Halfling Hearth Tea Room

The Halfling Hearth Tea Room was an eatery and establishment in Salisgrad that catered to adventurers and other travelers. It was run by the enigmatic Madame Elara Bramblefoot and her five daughters.

Architecture

Ground Floor - Tea Room and Dining Area

• The entrance opens into a cozy, warmly lit tea room, with wooden tables and cushioned chairs spread across the floor.
• A large, stone hearth dominates one side, providing warmth and a welcoming ambiance.
• The serving counter and kitchen are at the back, with an array of teapots and baked goods on display.
• Stairs near the kitchen lead to the upper floors.

First Floor - Private Guest Rooms

• Four quaint, comfortably furnished guest rooms, each with a unique theme reflecting different aspects of nature: "The Forest Room," "The River Room," "The Mountain Room," and "The Meadow Room."
• Each room is equipped with a comfortable bed, a small writing desk, a wardrobe, and a window overlooking the tea house garden or the city streets.

Second Floor - Common Bunkroom

• A large, open room with multiple bunk beds, each with a small locker for personal belongings.
• The bunkroom is designed for budget travelers or larger adventuring parties, offering a comfortable and communal sleeping arrangement.

Interior Decorations

• The walls are adorned with tapestries and paintings of pastoral scenes and fantastical landscapes.
• Shelves and cabinets display various curiosities: small magical trinkets, exotic spices in glass jars, and miniature sculptures of mythical creatures.
• Hanging plants and small potted trees bring a touch of nature indoors, some of them subtly enchanted to change colors or emit a gentle glow.
• The hearth is surrounded by hand-carved wooden mantels, featuring scenes of halfling folklore and legends.
• Each table has a small, magical centerpiece that emits a soft, soothing light, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

History

The Halfling Hearth Tea Room was established almost a century ago by Eldon Bramblefoot, a halfling adventurer-turned-innkeeper. After years of wandering and exploring the realms, Eldon sought to create a place that combined the warmth of a halfling home with the excitement of an adventurer's haven. He chose Salisgrad for its diverse population and strategic location, making it an ideal spot for a gathering place for travelers from all walks of life. When he passed, his daughter Elara took control of the Tea Room, and she continues to run it to this day with her five daughters.
Significant events in the history of the Halfling Hearth Tea Room include:

• The Treaty of Three Swords: Decades ago, the tea room hosted a secret meeting that led to the signing of the Treaty of Three Swords, a peace agreement between three warring guild factions in the city. It is said that the deal was sealed with a cup of Ebonhand Spiced Chai tea.
• The Night of Falling Stars: A celestial event that occurs once every fifty years became a major festival at the tea room. Eldon turned the tea house’s garden into a viewing spot for this astronomical spectacle, drawing crowds across the city.
• The Great Fire of Salisgrad: When Prince Eli Ebonhand retook Dravograd and ousted the sitting warlord, a fire ravaged part of the city. The tea room served as a refuge and aid station. The Bramblefoot family’s efforts during this crisis earned them widespread respect and gratitude. Even Prince Eli Ebonhand himself thanked them for their efforts.

Tourism

The Halfling Hearth Tea Room Menu 

Teas Meadow Blossom Brew - A light, floral tea with hints of lavender and chamomile. Price: 2 silver pieces Misty Mountain Blend - A robust black tea with a smoky flavor, perfect for chilly mornings. Price: 3 silver pieces Riverbank Mint Infusion - Refreshing mint tea with a zesty twist of lemon. Price: 2 silver pieces Ebonhand Spice Chai (always recommended) - A spicy, invigorating blend with cinnamon and clove, honoring Salisgrad's ruler. Price: 4 silver pieces Elara’s Special Herbal Mix - A soothing, healthful tea mixed with rare herbs, Madame Elara’s secret recipe. Price: 5 silver pieces
Appetizers Stuffed Mushroom Caps - Filled with cheese and herbs. Price: 3 silver pieces Savory Cheese and Fruit Plate - A selection of local cheeses and seasonal fruits. Price: 4 silver pieces
Main Courses Halfling-style Beef Pie - Tender beef with root vegetables in a flaky crust. Price: 7 silver pieces Honey-Glazed Chicken Skewers - Grilled with a sweet and tangy glaze. Price: 6 silver pieces Garden Vegetable Quiche - Made with fresh, locally sourced vegetables. Price: 5 silver pieces
Desserts Bramblefoot Berry Crumble - Mixed berries with a crumbly topping. Price: 4 silver pieces Sweet Cream Puffs - Delicate and filled with rich cream. Price: 3 silver pieces
Rare Specialty (Very Expensive) Dragon's Breath Tea - A legendary tea blend infused with a rare herb that is said to be warmed by a dragon's flame. Known for its unique, fiery taste and invigorating properties. Served in a special cup that keeps the tea at a perfect temperature. Price: 50 gold pieces

Lodging

Common Bunkroom Bed Rental This would be the more economical option, suitable for travelers on a budget or adventurers looking for a simple place to rest. Price: Approximately 5 silver pieces per night. This rate includes a bed in the communal bunkroom with access to shared facilities.
Private Room Rental Each private room offers more comfort and privacy, possibly with thematic decorations and additional amenities like a private washbasin or a small sitting area. Price: Ranges from 10 to 15 silver pieces per night, depending on the room's size and amenities.

Events

The Halfling Hearth Tea Room, with its unique charm and offerings, provides a variety of activities and attractions for adventurers and tourists, making it a must-visit destination in Salisgrad:
Tasting Events and Tea Ceremonies: Regularly hosted events where guests can sample a variety of teas, including some rare blends, and learn about their origins, brewing methods, and cultural significance.
Storytelling Evenings: Special evenings where local bards and storytellers entertain guests with tales of adventure, folklore, and the history of Salisgrad. These could occasionally include firsthand stories from adventurers themselves.
Board Games and Puzzles: A selection of games and puzzles available for patrons to enjoy, encouraging social interaction and a bit of friendly competition. Some of the games include:

• Dragon Chess: A complex, strategy-based board game similar to chess but with fantasy elements and pieces like dragons, wizards, and knights.
• Three-Dragon Ante: A popular card game involving elements of chance, strategy, and bluffing, themed around dragons and their hoards.
• Runestone Riddles: A puzzle game involving magical runestones, where players solve riddles or patterns to win.

The Adventurer's Board

The Adventurer's Board at the Halfling Hearth Tea Room serves as a central hub for adventurers and patrons seeking quests, information, or companions. The board is prominently displayed in the common area of the tea room, easily accessible and visible to all patrons. It is a large wooden bulletin board, artistically crafted with carvings symbolizing adventure and exploration.
Quest Postings: Individuals or organizations in need of adventurers' services post their requests on the board. These could range from simple tasks like escort missions or item retrieval to more complex quests like monster hunting or exploring ancient ruins.
Information Exchange: The board also serves as a place for sharing information, like maps of uncharted areas, tips about recent sightings of rare creatures, or news about happenings in and around Salisgrad.
Seeking Companions: Adventurers looking to form or join parties for specific missions or journeys post notices seeking companions with desired skills or interests.
Madame Elara or her staff oversee the board, ensuring that postings are current and relevant. They also vet the postings for legitimacy to a certain extent. For a small fee, one could post a request or advertisement on the board, ensuring some level of maintenance and orderliness.

Type

Cafe / Tearoom

Parent Location

Salisgrad