Sleeping Giant Taphouse
At the far end of town sits run-down looking two-story tall tavern. The perimeter of the building features a covered wooden porch, and is accessible through sets of swinging saloon doors. The inside of the tavern is dimly lit and smells distinctly of stale-beer and roasting meet. The sets of tables are slightly sticky, and a surly looking dwarven woman nurses a tall pint of ale from behind the bar.
Purpose / Function
The Sleeping Giant serves as one of the two major social sites in Steppehaven, the other being the Stonehill Inn. It generally caters to a more rough and tumble patronage than the Stonehill Inn, and prior to the arrival of the Crimsons was a favorite spot for farmers and field hands to gather and share a few drinks at the end of the day. The Taphouse also offers rooms for boarding (at a relatively poor quality) and offers stabling for horses.
Architecture
The Sleeping Giant features a covered wooden porch circling around the front and sides of the building, accessible by a set of wooden steps. Past the porch, pushing through the swinging saloon-style doors opening up to the central room of the tavern, the space has been cleared to feature rows of tables and benches forming a large common dining area under a high arcing ceiling. The floor is made of ale-stained and slightly warped wooden boards which are faintly sticky. Against the far wall, behind a long bar that runs the length of the building, two large stone fireplaces heat the room and feature spits and cast iron pots roasting meat and simmering stew.
Defenses
The Sleeping Giant has no real defenses to speak of. Its only real defensive value comes from its outer porch, which is raised about six feet above ground level and surrounded with a low wooden railing, which can provide half cover and a somewhat elevated firing position, and are accessible only by the set of wooden steps leading up to them creating loose chokepoints.
Tourism
The Sleeping Giant has suffered in recent years due to a decline in the amount of trade trafficking the road through town, previously relying on traveling merchant caravans to make up the bulk of its patronage. In their absence, the Sleeping Giant's patronage shrank to include only a few farmers, field hands, and townsfolk. These patrons tend to be the townsfolk of poor reputation and drunkards who capitalize on the Grista's undiscerning nature and willingness to overlook most character faults as long as one is good for their tab. Generally at least one or two such individuals can be found in the tavern at all times, often deep in their cups or sleeping them off.
With the arrival of the Crimsons, the Sleeping Giant has welcomed an even more unsavory patronage, becoming the favored watering hole for the gang while in town. The gang uses the Sleeping Giant as a local base of operations within town, typically with at least two or three gang members lounging inside or on the porch, tethering their horses outside.
Type
Pub / Tavern / Restaurant
Parent Location
Owner
Characters in Location
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