I’d like to do some crowdsourcing for the Miscellany in Codex – Darkness. The piece is called “Three-dozen seedy taverns.” Submissions need to be a single sentence, or 2-3 very short sentences. By submitting here, you’re agreeing to let us use it (you’ll get a credit in the issue). I’m looking for evocative stuff. The purpose of the Miscellany is to inspire the reader.
Importantly, each tavern should have a name, and there should be an interesting detail or two.
Here are some examples:
“The Svelte Elk, where the old men in the corner are playing dice for teeth.”
“The Grim Sails, which has walls made of wood salvaged from a terrible shipwreck.”
“The Bat’s Belly Inn & Pub, where the boy-whores go to dance at night and drink deep of Troll-fucker Ale.”
“Troll-fucker”!
“Troll-fucker”!
The Filthy Fork, where the drinks make you see god
The Filthy Fork, where the drinks make you see god
The Blessed Colony, whose sign depicts an apparently idyllic landscape of the village. On closer inspection, swarms of rats are pouring from every window in the painting.
The Blessed Colony, whose sign depicts an apparently idyllic landscape of the village. On closer inspection, swarms of rats are pouring from every window in the painting.
The Irons was black and sooty as the men who visited her. The sober air was fit only to drown your troubles in cheap beer.
The Irons was black and sooty as the men who visited her. The sober air was fit only to drown your troubles in cheap beer.
Thanibar’s: the singed eyebrows and beards of customers are famous, the result of the owner’s special Dragonbreath Whiskey. Stand back when a newcomer tries it or risk getting burned when they exhale flame.
Thanibar’s: the singed eyebrows and beards of customers are famous, the result of the owner’s special Dragonbreath Whiskey. Stand back when a newcomer tries it or risk getting burned when they exhale flame.
“The Drawn Daggers” Within its dark smokey interior, exotic and alien beings sit in small groups, drinking and speaking in unfamiliar tongues.
“The Drawn Daggers” Within its dark smokey interior, exotic and alien beings sit in small groups, drinking and speaking in unfamiliar tongues.
The Last Drop, the sign for which doubles as a gallows.
The Last Drop, the sign for which doubles as a gallows.
The Burnt Edge, a half-charcoal establishment with a blazing hearth. Gritty patrons heat a serpentine brand in it.
The Burnt Edge, a half-charcoal establishment with a blazing hearth. Gritty patrons heat a serpentine brand in it.
The Slag – The rafters are stained with a deep crimson film on account of the smoke that bellows up from the copper brazier in the center of the room. Crowded around the pot filled with a simmering sangineous concoction, a group of twisted dwarves inhale deeply from the vapors.
The Slag – The rafters are stained with a deep crimson film on account of the smoke that bellows up from the copper brazier in the center of the room. Crowded around the pot filled with a simmering sangineous concoction, a group of twisted dwarves inhale deeply from the vapors.
The Crossroads looks brighter and cleaner that its reputation. Until you look at the patrons: tattoos, knives, scars, and nervous ticks. Everyone had the eye of a predator.
The Crossroads looks brighter and cleaner that its reputation. Until you look at the patrons: tattoos, knives, scars, and nervous ticks. Everyone had the eye of a predator.
The White Crow. I neutral ground where no violence is allowed. There are several secret entrances so clients can come and go unnoticed after their deals are made.
The White Crow. I neutral ground where no violence is allowed. There are several secret entrances so clients can come and go unnoticed after their deals are made.
The Captain’s Cock where the large sign of a rooster over the door does not make guests feel better about drinking the signature thick, white, frothy beverage that is poured for them.
The Troll Wife Tavern where the bard sings obscene songs about a barbarian and a fish.
Pidgy’s Palace Bar and Tavern where no one knows the owner’s name, but everyone is horrified and amused that all gratuity is spent to give ostentatious feasts to an obscenely over-sized pigeon the owner keeps as a pet.
Hard Nick’s Tavern, affectionately known as Hard Knocks where unwillingness to get in a fight is grounds for being kicked out
The Captain’s Cock where the large sign of a rooster over the door does not make guests feel better about drinking the signature thick, white, frothy beverage that is poured for them.
The Troll Wife Tavern where the bard sings obscene songs about a barbarian and a fish.
Pidgy’s Palace Bar and Tavern where no one knows the owner’s name, but everyone is horrified and amused that all gratuity is spent to give ostentatious feasts to an obscenely over-sized pigeon the owner keeps as a pet.
Hard Nick’s Tavern, affectionately known as Hard Knocks where unwillingness to get in a fight is grounds for being kicked out
The Revolving Door, a tavern where you’re only allowed to sit if you are eating or drinking. All carousers and card players are swiftly shown the exit by the bulky barman. The atmosphere in the back alley is raucous.
The Revolving Door, a tavern where you’re only allowed to sit if you are eating or drinking. All carousers and card players are swiftly shown the exit by the bulky barman. The atmosphere in the back alley is raucous.
David LaFreniere I’m pretty sure I’d feal at home in one of you’re games… you sir have a twisted imagination lol.
David LaFreniere I’m pretty sure I’d feal at home in one of you’re games… you sir have a twisted imagination lol.
The Queen’s Chamber, where the crunch of insect shells underfoot speaks to the patrons’ exotic tastes.
The Queen’s Chamber, where the crunch of insect shells underfoot speaks to the patrons’ exotic tastes.
The Hood & Shadow: Named because despite the poorly lit and smoky atmosphere, everyone, including serving people, wear cloaks with their hoods up. Many nefarious deals and love affairs have been arranged here, sometimes with the wrong people because of the ubiquitous hoods and shadows. A hood exchange at the door is provided for a nominal fee to further ensure privacy.
The Hood & Shadow: Named because despite the poorly lit and smoky atmosphere, everyone, including serving people, wear cloaks with their hoods up. Many nefarious deals and love affairs have been arranged here, sometimes with the wrong people because of the ubiquitous hoods and shadows. A hood exchange at the door is provided for a nominal fee to further ensure privacy.
Christo Meid Very cool, but I’ll need a shortened version.
Christo Meid Very cool, but I’ll need a shortened version.
A tavern marked only with the depiction of a human skull and bones that everyone calls Roger’s for no appreciable reason. Pirates are known to frequent this establishment.
A tavern marked only with the depiction of a human skull and bones that everyone calls Roger’s for no appreciable reason. Pirates are known to frequent this establishment.
Knife’s Point, where daggers hanging from the ceiling immortalize the victims of every bar brawl and backstab within its walls.
Knife’s Point, where daggers hanging from the ceiling immortalize the victims of every bar brawl and backstab within its walls.
David LaFreniere Is it a Jolly or Morbid skull? 😉
David LaFreniere Is it a Jolly or Morbid skull? 😉
The Random Encounter, where nerds go to get laid. You never know what might happen at that place!
The Random Encounter, where nerds go to get laid. You never know what might happen at that place!
Hooters, an owl themed tavern where, despite the odd decour, patrons really come for the deliciously spicy chicken wings.
Hooters, an owl themed tavern where, despite the odd decour, patrons really come for the deliciously spicy chicken wings.
A reminder: this is going in Codex- Darkness, not Codex – Silliness.
A reminder: this is going in Codex- Darkness, not Codex – Silliness.
Dice and Hats, where gray bearded men in tall wizardry hats gamble their ‘essence’ away.
Dice and Hats, where gray bearded men in tall wizardry hats gamble their ‘essence’ away.
Guilty Pleasures: The owner of this discrete, moonlit tavern, Belle the Fae, is famous for having the dish and drink you desire the moment you walk in the door. Of course, the door only opens for those who have something she wants.
Guilty Pleasures: The owner of this discrete, moonlit tavern, Belle the Fae, is famous for having the dish and drink you desire the moment you walk in the door. Of course, the door only opens for those who have something she wants.
Lilith’s Tavern where the owner is a known criminal and it is customary for patrons to sit with weapons drawn and on the table.
Lilith’s Tavern where the owner is a known criminal and it is customary for patrons to sit with weapons drawn and on the table.
Jason Cordova Does that mean Codex Rapunzel (stress on the pun) or Slapstick are coming out soon? 😉
Jason Cordova Does that mean Codex Rapunzel (stress on the pun) or Slapstick are coming out soon? 😉
The Black Pudding, named after its signature dessert. Don’t ask for the recipe… Lit only by candlelight so you can’t identify the chunks.
The Black Pudding, named after its signature dessert. Don’t ask for the recipe… Lit only by candlelight so you can’t identify the chunks.
An upscale franchise at first blush, but hidden in the depths below patrons gamble away their lives at the tables and in the pits. Many a fool has lost it all to The Baker’s Daughter.
An upscale franchise at first blush, but hidden in the depths below patrons gamble away their lives at the tables and in the pits. Many a fool has lost it all to The Baker’s Daughter.
The Treasure Chest Tavern, where the walls are covered with the helmets, shields, or weapons of fallen adventurers, and it’s customary to rise your first cup to them, good luck to raise your last.
The Treasure Chest Tavern, where the walls are covered with the helmets, shields, or weapons of fallen adventurers, and it’s customary to rise your first cup to them, good luck to raise your last.
Bottom of the Barrel, serves the finest oatmeal stout. And if you can’t pay, they make you sell them your clothes. (Maybe save this for Codex – Silliness)
Bottom of the Barrel, serves the finest oatmeal stout. And if you can’t pay, they make you sell them your clothes. (Maybe save this for Codex – Silliness)
The Cliff’s Edge Tavern, where everyone in this mountain town think falling off the rail-less balcony is your own damn fault. Rivals and friends alike keep an arms length from each other.
The Cliff’s Edge Tavern, where everyone in this mountain town think falling off the rail-less balcony is your own damn fault. Rivals and friends alike keep an arms length from each other.
The Toad and Filth, dirt cheap and filled with the unwashed masses. A single lantern in the centre of the room casts ugly shadows along its grimy walls.
The Toad and Filth, dirt cheap and filled with the unwashed masses. A single lantern in the centre of the room casts ugly shadows along its grimy walls.
Codex – Silliness (Codex – Fools?) doesn’t come out until April 1st, I think.
Codex – Silliness (Codex – Fools?) doesn’t come out until April 1st, I think.
(Building on David’s) The Slippery Staircase, built on the top of a craggy outcropping south of town. Incredible view of the countryside from any table. The ascent is safe, but the descent (after libations) has claimed many ankles.
(Building on David’s) The Slippery Staircase, built on the top of a craggy outcropping south of town. Incredible view of the countryside from any table. The ascent is safe, but the descent (after libations) has claimed many ankles.
Slade Stolar I think Bottom of the Barrel is fine.
Slade Stolar I think Bottom of the Barrel is fine.
Mr. Whippentops, the classiest establishment this side of the purple peaks. Smell and taste are king and queen: drink fine wines and eat pastries blindfolded. Just don’t pretend you can’t see the bill.
Mr. Whippentops, the classiest establishment this side of the purple peaks. Smell and taste are king and queen: drink fine wines and eat pastries blindfolded. Just don’t pretend you can’t see the bill.
The Rusty Hook – Where the locals are salty sea dogs with dark tales from their voyages or at the very least a saucy sea shanty or two.
The Rusty Hook – Where the locals are salty sea dogs with dark tales from their voyages or at the very least a saucy sea shanty or two.
Keep your stein lid closed when not drinking at the Tainted Toad Tavern, or else one of the many brightly colored frogs on the walls and ceiling may find its way into your cup. A poisoner’s paradise.
Keep your stein lid closed when not drinking at the Tainted Toad Tavern, or else one of the many brightly colored frogs on the walls and ceiling may find its way into your cup. A poisoner’s paradise.
The Rising Phoenix Inn has twice burned down and been rebuilt. Spending a night in the inn is rumored to expedite one’s healing.
The Rising Phoenix Inn has twice burned down and been rebuilt. Spending a night in the inn is rumored to expedite one’s healing.
The Golden Onion – A huge tavern with seemingly endless corridors, private, function, side rooms and bars
The Golden Onion – A huge tavern with seemingly endless corridors, private, function, side rooms and bars
The Frowsty Barn, a converted church. All the frescoes and stained glass have been painted black. No tables, just benches.
The Frowsty Barn, a converted church. All the frescoes and stained glass have been painted black. No tables, just benches.
The Black Tomb – Floor to ceiling skulls with many origins collected over the years by the owner. The ambiance causes unease but if you’re looking for a practioner of the dark arts….
The Black Tomb – Floor to ceiling skulls with many origins collected over the years by the owner. The ambiance causes unease but if you’re looking for a practioner of the dark arts….
The Sparrow’s Sigh, a once lush and decadent establishment now moth-eaten and smelling of cold and dust. The proprietress will trade you a meal (+1 forward to str/con) for a kiss or tales of your adventures, but you’ll find it hard to leave in the morning (roll to resist debilitation).
The Sparrow’s Sigh, a once lush and decadent establishment now moth-eaten and smelling of cold and dust. The proprietress will trade you a meal (+1 forward to str/con) for a kiss or tales of your adventures, but you’ll find it hard to leave in the morning (roll to resist debilitation).
Pilgrims End – Home of the legendary Courtesan’s guild
Pilgrims End – Home of the legendary Courtesan’s guild
The Peerless Tar, where the best treacle-sweetened ales in all the world are served.
The Peerless Tar, where the best treacle-sweetened ales in all the world are served.
Kristen D Ah, The Sparrow’s Sigh. It’s a soft trap, the most dangerous kind.
Kristen D Ah, The Sparrow’s Sigh. It’s a soft trap, the most dangerous kind.
Argo’s Tavern, where the fare is common and the common tender is in coin, but Argo provides first class service to patrons who also bring him a severed hand for his collection.
Argo’s Tavern, where the fare is common and the common tender is in coin, but Argo provides first class service to patrons who also bring him a severed hand for his collection.
The Squat Tower
The strong cheap ale encourages many intoxicated patrons to fill this large single story building. This masks the secret passings of a select few who delve into the hidden multi-story basements unnoticed.
The Squat Tower
The strong cheap ale encourages many intoxicated patrons to fill this large single story building. This masks the secret passings of a select few who delve into the hidden multi-story basements unnoticed.
The Dusky Reprieve – Where the bed’s are soft, the door’s are sturdy, and you better shut up about everything else, got it?
The Dusky Reprieve – Where the bed’s are soft, the door’s are sturdy, and you better shut up about everything else, got it?
The Harlot Fortune – shockingly luxurious amongst the ruins of the war-torn Border Princes. Teeming with mercenaries who figure they’ll be dead tomorrow, so why not spend it all tonight?
The Harlot Fortune – shockingly luxurious amongst the ruins of the war-torn Border Princes. Teeming with mercenaries who figure they’ll be dead tomorrow, so why not spend it all tonight?
The townfolk simply know it as Marley’s because the sign has been missing for as long as most can remember. But faded painted on the front door reads, “Silas Marley, Innkeep and Undertaker.” It’s the only tavern around with its own cemetery.
The townfolk simply know it as Marley’s because the sign has been missing for as long as most can remember. But faded painted on the front door reads, “Silas Marley, Innkeep and Undertaker.” It’s the only tavern around with its own cemetery.
The Three Mice is a tavern for the blind; no lights are to be found inside and the furniture is bolted to the floor. If you have sight and visit this pub, make sure you say nothing to oust yourself, or they will oust you – by force!
The Three Mice is a tavern for the blind; no lights are to be found inside and the furniture is bolted to the floor. If you have sight and visit this pub, make sure you say nothing to oust yourself, or they will oust you – by force!
The Barking Lizard – Where the drinks are served quickly and the meat pies are best not investigated too thoroughly. Located equidistant from the local mortuary, taxidermist, rat catcher, and tannery, but surely that’s a coincidence
The Barking Lizard – Where the drinks are served quickly and the meat pies are best not investigated too thoroughly. Located equidistant from the local mortuary, taxidermist, rat catcher, and tannery, but surely that’s a coincidence
Red Tome – Grotesque sexual pleasures for the eyes and ears.
Red Tome – Grotesque sexual pleasures for the eyes and ears.
The Ticking Rat, where you never remember how you got there. David LaFreniere
The Ticking Rat, where you never remember how you got there. David LaFreniere
Daniel Fowler wow I hadn’t thought about that in a while. Nice
Daniel Fowler wow I hadn’t thought about that in a while. Nice
The Come-an-taket sits near the boarder of a proud and free land
The Come-an-taket sits near the boarder of a proud and free land
The Horney Elephant is known for its free refils.
The Horney Elephant is known for its free refils.
The Scruffler – The ale served here is all purchased cheap from other taverns in town when a tun starts to go bad.
The Scruffler – The ale served here is all purchased cheap from other taverns in town when a tun starts to go bad.
“The Blushing Butcher” an inn known to serve ‘exotic’ meats. Discerning patrons know to ask for the ‘other’ menu.
“The Blushing Butcher” an inn known to serve ‘exotic’ meats. Discerning patrons know to ask for the ‘other’ menu.
“The Headless Gnome” A large glass jar with the remains of a diminutive humanoid preserved in alcohol, sits atop the main bar of this bustling tavern. Tis said that to drink the liquor from the jar grants your darkest desires.
“The Headless Gnome” A large glass jar with the remains of a diminutive humanoid preserved in alcohol, sits atop the main bar of this bustling tavern. Tis said that to drink the liquor from the jar grants your darkest desires.
Sola Tenebris – where you can have a drink with a lost love who has died, and learn the secrets of the dead
Sola Tenebris – where you can have a drink with a lost love who has died, and learn the secrets of the dead
“The Satin Glove” A members club which can and will procure anything the patron desires. The price however, is equal to the pleasure.
“The Satin Glove” A members club which can and will procure anything the patron desires. The price however, is equal to the pleasure.
Manny’s House of Many Mamms: Where the goods are on display, the affection is negotiable, and everyone wears a corset!
Brothel for Slaking Intellectual Lusts: Books & scrolls line the corners, and quiet conversation abounds. Many fathers take their sons here to learn what it is to be a man, few are the wiser for it.
(Thanks to Planescape: Torment for those)
Manny’s House of Many Mamms: Where the goods are on display, the affection is negotiable, and everyone wears a corset!
Brothel for Slaking Intellectual Lusts: Books & scrolls line the corners, and quiet conversation abounds. Many fathers take their sons here to learn what it is to be a man, few are the wiser for it.
(Thanks to Planescape: Torment for those)
The Seedy Tavern
An underground tavern. Roots stretch from ceiling to floor. For those in the know, you can ask for the “seeds of creativity” and expand your mind.
The Seedy Tavern
An underground tavern. Roots stretch from ceiling to floor. For those in the know, you can ask for the “seeds of creativity” and expand your mind.
The Liver Flayer: Where everyone knows your name… and your history, why you’re here, and how uncomfortable you suddenly feel.
The Dryad’s Kiss: Sculpted living wood bends to make a intimate setting in the forest. It never appears in the same place twice, but the nymph’s crooning voice can lead you there.
Sun’s Oasis: Deep in an old crypt, the drinks were meant to keep the dead asleep for eternity. The shifting sand dunes and curse on the door keep only teetotalers away.
The Sotted Hat: Inspired by Baba Yega, only the magical, or most athletic of drunkards, can enter the chicken-legged bar. Try the Fireball, or perk up with a Lightning Bolt!
The Liver Flayer: Where everyone knows your name… and your history, why you’re here, and how uncomfortable you suddenly feel.
The Dryad’s Kiss: Sculpted living wood bends to make a intimate setting in the forest. It never appears in the same place twice, but the nymph’s crooning voice can lead you there.
Sun’s Oasis: Deep in an old crypt, the drinks were meant to keep the dead asleep for eternity. The shifting sand dunes and curse on the door keep only teetotalers away.
The Sotted Hat: Inspired by Baba Yega, only the magical, or most athletic of drunkards, can enter the chicken-legged bar. Try the Fireball, or perk up with a Lightning Bolt!
Circumstance – located at the end of a twisty road of large houses. If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.
Circumstance – located at the end of a twisty road of large houses. If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.
The bar man at “The Jailer’s Keys” knows some very creative people. people who can do most anything, to most anyone…
The bar man at “The Jailer’s Keys” knows some very creative people. people who can do most anything, to most anyone…
The Snake Eyes is a subterranean den where serpent men and nagas play dices and drink poisonous drinks wrapped in opium smoke
The Snake Eyes is a subterranean den where serpent men and nagas play dices and drink poisonous drinks wrapped in opium smoke
Saffire Rainbo I think most of us discovered rpg in our teens. It’s a time of aggresive hormone take-over. Depending on when we discovered the hobby, the available material may have been a bit old-school and thus not very progressive in its treatment of women. This may have created a few moments where women where used as fantasy objects. I do like to believe I’ve grown out of that bad habit but frankly the sexy temptress does still come around once in while. To my defense, women can and do have position of power and authority in my games… and not just the pretty ones! 😆😉
Saffire Rainbo I think most of us discovered rpg in our teens. It’s a time of aggresive hormone take-over. Depending on when we discovered the hobby, the available material may have been a bit old-school and thus not very progressive in its treatment of women. This may have created a few moments where women where used as fantasy objects. I do like to believe I’ve grown out of that bad habit but frankly the sexy temptress does still come around once in while. To my defense, women can and do have position of power and authority in my games… and not just the pretty ones! 😆😉
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: Mermen, Tritons, and Kua-Toa all gather at the finest bar under the sea. Just make sure to hold your breath if you decide to order.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: Mermen, Tritons, and Kua-Toa all gather at the finest bar under the sea. Just make sure to hold your breath if you decide to order.
Saffire Rainbo Is that a general admonition, or reference to a specific submission within the thread?
Saffire Rainbo Is that a general admonition, or reference to a specific submission within the thread?
Drinks are free at Candle Corner but you can not leave without abandoning something or someone…
Drinks are free at Candle Corner but you can not leave without abandoning something or someone…
Jason Cordova 3 or 300 dozen taverns?
Jason Cordova 3 or 300 dozen taverns?
The Three-Dozen: Opened by the three survivors of the last great skirmish of the war, both the living come to meet with the dead for that one last drink they promised.
The Three-Dozen: Opened by the three survivors of the last great skirmish of the war, both the living come to meet with the dead for that one last drink they promised.
Eadwin Tomlinson I’ll probably close the thread
shortly.
Eadwin Tomlinson I’ll probably close the thread
shortly.
The Dripping Empty is a nice clean tavern with no owner or employees. Locals know better then to shirk their tab or be rough with the furniture.
The Dripping Empty is a nice clean tavern with no owner or employees. Locals know better then to shirk their tab or be rough with the furniture.
Ferrell Riley now you’re just being meta!😵
Ferrell Riley now you’re just being meta!😵
Saffire Rainbo just in case it’s unclear when I wrote “creative people” for the Jailers keys I hinting at hurting people and not any sexual favors. I can see how that might read if you don’t know my role playing history with key rings
Saffire Rainbo just in case it’s unclear when I wrote “creative people” for the Jailers keys I hinting at hurting people and not any sexual favors. I can see how that might read if you don’t know my role playing history with key rings
Nice work, everyone! There are some really grim and fantastical places in here. I’m going to go ahead and close the thread.
Nice work, everyone! There are some really grim and fantastical places in here. I’m going to go ahead and close the thread.
Thread necromancy! I wanted to let everyone know we are currently raising money on KS to print a big, beautiful hardcover book collecting the first 13 issues of Codex. We’re doing a single print run of this book, and when those are all gone, that’s it! Many of you in this thread have miscellany submissions that made it into one of those early issues, and so you might be interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself. Of particular note is a discounted $35 pledge tier, which is perfect if you don’t care about getting the PDFs.
Even if you’re not interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself, it would be super lovely (and helpful!) if you would share the campaign in your circles.
As it turns out, I can’t actually share a link to the project in this comment because G+ flags such KS links as spam, but if you just go to Kickstarter and search “Codex” it pops right up, or search “Codex RPG” in Google.
Thanks!
Thread necromancy! I wanted to let everyone know we are currently raising money on KS to print a big, beautiful hardcover book collecting the first 13 issues of Codex. We’re doing a single print run of this book, and when those are all gone, that’s it! Many of you in this thread have miscellany submissions that made it into one of those early issues, and so you might be interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself. Of particular note is a discounted $35 pledge tier, which is perfect if you don’t care about getting the PDFs.
Even if you’re not interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself, it would be super lovely (and helpful!) if you would share the campaign in your circles.
As it turns out, I can’t actually share a link to the project in this comment because G+ flags such KS links as spam, but if you just go to Kickstarter and search “Codex” it pops right up, or search “Codex RPG” in Google.
Thanks!