3. Guest Noble House

The Noble’s Guest House in Ostverk is a distinguished residence located in the heart of the human side of the village, close to the central marketplace and other essential amenities. Built in a style reminiscent of Deleveu Manor but slightly smaller, the guest house is reserved for visiting nobles, relatives of the magistrate, and other important figures who pass through the village. Though currently unoccupied, it stands as a symbol of hospitality and prestige, reflecting the status and importance of those who stay within its walls.

Architecture and Design

The Noble’s Guest House is a fine example of the architectural style favored by the human nobility in Ostverk. Constructed from sturdy local stone and timber, the house features elegant design elements that convey both comfort and grandeur. The interiors are tastefully decorated, with rich tapestries, finely crafted furniture, and intricate woodwork that speaks to the craftsmanship of the village's artisans.

Key Architectural Features

• Elegant Facade: The front of the house is adorned with finely carved wooden accents and stone pillars, creating a welcoming yet imposing entrance.
• Spacious Interiors: The interior rooms are large and well-lit, with high ceilings and ample space for entertaining guests or conducting private meetings.
• Comfortable Quarters: The guest rooms are furnished with plush beds, soft linens, and tasteful decor, providing a luxurious stay for any visitor.
• Private Courtyard: A small, enclosed courtyard at the back of the house offers a serene space for relaxation, complete with a garden tended by the house staff.

Amenities and Services

Guests at the Noble’s Guest House can expect a range of amenities and services designed to provide comfort and convenience during their stay. The house is equipped with everything needed to cater to the needs of noble visitors, whether they are staying for a short visit or an extended period.

Available Amenities

• Fine Dining: Earns personally prepares meals for the guests, using the best ingredients available in Ostverk. The dining room is elegantly set, and meals are served with the utmost care and attention to detail.
• Private Study: The guest house includes a private study, perfect for guests who need a quiet place to work or engage in private discussions. The study is lined with bookshelves filled with a selection of literature, historical texts, and records relevant to the region.
• Secure Storage: For guests who travel with valuable items, the guest house offers secure storage facilities. These are located in a well-guarded room within the house, ensuring that personal belongings are kept safe.
• Transport Arrangements: Guests requiring transportation to other parts of the Viscounty or even into the Kingdom of Celene can request arrangements through Earns, who will ensure that reliable and secure transport is provided.

Historical and Political Significance

The Noble’s Guest House plays a subtle but important role in the political landscape of Ostverk and the wider Viscounty of Verbobonc. While the house is primarily a place of hospitality, it is also a venue where significant decisions can be made, alliances forged, and discussions held in privacy.

Political Connections

• Talarien Carewlein and Celene: As the Borderlord of Caer Ostverk, Talarien Carewlein maintains a cautious but respectful relationship with the nobility of Verbobonc. The Noble’s Guest House often serves as a neutral ground for discussions between the elven representatives and visiting nobles from the Viscounty.
• Lord Corbin Deleveu: The magistrate of Ostverk, Lord Corbin Deleveu, holds the key to the Noble’s Guest House and decides who may stay there. His approval is a sign of trust and respect, indicating the guest’s importance in the local political sphere.
• Verbobonc Nobility: The guest house has hosted various members of the Verbobonc nobility, who come to Ostverk for matters of trade, diplomacy, or simply to enjoy the tranquility of the village. Their presence often brings with it discussions of regional politics, trade agreements, and other matters of importance to the Viscounty.

Potential Adventures and Plot Hooks

For adventurers, the Noble’s Guest House offers more than just a comfortable place to stay—it can be the setting for intrigue, mystery, and political maneuvering. Whether players are visiting Ostverk for the first time or returning after a successful adventure, the guest house can serve as a central location for various quests and storylines.

Adventure Hooks

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• A Noble's Secret: A visiting noble leaves behind a mysterious artifact or letter in the guest house, sparking a quest to uncover its origins and significance. Players may need to investigate, deal with rivals seeking the same item, or protect the noble’s interests.
• Diplomatic Tensions: During a visit by a representative from Celene or Verbobonc, tensions rise due to a misunderstanding or secret agenda. The players must navigate the political landscape to prevent a diplomatic incident and ensure peace in Ostverk.
• The Butler Did It: Earns, the loyal butler, has noticed strange occurrences in the guest house—items moving on their own, unsettling noises at night, and even glimpses of ghostly figures. The players are asked to investigate, uncovering a hidden history or curse tied to the house.

Conclusion

The Noble’s Guest House in Ostverk is more than just a place to rest—it is a symbol of the village’s connection to the wider world of Greyhawk, a venue for political intrigue, and a potential site for adventure. Whether hosting nobles, diplomats, or adventurers, the guest house remains a key fixture in the life of Ostverk, reflecting the village's unique blend of hospitality, tradition, and power.

The Noble's Guest House - Ostsverk by 3orcs

Services and Staff

The Noble’s Guest House is maintained by a dedicated staff who ensure that the property is always in pristine condition and that guests are well cared for. The small team, led by an elder gnome named Earns, provides all the necessary services to make a noble's stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Key Staff Members

• Earns, the Butler: Earns is an elder gnome with a wealth of experience in managing noble households. He is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the guest house, including meal preparation, maintenance, and ensuring that all guests' needs are met. Earns is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to anticipate the needs of his guests.
• Eimma, the Maid: Eimma, Earns' wife, serves as the maid of the guest house. She is diligent and efficient, with a warm demeanor that makes guests feel at home. Eimma is assisted by her three children, who help keep the house spotless.
• The Children: Ebba, Dara, and Kaka: Eimma’s nine-year-old triplets are a curious sight to behold. The three children, always dressed in long floor-gliding skirts, move in unison as they help their mother clean the house. Their synchronized movements and tireless work ensure that every corner of the house is immaculate, with the floors and low furniture gleaming wherever they pass.

Alternative Names

A Haven for the Esteemed Visitors of Ostverk

Type

House, Large

Parent Location

Ostverk

Main Entrance Hall

• Description: A grand entrance with polished wooden floors, a large rug, and decorative sconces lining the walls. A central chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.
• Features: A coat rack, small seating area, and an ornate staircase leading to the upper floor.

Reception Area

• Description: Adjacent to the entrance hall, this room is where guests are formally greeted and their needs are attended to by Earns.
• Features: A finely crafted wooden desk, a couple of plush chairs, and a large mirror. A small table offers refreshments for arriving guests.

Dining Room

• Description: A large room with a long dining table capable of seating up to 10 guests. The room is decorated with tapestries depicting scenes from Verbobonc’s history.
• Features: A fireplace, sideboards with fine china, and tall windows offering a view of the courtyard.

Kitchen

• Description: A well-equipped kitchen where Earns prepares meals for the guests. The room is filled with the aroma of fresh bread and herbs.
• Features: A large hearth, a preparation table, hanging pots and pans, and shelves stocked with ingredients.

Living Room/Parlor

• Description: A comfortable space for relaxation, with several armchairs, a sofa, and a large fireplace. The room is filled with bookshelves, plants, and a large window overlooking the courtyard.
• Features: A chessboard on a small table, a globe, and a decanter of fine Verbobonc wine.

Guest Bedrooms (2 on the ground floor)

• Description: Two guest rooms on the ground floor, each with a large bed, a wardrobe, and a small writing desk.
• Features: Soft linens, a private fireplace, and a window overlooking the village.

Study/Library

• Description: A quiet, private room for reading or working. The walls are lined with bookshelves filled with historical texts, records, and literature.
• Features: A large desk, comfortable reading chairs, and a small window letting in natural light.

Private Courtyard

• Description: A serene outdoor space enclosed by the guest house walls, with a small garden and a fountain in the center.
• Features: Stone benches, flowering plants, and a small path that winds through the garden.

Upper Floor

Master Suite

• Description: The most luxurious room in the guest house, reserved for the most esteemed guests. It includes a large bed with fine linens, a sitting area, and a private balcony overlooking the courtyard.
• Features: A dressing room, a private bath, and a fireplace.

Additional Guest Rooms (3 on the upper floor)

• Description: Similar to the ground-floor guest rooms but with slightly more space and higher ceilings. Each room is tastefully decorated with a unique color scheme.
• Features: Large beds, writing desks, wardrobes, and a small sitting area.

Servants' Quarters

• Description: Simple rooms where Earns, Eimma, and their children rest. The quarters are comfortable but modest, with minimal decoration.
• Features: Small beds, a shared wardrobe, and a communal table.

Storage Rooms

• Description: Used for storing extra linens, cleaning supplies, and seasonal decorations.
• Features: Shelving units, boxes, and trunks.

Basement

Wine Cellar

• Description: A cool, dimly lit room where the guest house’s supply of wine, ale, and other beverages are stored.
• Features: Wooden racks filled with bottles, barrels of ale, and a small tasting area.

Secure Storage

• Description: A locked room where valuable items belonging to guests are stored. This room is heavily reinforced and guarded.
• Features: Iron-reinforced doors, secure chests, and enchanted locks.

Root Cellar

• Description: A space for storing foodstuffs, such as root vegetables, grains, and preserved goods.
• Features: Shelves filled with jars, barrels, and sacks of produce.