The Elk’s Roost

Exterior

HE ELK’S ROOST INN is the largest building around the Lower Square of Sarbreenar. Its great bulk dominates the square and the height of its tower is only surpassed by the Obelisk of Beluar which it directly faces. The building’s black oaken beams and white front are always kept immaculately clean and outside hangs a beautifully painted inn sign depicting a peryton roosted in a giant nest in the branches of tree. Perytons are still sighted in the mountains around Sarbreenar but the origin of the inn’s name may come from the unusual stone tower where Elkar, the proprietor of the inn, lives. Its heavily carved balcony looks like a bird’s nest, perched on a treetop. [You can download the PDF of the maps which have been redrawn by Bill Howard]

The Lobby

Entering the Elk’s Roost leads you into a lobby with benches either side and hooks where wet clothes can be hung. Under the benches is an exotic collection of comfortable slippers which customers are welcome to use instead of their wet boots. This welcome is not for everyone. A sign warns visitors that ‘Goblinoids are not welcome in the Elk’s Roost!’. Elkar Forkbeard is a veteran of the devastating underground Battle of Deepfires which has left him with a bitter hatred of all orcs and goblins.

The Long Bar

Past the lobby is the massive Long Bar which extends Saloon Bars to the north and south wings. These bars are reached up three steps and are on railed off platforms so customers can look down on the throng below. These saloons are favourite haunts of the adventuring companies and the First Elven Light Dragonriders has exclusive use of one of these tables in the Southern Saloon. In the same bar is a mysterious rocking chair, known as ‘The Magician’s Seat’ which is never used by any customer. Elkar claims it was Elminster’s favourite seat when he frequented the area and it remains reserved for his use. Occasionally it has been seen to rock of its own volition!

The frontage of the Long Bar has windows which have a fine view over the Lower Square and the mound and Obelisk of Beluar. The tables along this wall are separated by wooden partitions that divide the area into snug booths which are often used for intimate conversations or romantic liaisons.

The middle of the floor space in the Long Bar is occupied by a scattering of round tables which are often moved to accommodate customers. These tables are closest to the counter of the bar itself. Perhaps for this reason one of these tables is the favourite of Gaff the Goatherd whose pungent aroma of ‘Eau de Goat’ is a nuisance to everyone. His tall stories often have their roots in the bottom of an ale glass. The bar itself is supervised by Ruff the Senior Barman. His slight frame and mild manner belies the fact that he is often the one who throws out troublesome customers. He can do this very efficiently. When business is slow he can often be seen chatting to unattached young women and he is known to be seeking a wife. When his friend, Sharandor Truesight the Ranger stops by town Ruff likes to catch up on the latest stories from around the region of Vast. Behind Ruff’s bar are many barrels and bottles. The Spirit of Krakov is sold here and the price is 1 Gold Lion per glass or 6 Gold Lions for a bottle. All customers except dwarves are warned of its potency. Supplies of drink come from the cellar which is only15 feet from the southern end of the bar.

Acting High Constable’s Office

The Elk’s Roost has a very pleasant private room for customers who need a place to talk without being overheard. Unfortunately that room is no longer available. It is currently being used as an office by Mandarellan de Smythe, the Acting High Constable for Sarbreenar.

Kitchens

The excellent food served in the Long Bar comes from the kitchens at the back of the inn. Lizbeth Forkbeard is the genius in the kitchen and she ensures that all the food is fresh and well flavoured with local herbs. She buys these fresh from Herbs ’N’ Spices, a local supplier. The kitchens have well stocked larders for dry goods, meat and for vegetables. A spit roast is continually turning and a small bread oven allows them to bake fresh bread each morning. The open fireplace usually has a cauldron of stew simmering away and this is no poor man’s gruel! Great dollops of meat and succulent dumplings float and bubble to the surface. Lizbeth holds that, ‘food should be simple, well cooked and nourishing, unlike that served by that fancy creme puff, Braneaux Le Roux’!

The Banqueting Hall (and sometimes Courtroom)

The Banqueting Hall is stonebuilt like all the ground level but its walls are lined with dark oak panelling. Old shields and many mounted heads of elk, deer and other horned creatures adorn the walls. Four massive chandeliers struggle to keep the room brightly lit but small table lanterns add a warm glow to all the diners’ faces. The top table is laid out in the shape of an inverted horseshoe and a series of long tables accommodate the other guests. The Elk’s Roost has a reputation for good food, served in generous helpings so the Banqueting Hall is a firm favourite for any celebrations. Lizbeth Forkbeard supervises the catering and serving arrangements. There is an anteroom from the kitchen which leads to the Banqueting Hall so that serving staff can swiftly line up the hot dishes ready to take to the tables. Elkar Forkbeard hires musicians and bards when required.

Sarbreenar has no purpose built courtroom so, the Banqueting Hall is also regularly used as the Courtroom for the Sarbreenar Judiciary. The hall seems to have a darker and more forbidding appearance on these occasions.

Elkar’s Tower

A strong stone tower is built into the Elk’s Roost close to the south west corner. It’s part of the original structure and adds strength to the building. During the attack of the humanoid army in 1371 DR, the tower served as a refuge for as many citizens as it could hold.

Elkar and Lizbeth Forkbeard have their private quarters here and it is a rare thing to be invited inside. It’s reported that Elkar and Lizbeth have a full suite of rooms here including a dining room, living room, study, trophy room and cloakroom. Food is sent from the kitchen at their orders. They are sometimes seen looking out over Sarbreenar from their balcony which runs partway around the attic level of their quarters.

First Floor Gallery

Staircases from North and South Saloon bars lead to a gallery where further tables are set aside for drinkers and diners. They have the pleasure of looking down on the hoypoloy in the Long Bar below.

The Great Ballroom

The Grand Staircase from the Long Bar leads up to the Great Ballroom where important festivals, marriages and anniversaries are celebrated. The Ballroom has a very high ceiling which spans two levels, so there is room for a minstrel gallery. This allows the revellers below maximum use of the floorspace while they enjoy the entertainment. A Ladies’ Powder Room and a Gentlemens Cloakroom are used by dancers who wish to preen themselves or to just take a breather between dances. The Great Ballroom is served by a small kitchen where serving staff can prepare dishes of delicacies and trays of freshly filled wine glasses.

First floor bedrooms

The rest of the first floor is given over to bedrooms where residents and visitors can hire a accommodation appropriate to their means. The rooms at the front of the inn are larger and command excellent views over the Lower Square. These also have the softest beds and some of them have a small balcony where you may take the air and sip a glass of wine or two with a close friend. These are the highest priced rooms. Mid priced rooms are of a good standard but the view is inferior. The lower priced rooms are smaller and look out over the stableyard, the well and backyard.

Attic level accommodation

These rooms are cramped and stuffy but they offer cheaper accommodation to those who still seek employment. Those at the front have a good view and are a little larger. For persons of very limited means, the communal sleeping area offers a roof, lots of body heat and lockers for valuables.

Backyard

The Elk’s Roost owns the nearby buildings which include a professionally run stable and the ‘Auld Well’, which is still in excellent working order.

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