In the AD&DŽ game world, there are always times when traveling adventurers must stop and rest for the night in a city away from home. Inns provide lodging for the adventurers, and taverns provide meals and an opportunity to mingle with the local people.
All inns and taverns differ in their own ways; each always gives adventurers a unique setting. However, the quality of these establishments may range from poor to excellent. This article provides definitions of typical inns and taverns (rated by quality) and suggested fees for their services. This information should not be considered adamant, and the DM is encouraged to expand and modify it as his campaign commands. Judgment should also be used as to the availability of foods in various regions (e.g., seafood is not available in a desert).
Some inns also have lounges and dining facilities. These areas are usually smaller than those of an actual tavern and are a direct part of the inn. The majority of the patrons in these areas are occupants of the inn rather than local people.
One possible way to use this information is to key the inns and taverns shown on large city maps with an initial ("I" for inns and "T" for taverns) and a number of stars appropriate to the establishment's quality. This shorthand system would help spur-of-the-moment traveling in urban areas.
One-star inns *
One-star inns are typically located off dirt roads and alleys in the seedier parts of cities and large towns; they are not found in places of smaller population that could not support their poor quality. One-star inns are usually one-story buildings of light wood construction, with straw used to cover dirt floors. In rainy seasons, most such roofs leak. These inns have 3-6 small rooms that can comfortably accommodate up to two men each, using floor mats for beds and leaving minimal space for their gear. The rooms usually have barred windows or shutters but no curtains or glass. The doors rarely have locks, but it is common for them to have at least a slide or hook latch. Given the dark deeds often planned and done in such rooms, one would wonder at the lack of security -- but the dangers of the neighborhood discourage all intruders but the most ruthless.
One-star inns are commonly named after the owner/manager who lives there (e.g., Old Ben's Inn). The owners of these establishments tend to be rude fighter-types or thieves who speak in gruff tones and enjoy picking fights with guests. They demand payment before giving lodging for the night; anyone who can pay is allowed to stay.
These inns never have restaurants or lounges, although they are frequently found near seedy taverns and gambling houses. Fights and drunkenness are prevalent here, and sleeping is uncomfortable due to the constant noise.
Two-star inns **
Two-star inns are generally found on main roads in poor sections of towns and in most poor villages. These inns can have two stories but usually have but one, with a total of 5-10 sleeping rooms. Each room provides plenty of space for two men and gear; three men would be slightly cramped. The beds are straw mattresses; the doors and windows all have locks. The windows are usually barred and have shutters or curtains but no glass.
These inns have wooden floors. Usually, an all-night bar is built into the building. In general, these inns are of fair quality, but it is the associated bar that brings down the inn's credibility. No meals are served, and many drifters and thieves frequent these places. The storage of the drinks is only fair, so with every drink there is a 1% cumulative chance of contracting some gastrointestinal disease.
The owners of two-star inns are rarely seen, and a manager and a bartender are often the only employees. These two people have good chances of overhearing conversations and are generally excellent sources of rumors and information, although they must usually be bribed. Two-star inns are generally named after unusual creatures in an attempt to bring some class to the inn (e.g., The Golden Toad Inn). Barroom fights are common nightly events in major cities and can be expected. The rooms in the inn provide fair sleeping quarters, although a low murmur of barroom activity can always be heard.
Three-star inns ***
Three-star inns are located in wealthy towns and in the moderate to rich sections of cities. These inns are two-story buildings that have sleeping quarters on the upper levels, and storage rooms, employee rooms, a lounge, and a bar on the lower level. These establishments are wellconstructed buildings made of wood and stone that have 10-20 rooms for guests and 3-5 employee rooms.
The guest rooms are usually outfitted with three beds of straw and feathers, and plenty of room for the gear of three men. These rooms usually have two windows with shutters, and the doors all have double locks. Some rooms have a table or a desk with some chairs. Employee rooms are of similar quality. For additional fees, guests may purchase storage closets or stables for their horses (most of the inns have stables, but no horse meals or stable keepers are available).
These inns are run by managers who generally have quarters on the lower level. Three-star inn managers are well paid and value their positions. They tend to be relatively polite and generally helpful to travelers.
Three-star inns generally house their lounges on the ground floor; the lounges are usually of good quality. A bartender, barmaid, and cook are in charge of service and maintenance of these areas. On some evenings, local or traveling minstrels entertain in the lounge. Light meals are served twice daily, and both the lounge and bar close down for the late evening and morning hours.
These inns are quality establishments that quietly and efficiently serve their purpose. For this, they are usually named after peaceful natural events (e.g., The Falling Rain Inn) or other appealing features (e.g., The Covered Bridge Inn).
Four-star inns ****
Four-star inns are only found in very wealthy sections of large cities. They are often tall and multileveled (2-4 stories) buildings of stone construction, with oak floors and furnishings. Each level has up to a dozen rooms, with each room accommodating up to four men.
The rooms are large and are often furnished with four feather mattresses, one table, several chairs, and a desk. These rooms are painted, and most are decorated with artwork and plants. The doors have single locks, and the windows all have curtains as well as shutters (some have glass).
Four-star inns are associated with restaurants and stables, which are usually under separate ownership and generally offer their services for substantial prices. The inns also offer services such as night guards, storage rooms, armor cleaning, weapon repair, blacksmithing, and the use of a library. The inns are staffed by a head manager and several cleaning boys who clean rooms and attend to guests' needs. The inns also have staffs of guards for security; these guards also act as bouncers for the drinking areas. Only the wealthy, royalty, and local heroes are given lodging in these inns, as others aren't permitted onto the premises. These inns' names reflect this upper-class orientation (e.g., The King's Arms).
The associated dining halls are usually of the highest quality, featuring nightly entertainment and a full menu. These restaurants are generally not restricted to inn guests, although they do limit entrance to a high standard of patronage.
This section details the services mentioned in Table 2, Inn Service Prices. Nearly all workers mentioned here are zero-level humans who wear no armor and carry no (or minimal) weaponry.
Armor repair: Small dents and nicks in armor can be repaired, and armor can be cleaned and oiled. The charge is per suit. Large repairs are referred to the local armorer.
Blacksmith: Most metallic items can be repaired. Any construction is referred to the local weapon maker. Charges are assessed per item. Horseshoeing is also available at the cost of two items.
Guide: This employee of the inn takes patrons to various spots around the city or town. Under no circumstances will the guide leave the city or town, and in some very large cities, the guide will not leave the area in which the inn is located. Charges are assessed per three hours of guidance.
Horse grooming: This service bathes and removes ticks from a horse, and is only offered if stables for the night are purchased.
Horse meal: Feed for a horse accompanying one night's stay is provided.
Laundry: Overnight cleaning of basic clothing is done; leather is referred to the local leather shop. Charge is per laundry load.
Library: This is a small collection of books and scrolls on subjects concerning the locale. There is a 5% chance that a local historian (perhaps a sage) is present. The charge is for three hours of use; the books and scrolls may not be removed from the room.
Messenger: This person will carry a written or verbal message to a designated person anywhere within the confines of the city or town (or neighborhood if the city is very large). Charge is per message per person.
Night guard: This is a zero-level, lightly armed guard who will watch the patrons' room to insure no unlawful entry occurs. The night guard can also be hired to guard a patron's storage closet. Charge is for one night's work.
Stable: This is shelter for one night for a patron's horse.
Storage closet: This is a 5'-high, 3'-wide, 2'-deep closet of oak construction with a strong lock. Charge is for one month's storage; materials left after one month are taken or auctioned.
Weapon repair: Weapons are sharpened and cleaned. Major repairs are referred to a local weapon maker. The charge is per weapon.
One-star tavern *
A person is taking a large risk by patronizing a tavern of this caliber if he is not a regular patron. These taverns are generally small and are located in the poorer sections of a city. Rarely are they found in small towns, villages, or hamlets where they would be the only tavern.
These buildings are often decrepit, and the insides of the establishments are always dirty. The ventilation is very poor. It would not be uncommon to find dogs scavenging for the scraps that are habitually thrown on the floor. The food and drink are so poor that anyone consuming food has a 2% cumulative chance of contracting food poisoning; any drink gives a 2% cumulative chance of gastrointestinal disease.
Although the food and drink are awful, these taverns are usually packed with people at night. Most of these people, however, are of ill repute; thieves, assassins, and such abound. Foreigners are treated with hostility. Knowledge of the presence of foreigners in such places spreads rapidly through the unlawful side of the community. Drunken brawls are regular occurrences, and not much is done to stop them.
Two-star tavern **
These common taverns are found in most settlements. In a small town or village, a two-star tavern is likely the only tavern. These buildings are often old but well kept. Inside is a warm, fresh atmosphere with modest furnishings. The food and drink are of considerable quantity and reasonable quality; however, variety is limited. Nightly entertainment is usually provided by local musicians or other local artists; occasionally, a group of traveling minstrels appears.
Two-star taverns are generally operated by a family; as a result, service is often personable and friendly. Two-star taverns are frequented by most of the local people, which keeps the activity levels high during the nighttime operating hours. Strangers in these areas are noticed, but are not necessarily treated with hostility.
Fights between drunken patrons can be expected to erupt, but the tavern owners do not permit it and act quickly to move the fight outside. Any damage to the furnishings of two-star taverns are to be paid for by those responsible.
Three-star taverns ***
Found in large towns and the wealthier sections of cities, three-star taverns provide excellent meals. These establishments are finely constructed and well kept. These taverns are usually quite large and often have stables which provide cover for patrons' steeds. Inside the tavern, the lighting is good, and the furniture neatly arranged. During the winter, a large fire will be burning, keeping the place adequately warm.
The patrons of three-star taverns are usually wealthy merchants, various city officials, adventurers, and any others with money to spend. The tavern owners usually work behind the bar and have a host of employees to serve patrons. A wide selection of food and drink are available, all of excellent quality. A large amount of information can be found in taverns of these sorts, especially information about outlying areas of which the merchants know.
Drunken patrons are politely asked to leave and are escorted outside. Fights are rare, and unruly guests are usually handled by the town guards, with whom the tavern owners are usually on good terms.
Four-star taverns ****
These taverns are only found in very large cities, and they are very rare. These structures are often small, multileveled, and constructed of the best materials. Often, these taverns are set off from the nearest road, are surrounded by a wellkept flower garden, and have elaborate furnishings.
Inside on the first level is a lounge, with the upper levels reserved for dining. The lounge furnishings are of the finest quality, and many decorations and artwork enhance this area. There is a stage for minstrels who play nightly. Both the food and drink are excellent. Four-star taverns often feature a full bar with several servers and barmaids. There is usually some form of high-stakes gambling conducted here among the wealthy.
Upstairs, in the restaurant, are many tables for both large parties and single diners, a full kitchen staff, and a complete menu. It is possible to order very exotic foods and drinks, although for a substantial price.
These taverns are often family owned but operated by employees of that family. Always well respected in the community, these families have usually operated their taverns for many generations. Service is excellent and always friendly. Normally, only the wealthy and royalty are allowed in these taverns, and all weapons are checked at the door. Public drunkenness laws are strictly observed here. These taverns are always a good opportunity to mix with the elite of the community.
