I’d like to do some crowdsourcing for the Miscellany in Codex – Darkness.

I’d like to do some crowdsourcing for the Miscellany in Codex – Darkness.

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.”

164 thoughts on “I’d like to do some crowdsourcing for the Miscellany in Codex – Darkness.”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. “The Drawn Daggers” Within its dark smokey interior, exotic and alien beings sit in small groups, drinking and speaking in unfamiliar tongues.

  6. “The Drawn Daggers” Within its dark smokey interior, exotic and alien beings sit in small groups, drinking and speaking in unfamiliar tongues.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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)

  26. 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)

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. (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.

  30. (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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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….

  36. 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….

  37. 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).

  38. 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).

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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?

  44. 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?

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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!

  48. 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!

  49. 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

  50. 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

  51. “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.

  52. “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.

  53. 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)

  54. 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)

  55. 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!

  56. 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!

  57. 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! 😆😉

  58. 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! 😆😉

  59. 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.

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

  63. 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

  64. 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

  65. 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!

  66. 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!

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