The Coin

Turning the coin over in your hand, you feel the weight of it. Smooth edges, raised embellishments, recessed engravings. Opening your hand, you look down to see the image of a willow tree stamped on the coin's face. The other side, you know, holds the image of a closed portcullis. Runes encircle the willow tree, running the circumference of the coin. A script of unknown origin that you have not been able to decipher.

The coin mysteriously appeared in your belongings and it has captured your imagination. An obsession has formed. You tried to spend it, but clutched it tightly at the last and could not turn it over to the merchant. What is it? Where does it come from? What do the runic markings mean? Showing the coin to family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, you asked them all if they recognize the images or understand the runes, but none did.

Slowly, day by day, you range further out from your home, seeking answers, until finally, you begin to hear rumors, catch tidbits of information. Eventually, the trail leads away from your home, down distant paths, until you find yourself on a merchant's road, between the lands of rulers and authorities. A short distance from the road, nestled against a low hill, resides an inn. The warm glow of firelight and lanterns exude from the windows. A great willow spreads its branches over the shake roof.

The Inn

The Inn is a sprawling construct. A door in the front grants entry to the tavern. The warm glow of firelight and lanterns exude from the windows. A great willow spreads its branches over the shake roof. Additions to the building appear to have been added over time. Not necessarily with a plan in mind. Some climb the hill with short and tall staircases ascending to the different levels. Some stretch to the nearby creek, becoming a covered breezeway before spanning the banks and then transforming into more rooms.

The foundations are sometimes river rock with mortar, sometimes cut stone well fitted, and sometimes brick. The walls are typically wood, though of many different types, all hardwoods. Windows vary in size and shape, small and square, large and round, they are at times a single pane and at others an intricate pattern of smaller panes set in a wood or metal framework.

The Common Room

The main door is fashioned from two large slabs of heavy wood, fastened with iron, and arched at the top. The slabs have been cut out to hold an oval window of stained glass about four feet in height. The door is fairly large, close to four feet wide, and at least eight feet tall. The iron bands rest in grooves partway between the window and the top and bottom edges. The door opens easily, despite its girth.

Inside is a great room with a high raftered ceiling. Several tables are arranged across the open room. To the right, is a large, stone hearth with a comfortably warm fire. Near the hearth is a small raised platform, a foot or two higher than the main floor. To the left, a long, polished wood bar runs the depth of the room. A swinging door behind the bar leads back to another room, possibly the kitchen. Directly across from the main door a broad stair of polished wood rises several steps to a large landing from which three more sets of stairs ascend: one to the left, one to the right, and one continuing forward. Each stair ends at a railed balcony. Little can be seen above the left and right balcony rails, but at the back of the balcony directly ahead, there is a large, very ornate double door. The stair ascending to the right appears to be cordoned off by a red velvet rope clasped to the balusters.

To the left of the stairs, at floor level, a wide hall grants additional passage beyond the great room.

The Innkeeper

A half-elf of middle years, stands behind the polished wood bar, watching you intently. Just shy of 6 feet tall and of medium build, he absently wipes the inside of a low ball glass. You notice he is missing the last two fingers of his left hand. His blond hair is pulled back into a ponytail that hangs just below his shoulders. He continues to watch as you approach and when you introduce yourself he responds only after a lengthy, awkward pause. A friendly smile extends to his brown eyes as he welcomes you to the inn.

"I find a hot meal and good drink calms the nerves and helps you think. May I have your coin?"