28. The Cozy Hearthstone Inn

Nestled within the bustling merchant meadow of Gemhome in Ostverk, the Cozy Hearthstone Inn offers a charming retreat for travelers and locals alike. This quaint, two-story inn, crafted with the meticulous care characteristic of gnome architecture, serves as a gateway for those seeking entry into the elusive Faerie Kingdom of Celene. With its welcoming atmosphere, handcrafted furnishings, and a mysterious artifact above the fireplace, the inn is a favorite among adventurers and traders.

The Cozy Hearthstone Inn Common room by 3orcs

Description of the Inn

First Floor: Public Spaces

• Main Bar and Common Room: Compact yet comfortably accommodating for humans, featuring low, hand-carved wooden beams and cozy seating areas. The walls are adorned with vibrant, hand-painted murals depicting scenes from gnome folklore.
• Pebble Creek Fireplace: Dominating the common room is a large, intricately designed fireplace made from smooth river stones. Above it hangs a mysterious, ancient sword rumored to be a relic from the early days of the gnome settlers in Ostverk.
• Dining Area: A small array of wooden tables suited for various-sized patrons, offering a view of the bustling outside through lead-framed windows.

Second Floor: Guest Quarters

• Accommodations: Several modest rooms designed to comfortably fit human-sized guests but with furnishings that are distinctly gnome-sized, giving the rooms a whimsical, slightly cramped feel.
• Balcony Views: Rooms on the southern side have small balconies overlooking the merchant meadow, offering a panoramic view of the vibrant market life.

Cellars: Storage and Surprises

• Storage Rooms: Cellars store not only food and drink supplies but also rare ingredients used in special gnome brews served at the bar.
• Secret Passage: One of the cellar walls conceals an entrance to the family warren, accessible only to the innkeeping family and trusted friends.

The Warren

Private Family Quarters

• Living Quarters: A series of interconnected small rooms and communal spaces where the family lives. The décor is vibrant and homely, with every inch of space efficiently used.
• Workshops: Small personal workshops where family members pursue their crafts, from potion brewing to intricate clockwork devices.

Hand-painted murals of History

 The vibrant hand-painted murals adorning the walls of the Cozy Hearthstone Inn are more than just decorations; they are a tapestry of gnome folklore, each brushstroke a window into the rich cultural heritage and mythical history of the gnome people. Here’s a closer look at the details and themes of these captivating murals:

Themes and Imagery

• The Creation of Gemhome: One mural vividly portrays the legendary founding of Gemhome, showing ancient gnome settlers discovering the lush meadows that would become their home, guided by fairy lights under the twilight sky.
• The Great Gnome Inventors: This panel celebrates the ingenious minds of gnome history, depicting inventors with their fantastical contraptions, from clockwork birds to mechanical diggers burrowing through hillsides.
• The Festival of Lanterns: A festive scene where gnomes from all over gather to release hundreds of glowing lanterns into the night sky, symbolizing the free spirit of the gnome community.
• Battles with the Underdark Creatures: A dramatic depiction of historic battles with creatures from the Underdark, illustrating gnomes in heroic poses, wielding magic and clever traps against dark invaders.
• The Pact with the Faerie Kingdom of Celene: This mural shows the historic meeting between gnome elders and the fae, forging alliances that promise mutual protection and harmony between their realms.

Unique Draw for Travelers

• Gateway to Celene: Many patrons choose the Cozy Hearthstone Inn as their resting stop while awaiting approval of their petitions to enter Celene, drawn by the inn's reputation for discretion and the occasional sighting of a real fairy in its garden.
• Artifact and Lore: The ancient sword above the fireplace attracts many curious adventurers, adding an air of mystery and history to their stay.

The Cozy Hearthstone Inn, with its blend of homely charm and mystical allure, remains a beloved staple in Gemhome, offering comfort, warmth, and a touch of the fantastical to all who pass through its wooden doors.

The Cozy Hearthstone Inn by 3orcs

"You see, every pint of ale tells a story, and every sip whispers secrets of the old world. Listen closely, my friends, and you'll hear the legends speak."

The Innkeepers

The Pebblepot Family

• Brim Pebblepot: The patriarch, a jovial and portly gnome with a great bushy beard, dyed in vibrant greens and blues. He is the master brewer and storyteller of the inn.
• Mira Pebblepot: Brim's wife, slender and quick-witted, with keen eyesight. She manages the inn's day-to-day operations and is known for her exquisite cooking.
• Tillo and Tilla Pebblepot: Their twin children, who serve as the main servers and helpers around the inn. Tillo is curious and adventurous, often found climbing on the roof, while Tilla is studious, always with a book in hand.

Brim Pebblepot by 3orcs

Type

Inn

Parent Location

Ostverk

Owning Organization

Clan Nackle

Hearthstone Honeybrew

The Signature Drink of the Cozy Hearthstone Inn
At the heart of the Cozy Hearthstone Inn's charm is its signature drink, the Hearthstone Honeybrew—a warm, soothing concoction that embodies the spirit of Gemhome and the meticulous craft of its gnome innkeepers. This drink is a favorite among both locals and travelers, particularly those with a fondness for tales and magic. It's often enjoyed in the evenings as adventurers gather around the Pebble Creek Fireplace, sharing stories of their travels and the day’s dealings.

"Nothing warms the spirit quite like a mug of our Hearthstone Honeybrew, especially on a night when the wind sings through Gemhome like a lost wanderer."

Hearthstone Honeybrew by 3orcs

Ingredients

• Honey: Sourced from the enchanted bees of the nearby Gnarley Forest, this honey is renowned for its rich, golden hue and a subtle hint of wildflowers.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Brewed from the finest apples picked at the peak of autumn from the orchards of Greenway Valley. The cider is infused with a blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg.
• Gnome Spirits: A splash of potent spirits distilled in secret by the gnomes, known for its warmth and clarity.
• A Dash of Fairy Dust: Collected under the full moon by those few who have braved the borders of Celene and returned. It’s said to add a touch of magic to the brew, making the flavors dance on the tongue.