The Rusted Crown

The Rusted Crown (Inn & Tavern)

The Rusted Crown is the beating heart of Barrenford, standing proudly as the largest and most popular inn and tavern in town. Known for its warm hospitality, hearty meals, and ale that soothes even the most road-weary travelers, this establishment is much more than just a place to rest—it’s a hub for the town’s gossip, deals, and, if one knows the right words, secret meetings with the local underworld. Located near the bustling town square, it thrives on its central location, drawing in travelers, merchants, and locals alike.

Exterior

The Rusted Crown boasts a stout, timeworn structure of timber and stone, a testament to its endurance through the years. Its well-maintained exterior features dark wood beams and walls coated with a pale, weathered plaster, giving the inn an inviting but rustic appearance. The inn’s sign hangs from a sturdy iron post—a symbol of the establishment’s name: a rusted crown mounted onto the weathered wood. The crown, tarnished from the elements, is said to have been found in the ruins of a long-forgotten kingdom, though locals debate whether it’s the true story or just a tale to lure in curious travelers.

Flower boxes filled with hardy, brightly colored blooms line the windows, softening the inn’s rugged exterior and giving it a welcoming appearance. Stone steps lead up to a wide porch where a few wooden benches invite guests to relax and watch the ebb and flow of the town square.

Interior

The interior is a mix of rustic charm and subtle luxury, with its spacious common room at the heart of the inn. Thick wooden beams span the low ceiling, their dark surfaces polished by time and countless hands. The rough-hewn walls are lined with shelves displaying odd trinkets and relics from travelers, some left behind, others gifted as tokens of gratitude. There’s an unmistakable warmth that comes from the roaring stone hearth at the far end of the room, where patrons gather around long wooden tables, sharing stories over hearty meals.

The floors are a patchwork of uneven wooden planks, worn smooth from years of use, complemented by large rugs that add both color and warmth. Above the fireplace, the inn’s namesake—a rusted crown mounted on a plaque—sits prominently, casting shadows in the flickering firelight.

A large bar dominates one side of the room, made of dark, polished oak with a well-worn top. Behind it, rows of bottles and casks line the shelves, displaying an array of local brews, imported wines, and Bert’s secret stock of stronger spirits for those who ask. The room smells of spiced meat, fresh bread, and a hint of pipe smoke, a combination that makes patrons feel instantly at home.

Owner: Bert the Innkeeper

The inn is run by Bert Celson, a shrewd but genial man with a reputation for knowing the business of everyone who steps through his door. A former adventurer in his youth, Bert is still spry despite his graying hair and weathered appearance. He has an eye for opportunity and has turned The Rusted Crown into a thriving enterprise, making it indispensable to Barrenford’s daily life. His smile is warm, but his eyes are always calculating, reading a person within seconds of meeting them.

Bert keeps the inn’s operations running smoothly, ensuring patrons have their needs met, whether it’s a warm meal or a hot lead on an upcoming merchant deal. However, for those in the know, asking for “Fred” signals something more discreet. Bert arranges clandestine meetings between his trusted patrons and the local Thieve’s Guild, who handle the town’s shadier dealings. Bert ensures these meetings are kept quiet, maintaining the inn’s reputation as neutral ground.

Services and Economy

Lodging, Meals, and Drinks: The Rusted Crown offers a range of services catering to travelers and locals alike. Lodging is provided in modest but comfortable rooms located upstairs. Each room is simply furnished with a sturdy bed, a washbasin, and a lockable chest for personal belongings. Some rooms overlook the square, giving travelers a view of the town’s daily bustle.

Meals are hearty and filling, with dishes like roasted venison, thick vegetable stews, and Bert’s famed meat pies making regular appearances. The tavern’s drinks menu includes the house ale, a dark, malty brew called “Crown’s Brew,” along with meads, ciders, and a few rare spirits Bert keeps behind the bar for special guests.

Merchant Deals: The inn’s location, near the town square and the market, makes it the perfect place for merchants to negotiate deals. Bert has earned the trust of traveling merchants and local tradesmen, and The Rusted Crown often serves as a neutral meeting ground for trade agreements. Bert himself acts as an informal mediator, ensuring that deals go smoothly and everyone leaves satisfied—or at least in one piece.

Secret Meetings: The inn also has a hidden side. For those who ask for “Fred,” Bert arranges private, under-the-table meetings with the local thieve’s guild. He claims not to know who the names of anyone in the local guild, but actually he does know that Dylan Jeanas the village Cooper, is the head of the local guild, handling everything from fencing stolen goods to settling debts quietly. These meetings take place in the backroom or the basement—far from prying eyes—and Bert ensures no word of them gets out, preserving both the inn’s reputation and his side income.

Clientele and Atmosphere

During the day, the Rusted Crown bustles with the activity of merchants, locals, and farmers stopping in for a midday meal or a tankard of ale. Travelers passing through Barrenford often find their way here, drawn by the inn’s reputation and the convenience of its location. The atmosphere is lively, but always respectful, with Bert keeping an eye on things to ensure disputes are settled quickly.

As the sun sets, the mood shifts. The tavern fills with travelers looking for a hot meal after a long day’s journey, and locals returning for a few drinks before heading home. On some nights, a local minstrel might set up in the corner, playing songs on a lute, filling the tavern with music and drawing even more patrons in from the cool night air.

Yet, after dark, there’s an undercurrent of mystery. Those seeking less savory services slip quietly into back booths or are led into the inn’s backroom for their covert dealings. Bert, ever watchful, keeps the balance between the inn’s two worlds, ensuring the place stays bustling and profitable.

Economy & Relationships

The Rusted Crown thrives due to its close relationship with the town square and the markets. During festivals and market days, the inn sees a surge of activity, with visiting merchants and tradesmen renting rooms or arranging business deals within its walls. Bert has built strong relationships with many of the town’s key figures, including local officials, market leaders, and even the occasional noble passing through.

Its reputation as a neutral ground extends beyond Barrenford, with merchants from nearby towns choosing The Rusted Crown as a meeting point to settle disputes or negotiate trade agreements. For many, a deal struck in the Rusted Crown carries weight, as Bert’s reputation as a shrewd but fair mediator holds strong.

The Secret Basement

Though most visitors only see the warm, inviting tavern and cozy upstairs rooms, The Rusted Crown has a hidden basement accessible through a cleverly concealed door behind the bar. This basement is the true seat of Bert’s more clandestine operations, where secret deals are struck far from the eyes of the law.

The Rusted Crown may be a place for food, drink, and lodging, but it’s also a place where secrets are traded as much as coins—if you know who to ask.