Golden Oak Tavern
Owner: Edris Velthorne
Location: University City
Nestled in the heart of University City, Golden Oak Tavern stands as a lively and inviting establishment, popular among scholars, travelers, and locals alike. With its blend of rustic charm and arcane flair, the tavern has become a go-to spot for those seeking both a warm drink and an intriguing experience.
Exterior & Ambiance
The tavern's exterior is a modest stone building with a large, intricately-carved wooden door and a sign shaped like an oak leaf, gilded in gold to catch the sunlight. Ivy climbs the stone walls, adding an air of age and tradition to the establishment. The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and occasional arcane hums can often be heard spilling out of the tavern's open windows as evening sets in.
Upon entering, the first thing you notice is the rich, earthy scent of oak wood mixed with a faintly magical aroma that seems to always linger in the air. The tavern’s décor combines both classic woodwork and magical elements—oak beams stretch across the ceiling, enchanted to shift in hue with the seasons, giving the space a natural, warm glow.
The Bar
The long bar dominates the main room, gleaming with polished wood. Behind the bar, Edris Velthorne, the tavern’s eccentric owner, works his magic. A master of both the arcane and the art of bartending, he is known to juggle his liquor bottles mid-air, never missing a beat. His flair for creating unique, arcane-infused concoctions is unmatched in the city. Edris is always experimenting with new magical elements—perhaps a shot of firefly essence or a dash of ethereal mist that makes each drink feel more like a spell than a mere beverage. Patrons often come for the cocktails, but stay for the spectacle of Edris's bartending acrobatics.
The Quiet Corner
To the side of the bar, away from the bustle of conversation and laughter, there’s a quiet corner by a roaring fireplace. Soft, plush couches surround the hearth, offering guests a cozy space to unwind. The flickering flames seem to dance with an almost hypnotic rhythm, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. This corner is a favorite of patrons who wish to sip their drinks in solitude or have quiet conversations away from the tavern’s lively center.
Rooms for Rent
Off the east side of the tavern, a narrow hallway leads to several small, private rooms available for rent. These rooms offer travelers a peaceful night’s rest, each furnished simply but comfortably with soft beds and warm lighting. The rooms are kept meticulously clean, and a small magical charm ensures that each one is always stocked with fresh linens and a light, calming fragrance. Some rooms have arcane-infused windows that open to reveal picturesque views of the city skyline or the distant hills, adding a touch of magic to the stay. Typically the cost is around 5-15 gold a night per room.
Arcane Drinks & Specialties
Golden Oak is especially known for its arcane-infused drinks, each one a unique blend of magical ingredients that provide more than just the usual buzz. Some of the drinks might grant short bursts of enhanced focus, others may imbue the drinker with a calming aura, and a few even have whimsical side effects, like making the drinker’s voice echo with soft musical notes or causing the liquid to shimmer with light. Edris has an extensive list of regulars who return for his "Frostleaf Fizz" or "Elemental Elixirs", drinks that combine traditional flavors with enchanted twists.
In addition to drinks, the tavern also serves simple, hearty meals, perfect for a night out. Some say the stews are especially good for curing a hangover—though, of course, Edris insists his drinks never cause such a thing.
Overall Vibe
The Golden Oak Tavern blends the traditional with the mystical, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for conversation, relaxation, and a bit of magic. Whether you're an adventurer seeking refuge, a scholar looking for inspiration, or a local just unwinding after a long day, Golden Oak offers a one-of-a-kind experience in University City. Edris’s talent, both for bartending and for infusing magic into his drinks, ensures that this tavern remains a beloved and unforgettable spot for all who visit.
Drinks:
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ale (Small) | A hearty, locally brewed ale that’s light and refreshing. | 3 sp |
| Ale (Large) | A stronger, darker version of the tavern’s ale, with a richer flavor. | 5 sp |
| Mead | A sweet, honey-infused drink that gives a smooth, warm feeling. | 8 sp |
| Cider | A sweet apple cider with a tangy kick, perfect for a light refreshment. | 6 sp |
| Wine (House Red) | A robust, full-bodied red wine that pairs well with hearty meals. | 1 gp |
| Wine (House White) | A crisp, clean white wine with a floral bouquet and refreshing taste. | 1 gp |
| Spiced Wine | A warm red wine with cinnamon, cloves, and other spices, perfect for a cold evening. | 2 gp |
| Fruit Punch | A sweet, chilled fruit punch mixed with fresh seasonal fruits. | 2 gp |
| Golden Oak Special | The tavern’s signature drink—an aromatic blend of whiskey and honey, topped with a citrus twist. | 3 gp |
| Elven Elixir | A bright, green elixir with a faint magical tingle, known for boosting energy. | 5 gp |
| Firewater | A strong, fiery liquor that burns on the way down but warms the body instantly. | 7 gp |
| Dwarven Stout | A thick, rich stout with hints of chocolate and coffee, brewed in the dwarven tradition. | 8 gp |
| Golden Oak Whiskey | A top-shelf whiskey made from local grains and aged for smoothness. | 10 gp |
| Elvenwine | A refined, aged wine from the fabled vineyards of the Elven Kingdom. Perfect for special occasions. | 20 gp |
Food:
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bread & Butter | Freshly baked bread served with salted butter, perfect for a quick snack. | 3 sp |
| Stew (Vegetable) | A hearty vegetable stew made with root vegetables and a savory broth. | 5 sp |
| Stew (Meat) | A meaty stew with tender cuts of beef or lamb, simmered in a rich broth. | 1 gp |
| Roast Chicken | A tender, slow-roasted chicken served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. | 2 gp |
| Pork Belly | Crispy, succulent pork belly with a honey glaze, served with mashed potatoes. | 3 gp |
| Grilled Fish | Freshly grilled fish, served with lemon and herbs, and a side of wild rice. | 4 gp |
| Braised Beef | Tender braised beef in a rich gravy, served with sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes. | 5 gp |
| Fried Potato Wedges | Crispy, golden potato wedges served with a spicy dipping sauce. | 3 gp |
| Cheese Platter | A selection of local cheeses served with crackers and fresh fruit. | 4 gp |
| Mushroom Pie | A savory mushroom and cream pie, baked to a golden crust, served with a side of greens. | 5 gp |
| Sausage & Mash | A traditional dish with grilled sausages served over mashed potatoes with gravy. | 6 gp |
| Roast Boar | A tender, slow-roasted boar, served with vegetables and a rich wine reduction. | 7 gp |
| Hunter’s Stew | A rich, gamey stew made with venison, wild boar, and root vegetables. | 8 gp |
| Apple Tart | A sweet apple tart served warm, topped with whipped cream. | 2 gp |
| Honeycakes | A tray of golden, soft honeycakes drizzled with warm honey and dusted with powdered sugar. | 3 gp |
| Golden Oak Feast | A large feast for two, with roasted meats, vegetables, potatoes, and bread—perfect for sharing. | 15 gp |
| Chocolate Soufflé | A rich, decadent chocolate soufflé served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | 5 gp |
| Tavern’s Special Pie | A meat or vegetable pie with a flaky golden crust, served hot and savory. | 6 gp |
Specialties:
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Oak Full Breakfast | A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and a cup of warm cider. | 4 gp |
| Midnight Snack Platter | A late-night snack plate with cheese, cured meats, fruit, and nuts. | 5 gp |
| Drunken Ribs | Slow-cooked ribs marinated in a special tavern sauce and served with fries. | 8 gp |
| Specialty Bread Basket | A basket of freshly baked bread, including sourdough, rye, and multigrain, served with herb butter. | 6 gp |