The Iron Keel

The Iron Keel is a rowdy tavern located deep in the heart of the Dockward in Laia, near its famous shipyards. It caters primarily to shipbuilders, sailors, and dockworkers who frequent the area, making it one of the more popular spots in the district. The tavern is a large, two-story stone and timber building with a rugged exterior and an enormous iron anchor hanging over the door, serving as its signature. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of ale, smoke from a central hearth, and the sound of laughter and loud conversations. Long wooden tables fill the common area, with benches lined against the walls, often occupied by groups.
The Iron Keel is owned and operated by Barthas "Ironhand" Wijor, a former shipbuilder with hands as strong as his personality. A stout, burly Shortfolk with a deep voice, Barthas is well-loved by his patrons for his straightforward, no-frills approach to running the tavern. He earned the nickname "Ironhand" due to a shipbuilding accident that left him with a metal brace for his right hand. 
== Menu ==
=== Food ===
* Shipbuilder’s Stew - 8 silver
** A thick stew made of smoked fish, potatoes, onions, and root vegetables.
* Dockhand's Pie - 1 gold
** A large, savory meat pie filled with beef, onions, and gravy. 
* Sailor's Ration - 2 silver
** Salted pork, hard bread, and pickled vegetables, a staple for the sailors who frequent the tavern.
* Iron Keel Special - 6 sliver
** Grilled fish caught fresh from the Laian Sea, served with a side of roasted potatoes and bread.
* Nautical Platter - 2 gold
** A hearty platter of various smoked meats, cheeses, and pickles, designed to share.
Drinks
* Keelhauler Ale - 8 copper
** The house special, a strong, dark ale brewed in Laia. Known for its rich flavour and bitter bite.
* Dockside Stout - 1 silver
** A heavy, black stout favoured by dockworkers after a long day. 
* Spiced Rum - 4 silver
** Imported rum spiced with cinnamon and cloves, a favourite of sailors.
* Laian Mead - 3 silver
** Sweet and floral mead made from honey harvested from the surrounding hills. 
* Seafarer's Whiskey - 6 silver
** A strong whiskey with a smoky aftertaste, perfect for warming up on cold nights. 
== Lodging ==
The Iron Keel offers basic, lodging on the second floor for sailors and travellers passing through the city. The rooms are small, with sturdy wooden bunks and simple furnishings. The creaking of the floorboards and the constant noise from the tavern below mean it's not the quietest place to stay, but it's affordable and convenient for those needing a place to crash near the docks.
* Bunkroom (Shared) - 5 copper per night
** Includes a bunk bed in a shared room with up to 6 other guests.
* Private Room - 8 silver per night
** Includes a small room with a simple bed, a chest for belongings, and a shared washroom.
== Notable Features ==
* Weekly Brawls 
** Every few weeks, the Iron Keel hosts a “friendly” brawling competition. Participants can sign up to test their strength and endurance in bare-knuckle fights, while patrons cheer them on. The winner receives free drinks for the night and a small purse of gold.
* Patron Carvings 
** Patrons can leave their mark on the tavern by carving their names or symbols into the ceiling beams. Some are famous sailors or dock masters who passed through Laia, and others are regulars of the tavern.