Three Crystals Tavern ...

Arching double-doors of rich oak wood provide the only means of entrance to a rather undramatic, windowless, two-story building set away from civilization. On a tall gray weathered wooden post is a sign, each breath of wind causing it to rock back and forth on dull metal hinges, the small wood and metal plaque engraved with the name of the establishment it stands before. Once within, leading down are five wide steps, a quick jaunt into a spacious, opulently appointed room. The meager outside packaging opening into a true treat, a lush haven for bone weary traveler or nightly regular alike.

The Bar Area - west side -

A massive J-shaped mahogany counter dominates the West side of the main room, fully standing four and a half feet tall, spanning over thirty feet of floor space. The slats of wood composing the top surface are artfully engraved with the name and logo of the Three Crystals Tavern, a deep lacquer giving the wood a rich luster; the top is more then three feet across, plenty of room for things other then drink settings, and spaced ten feet apart are two burnished metal poles, secured to the bar and ceiling both.

Resting behind the bar is a built in shelving unit with long rows of deeply colored bottles held in place by short decorative railings. All type of liqueur known in the markets of the Realms are housed here, from the very rare to the extraordinarily common fares, all vintages and prices are always fair.

Under the bottles, below the edge of the bar, are similar railed shelves containing the drinking instruments for each liqueur. Most prominent are fine goblets of cut crystal, each remarkably unmarred and in like-new condition. Also stored with the crystals are small vial-like glasses for the finer drinks, and large wooden tankards for the weaker ones.

Standing three feet tall before the front edge of the bar rests a perfect row of matching stools. The seats are well cushioned, the leather bulging from over stuffing, metal brads holding the leather down at the sides and marked with dints from hammering. Short backs on the stools invite one to rest for a while and partake of drink and entertainment.

Sitting Area - central -

Throughout the massive den are arranged numerous clusters of seating areas, each composed of a couch and three chairs for intimate comfort among friends or other companions. As needed the groups of furniture can be rearranged for larger or small gatherings. There is plenty enough space between each cluster, affording for some bit of privacy but not totally.

Each couch is tall backed, deep cushioned, finely upholstered, overstuffed, and like new. The materials covering the frames of the couches are deep and rich in color, jewel toned in vibrant emerald greens, Prussian blues, blood reds, king's gold, deep rose pinks. The fabric is hand embroidered with scroll works in understated threads, the colors matching yet a shade lighter then the couch so as not to be intrusive but show the superb workmanship of each piece. The backs of the couches rise to four feet, tall enough that an average sized man's head would be the only visible appendage if he were seated, and then just barely. There are no back cushions, allowing for easy relaxation, and since the backs are over stuffed there is no need of them. The seating cushions show only slight signs of wear, the threads still strong and made to wear well with use. Holding the couches from the floor are ornately carved legs of mahogany, demonic visages of beasts claws clinging to globes. Once comfortably seated, only the tallest of patrons feet would manage to lay flat on the ground.

The chairs of the Tavern were specially designed by the Lord Cassius. They feature deep seats with tall angled backs. Made of the same dark wood that dominates the Tavern, they feature intricate scroll work of the Master's design, entwining circles in groups of threes, though most would fail to notice in the darkness of the establishment. The back flat posts of the chairs are angled into a gentle curve and lean backwards at a slight degree, welcoming the tired, aching back. No cushions adorn the seats of the chairs, the curve made into the wood formed to mold against the patrons buttocks and legs, providing maximum comfort alone. The arm rests of the chairs move outwards so that one can rests at a relaxing position without feeling confined, perhaps even invite some lap company, and they also feature small circular indention to rest drinks in. The height is of an average, allowing for easier access to the ground.

Hanging above the entire room are three ornately formed chandeliers made of a dark burnished metal, holding seven fat pillar candles each. There are large drip plates under each candle, not only catching wax but also diffusing much of the light provided from above.

The three walls away from the bar are completely covered in paint, the colors hard to make out in the dimness of the Tavern, but the pictures are all to easy to understand. Finely detailed murals of woman, indecent in their nakedness, decorate the space. Nipples dark, legs and mouths spread in lascivious invitations of debauchery.

Fire Place - northern -

Recessed into the northern wall, placed well away from the bar area ( so as not to over heat the liqueurs ), is a large stone fire place. The face is covered by a metalwork screen featuring a scene of animals in the wild, the screen serving several purposes; it creates patterns over the flooring and walls, it blocks a good portion of the light of the fire, and protects the animal furs that lay at the foot of the fire place. The fire is only lit during the autumn and winter to fight the chill off the air.

Laying on the oiled wood floor before the fire place are clean animal pelts for those that wish to relax in a different fashion. The furs are dominated by soft sheep's wool, the colors mostly gray but also white and reddish. The pelts are deep and soft, a true comfort to lay and rest on.

Upstairs Rooms -

As the name implies this is truly an Inne, offering not only drink and company, but a place to rest or indulge other passions. Leading up from the southern side of the sitting room is an open stair case, steps made from split logs for sturdiness, a smooth rounded railing for those a little too tipsy to manage on their own. Leading into a hallway, on each side are six rooms, the left simply appointed for a single night, the right more lush for longer stays.

To the left the rooms are filled with only the necessities of sleeping off a stupor or entertaining a lady of the night. A tall bed lacking a headboard, two stacked mattresses filled with hay and lined with feathers, covered in clean linens and a single handmade quilt, three overstuffed pillows of feathers. A chair in the corner, a small wooden table containing a wash basin of fresh water, lightly perfumed soaps, and fresh clothes for washing. A small wooden chest at the foot of the bed for any possessions that need to be kept there. A window across from the door is covered in heavy draperies, a hand scripted note nailed to the wall requesting that they be closed upon exit from the room.

To the right the room are far more elegant and provide more comforts to those with larger pockets or finer tastes. The walls are covered in delicate paisley printed papers in tones or either blues or pinks. The beds are large, rising tall off the ground with beautifully carved head and foot boards holding floral designs. The pillows are numerous, covered in dainty lace fabrics. The linens are colored to coordinate with the walls, soft to the touch. Handmade quilts constructed with much care lay in layers at the lower edge of the bed. A deep cedar chest for storing clothing and other items is at the foot of the bed, a chest of drawers along the wall. Cut into the wall are two shallow areas for the hanging of finer dresses or suits, a thin netting fabric strung up to cover them. In the corner is a small table with a water pitcher and basin made of finest porcelains and hand painted to match the rooms, along with a variety of perfumed cleansing products for the skin and hair, and fine cloth swatches for use. Two narrow windows are covered with heavy drapery material, a hand lettered note nailed to the wall requesting that they be closed on exit from the room. On another small table is a gas lantern made of rose colored glass for use during the night. There is also a small dressing table with a mirror for the lady's use, provided are a clean silver comb and brush. The door to the room has a small wooden bar to be used a latch from the inside.