A hive of hoodlums and bad manners. The Rat’s Nest is a lively tavern full of questionable characters ready to be dropped in to most 5e compatible fantasy settings. The Nest can act as a meeting place, a quest hub, or a well of information mundane and clandestine. The cast of regular patrons can be a quick source of both problems and solutions for game masters and players alike. No need to nudge players in the right direction when there is a bar full of the guy that knows a guy.

“Heroes. Always a steady stream of folk passing through on their way to the next great adventure. Killing bandits, recovering ancient artifacts, saving maidens that are surely virtuous and pure. Heroes. No. Let’s call ‘em what they are; bounty hunters, grave robbers, mercenaries with plausible deniability. Once you drop the illusion you know what you get? Profit. Coin stacked so high you need a stool to see over it. I have no time for heroes. Now, criminals with a moral compass? That I can work with.”

– Uncle Orlan

The Tavern

The nondescript 2 story building is know locally for hearty food and a wide variety of drinks. Merchants and traders regularly make use of the facilities as neutral ground to hash out terms and strike deals. When not doing business, patrons partake in bawdy songs, games of chance, and swapping tall tales.

The taproom holds an L shaped bar, a hearth, small stage, long banquet tables in the center of the room, along with a half dozen smaller tables along the perimeter and tucked into alcoves. A dim and cozy atmosphere with lanterns lining the walls and a make shift chandelier crafted from a ship’s wheel hanging from the ceiling. Down a short hall are rooms for dining or business matters requiring more privacy. Behind the bar are a well stocked kitchen, pantry, and brewing room.

A wooden staircase leads to the second floor with a balcony overlooking the taproom as well as living quarters for the staff, and a few sleeping areas available for rent. For the sake of discretion no logs are kept of guests. Staff will politely decline to share information about their patrons. Threats, coercion or bribes do not typically end well for the inquiring party.

Taking Care of Business

While you can typically find merchants discussing the finer points of business over an ale or three, not all deals that are made here are above board. Patrons come from all walks of life and much of their dealings are best done far from the light of day.

A wide range of work is available for anyone up to the challenge. From transporting wares, to settling business disputes. Buyers can readily be found for items of questionable origin, as well as sellers of all manner of goods.

Of course coin and merchandise aren’t the only things up for trade here. Information has value and local gossip can lead to profitable endeavors.

Further Development

The goal of this project is to build fully realized set pieces and characters that can be dropped into just about any game. The Rat’s Nest can be a living backdrop for players to connect to, and NPCs that can make a game master’s job easier when needed.

Future posts will cover the stories and personalities of proprietor Talee Morgan, her staff, regular customers, and systems to easily introduce plot hooks and services.