colorful cloths and flickering candles in iron holders, adding a touch of ambiance to each setting. The chairs are sturdy and comfortable, with high backs and padded cushions covered in simple, durable fabric.
Bar and Serving Area:
The bar is a prominent feature, crafted from dark, polished wood with an intricately carved front depicting vines and leaves. Behind the bar, shelves are stocked with an impressive array of bottles, jars, and casks containing various spirits, wines, and brews, including Touris’s special Underdark ale. The bar counter is well-worn from years of use but is meticulously maintained. A few stools are positioned along the bar, providing seating for those who prefer a closer view of the bartender.
Decor and Lighting:
The decor is a blend of Drow aesthetics and local craftsmanship. The ceiling beams are exposed and adorned with hanging lanterns that cast a warm, golden glow throughout the room. Soft, ambient light filters through the large windows, which are draped with simple, flowing curtains. The walls are decorated with a mix of local artwork, maps, and curios from Touris’s travels, including a few items with a distinct Underdark influence.
Private Rooms:
The inn has a few private rooms available for rent, located off to the sides of the common area. These rooms are simple but comfortable, featuring wooden beds with colorful quilts, small nightstands with oil lamps, and basic furnishings. Each room has a small window with a view of the village or the surrounding forest. The rooms are decorated with modest yet charming touches, like handwoven tapestries and wooden carvings.
Entertainment and Activities:
In one corner of the common room, there is a small stage for performances. The stage is used for occasional musical acts, storytelling, or impromptu gatherings. Nearby, a few musical instruments are available for patrons to use, reflecting the inn’s welcoming atmosphere for travelers and locals alike who wish to share their talents.
Additional Features:
The air inside the inn is filled with the rich aroma of cooked meals, particularly the savory mushroom stew that Touris is known for. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasting meats adds to the inviting atmosphere. A large, wooden menu board behind the bar lists the daily specials, including Touris’s famous dishes and drinks.
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