The Warden's Rest

The Warden’s Rest is an old, solid stone structure. Its walls are thick and sturdy, with iron sconces holding ever-burning torches. The tavern is simple, functional, and designed with warriors in mind—there are no frills. Weapons and shields from many soldier's years of service adorn the walls, while banners from various mercenary groups hang as a sign of their loyalty to the inn. The wooden tables are wide and sturdy enough for both meals and arm-wrestling contests, while the bar is lined with strong oak stools. 
In the evenings, a large hearth burns in the centre of the room, its warmth a welcome contrast to the often chilly nights of Kara's Vale. Edric Stonefall, the owner, himself is usually behind the bar, serving drinks and keeping a close eye on the patrons, ensuring that any disputes are settled quickly and peacefully. The Rest has an unspoken rule: no fighting inside. Outside, however, there is a small courtyard where patrons are free to spar, practice their combat skills, or settle disagreements the old-fashioned way.
Warden Edric Stonefall himself is a grizzled veteran of the military who retired after two decades of service patrolling the harsh lands around Kara's Vale. Known for his commanding presence and sharp eyes, Edric earned the nickname "The Warden" during his years of guarding the Karracks. After retiring, he bought and reopened the long destitute Warden’s Rest to keep busy and provide a place of respite for the warriors who had known the same hardships as him. Despite his hard demeanour, Edric is respected for his fairness and the deep sense of protection he extends to anyone who enters his establishment.
== Menu ==
=== Food ===
* Warden’s Stew – 5 silver  
** A hearty, slow-cooked stew made from a mix of game meat, root vegetables, and wild herbs. The stew is served with dense, black bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich broth. It's the dish of choice for adventurers preparing for or returning from a long journey.
* Ironplate Roast – 1.5 gold
** A thick slab of roasted beef, rubbed with garlic, rosemary, and salt. It’s served with a side of roasted potatoes and a gravy made from the drippings. This meal is as simple as it is filling.
* Vale Hunter’s Pie – 8 silver  
** Savoury meat pie filled with chunks of rabbit, carrot, onion, and peas in a rich gravy, baked in a flaky pastry crust. The pie is filling and travels well, making it a favourite among travellers who might need to take their meal on the road.
* Boar's Feast Platter – 3 gp 
** A massive feast meant for two or more, featuring slices of roasted boar, sausages, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread. The platter is served with a selection of house-made mustards and sauces, and is often ordered by groups celebrating a victory or contract completion.
* Stonefall Porridge – 3 silver  
** A thick porridge made from oats, cooked slowly with milk and honey. It's topped with dried fruits and nuts, providing a sweet and nourishing start to the day for adventurers preparing for the day ahead.
* Sweetrolls of the Vale – 2 silver  
** Freshly baked sweet rolls flavoured with cinnamon and drizzled with honey. A rare sweet treat in a place as no-nonsense as The Warden’s Rest, they’re often served to those looking for a comforting end to a meal.
=== Drinks ===
* Warden’s Brew – 1 silver per mug  
** A dark, robust ale brewed in-house by Edric himself. It has a strong, malty flavour with a bitter finish, perfect for washing down a hearty meal. The locals swear it’ll put hair on your chest.
* Karracks Mead – 1 silver per mug  
** A sweet, spiced mead made with local honey and a hint of cinnamon. This drink is favoured by travellers passing through, as its warmth helps fight off the cold winds that blow through the valley.
* Vale Red Wine – 7 silver per bottle  
** A rich, deep red wine sourced from vineyards just outside of Kara’s Vale. It’s known for its bold flavour and slightly smoky aftertaste, making it a favourite among mercenaries looking for something finer than ale after a long journey.
* Iron Blood Whiskey – 2 silver per shot  
** A strong, fiery whiskey that hits hard and burns on the way down. Only the most hardened warriors drink this straight, but it’s often used to toast victories or the memory of fallen comrades.
* Fortified Water – 5 copper per glass  
** Clean, fortified water that’s been treated with special herbs and minerals to boost health and stamina. Travellers often purchase this drink before heading out on long expeditions, believing it helps keep sickness at bay.
== Lodging ==
The Warden’s Rest provides no-nonsense, secure lodging. The rooms are practical and designed to withstand the rough treatment of adventurers and mercenaries, featuring heavy, reinforced doors and thick stone walls. There are no luxuries, but the beds are comfortable, the linens are clean, and the rooms are well-guarded—perfect for those needing a safe place to rest after a long day.
* The Cot House – 5 copper per night  
** For those with very little coin, The Warden’s Rest offers simple cots in the common room. There’s no privacy, but it’s a warm place to sleep, and the fire burns through the night. Ideal for weary travellers who’ve spent the last of their silver.
* Soldier’s Barrack – 2 silver per night  
** A simple, shared room with bunk beds, typically housing up to four people. These beds are for travellers on a budget or for mercenaries travelling in groups. Despite the communal setup, the barrack is secure, and Edric ensures that personal belongings are kept safe.
* Sergeant’s Bunk – 6 silver per night  
** A mid-tier room featuring a comfortable bed, a writing desk, and a small wardrobe. It’s ideal for adventurers or soldiers requiring a bit of privacy and a good night’s rest. Guests in the Sergeant’s Bunk receive a complimentary mug of Warden’s Brew each night.
* Commander’s Quarters – 3 gold per night  
* The largest room available, designed for high-ranking officers, mercenary captains, or wealthy adventurers. It features a sturdy, queen-sized bed, a desk for planning, and a window overlooking the Karracks. The room comes with a private bath and a complimentary bottle of Vale Red Wine.
Category:Tavern/Inn