This time on Wyrd of the Week, we're going to explore the Mayfair Pub, a drop-in location that can be included in your legendarium. This cozy watering hole can be a place for heroes to relax, share a pint, some fellowship, and maybe get caught up in a new, unexpected adventure.
The Mayfair Pub
Looking for all the world like a cozy wooden cottage with an off-kilter chimney, log walls covered in ivy, and a small wooden door with a frosted glass window, the Mayfair Pub is a welcome sight to passing travelers and thirsty locals. A tiny lake, sometimes enjoyed by local children who fish or play in the waters is nestled on the path from the road to the Mayfair. Travelers who open the door and duck into the tiny, two room building are immediately greeted by a combination of raucous laughter and lively music mixed with the scents of home-cooked meals (try the mince pies!), dark ale, and a hint of pipe smoke hanging in the air.
Unlike most pubs, the Mayfair doesn't have a bar. Instead, the proprietor, one Gilderoy Mayfair, pops in and out of a side door between the kitchen and the common room to hand out meals, meads, and good cheer. A scattering of tables surrounded by stools creates a cozy feel and a small corner stage hosts a performer or two on occasion. Rafters of wooden beams run barely eight feet from the plank floor with lanterns hanging from hooks to cast twinkling light about the place on even the coldest night with the aid of a large fireplace. The tables of the pub are old and well-cared, each featuring a small Tenstone set for patrons to play to pass the time.
Gilderoy Mayfair (2nd-level Human Bard) himself seems to operate the pub without assistance from additional staff, often to the amazement of his patrons. His flashing grin, perfectly kept facial hair, and the twinkling light that seems to catch on his spectacles combine with a simple style of dress to create a welcoming persona. Regular patrons of the Mayfair know that Gilderoy has a policy of offering the first drink of the night for free in return for a new tale of adventure for his ears.
The tiny kitchen of the Mayfair has a small brick oven and a trap door to a chilled cellar where salted meat and wine are stored. Unbeknownst the patrons, Mayfair keeps the service of a Brownie (see The Hero's Journey 2e Core Rulebook, page 150) to help him maintain the establishment. The Brownie, named Crumpet, is quite friendly with Gilderoy and keeps a small bedroom in the cold storage basement. Gilderoy treats Crumpet as an equal and in spite of the former's encouragement, the Brownie refuses to let the patrons know of his presence.
Gilderoy himself keeps humble quarters in a loft over the kitchen where there is little more than a straw mattress, stool with a writing desk and handful of books, and a wooden trunk.
The grounds outside the back side of the pub are speckled with opportunities for outdoor sportsmanship. Horseshoe pits for a friendly game, straw bails for archery contests, and even wooden target boards for ax throwing are all available for patrons to enjoy.
A Night at the Mayfair Pub
Player characters who spend an evening at the Mayfair Pub receive Advantage on all roles to Relax Around the Campfire. In addition, if they become regulars at the pub (which takes about a month of regular appearances), Gilderoy becomes a bit of a patron to them and will provide them with news, rumors, and the occasional free meal. Though not a true inn, Gilderoy will sometimes allow regulars to sleep in the common room for the night.
Being a busy location, frequented by many travelers who might bring any manner of adventure to the very doors of the pub. On any given night where the players are spending several hours at the Mayfair Pub, the Narrator can roll on the table below to see if anything unusual happens.
A Night at the Mayfair Pub
Clurichaun (Fey)
Defense: 17
Endurance: 8
Reduction Value: 2
Attack Modifier: +1
Attacks: Brawling (1d6)
Special: Bless the Brew, Purse Keeper, Suckerpunch, Vanish
Move: 4
Saving Throw: 18
Despair Rating: 3
Fantastic write up, love it (Though damn your small font! You know only old people come here to read this and purposefully picked a font size only Crumpet could read unaided!)
ReplyDelete