The Bronze Countess
Artful Food, Tasteful Decoration
"Whether it's food, drink, or music that calls you to the Countess, you'll never be disappointed."Nestled in between a series of taller buildings, The Bronze Countess hides behind a tiny refuge of trees and flower beds. If you make your way down the stone path and up the steps, you find yourself in an austere entrance with cool stone floors and vivid red seating. A host greets you from behind a desk and informs you of any availability for the restaurant. Regulars often give a quick nod as they pass by and head straight for the bar where seating is less of a concern. The air is constantly filled with the faint aroma of savory spices and the trilling hum of music, muted by stone. Laughter pairs with the stoic art that covers the walls as hearty meals are served with refreshing drinks. The Countess is a place of delicate balance, enough art to be flavorful but not enough to be tacky. Fine foods in the same menu as simple stews and chowders that can be paired with delicate wines or gut-busting corn liquors. It is a wonderful fine-dining experience. It is drinking competitions. The Bronze Countess welcomes all with a penchant for experience, and she will leave none wanting.
-Sigismund Dun
Purpose / Function
Originally built as an art gallery called Our Gilded Lady, the building proudly hosted artwork from all over Asuryon and beyond for 116 years until the gallery owners purchased a larger building closer to the center of the city. Over the years, smaller galleries attempted to claim the space with limited to no success until it lay empty and abandoned. Even as it gathered dust, it drew art and beauty as passing minstrels and starving artists called the space their home. The stunning murals stayed intact by virtue of being out of reach, but the walls and accessories were victims of passionate redecoration for years until the original architecture was lost under layers of paint and wallpaper.
It was reclaimed by Nerein Gloomhallow, a former transient who saw the potential in the building. He hired those living there, many of his old friends, to work on cleaning it up and restoring the original features to their former glory. After months of labor, it was complete; every inch was sparkling and fully furnished. With fires roaring and tables waiting, Nerein opened the doors to his new eatery.
The name The Bronze Countess was contrived because of the bronze statue that overlooks the entrance. The likeness is not of any known figure, and no signature remains on the work, but the artists and musicians who stayed and performed inside its walls would pay homage to the 'Bronze Countess' and thank her for shelter and good company.
In homage to its roots, the restaurant features a central stage with plenty of space to perform for those who are eating. After a time it has become understood that if you play for the restaurant, you play gentle instrumentals. Across the way, in the tavern, it's not unheard of for a few intrepid bards to set up in the corner and play their more bawdy limericks for coin or a free drink.
Although not as decorated as a proper gallery, the walls of the Countess display pieces of local artists. They are all for sale, and on constant rotation as new works come in and old ones find permanent homes.
Alterations
The Kitchen
The kitchen was remodeled from the old kiln room where pottery was made and repaired. The old clay firing ovens were removed, and using the same connections Nerein installed stoves and ovens. The central space where pieces were placed to cool became staging and preparation.
The Bar
The bar area was converted from the Antiquities section, filled with warm woods like red oak lacquered against age to provide a comfortable atmosphere. The tables, chairs, and bar were created from the leftover lumber in the back from an unfinished art installation.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room was the Main Gallery, and Nerein took advantage of the neat wooden floors to accent them with ornate tables and ornate chairs. The alcove was initially for Magnum Opus pieces but has since been converted to a stage for performers to fill the room with song.
Architecture
The stone brickwork is the same as the rest of the outer city, durable and practical. The building itself is built for practicality but it includes stylish colonnade, wrought designs, and statuettes reminiscent of the Beaux-Arts style.
The structural walls are built out of a light-gray quartzite mined from the distant quarries to the north bordering the Burning Lands. Each doorhead features a small carved face or pair of small statues. The outer walls include built-in pillars and gargoyles, with larger statues adorning the roof.
All of the doors are made of cedar to take advantage of its natural resistance to warping and moisture damage, and its fragrant aroma that is both pleasing to the senses and a natural insect repellant.
Defenses
Windows
Each window has internal wooden shutters that can be closed, locked, and barred. These are closed every night and opened every morning by their respective crews.Doors
Each door is made of thick cedar planks reinforced with iron bands. All external doors have locks and can be barred from the inside.History
- 895 - Founding as The Bronze Countess
- 911 - "The Pudding Incident" causes The Countess to close for 4 weeks for clean-up and investigation.
- 937 - Nerein replaced the tavern flooring and replaced it with stone tiling for easier mopping. Regular patrons staged a protest to bring back the red oak.
- 977 - A group of arsonists attempted to burn the building down as part of a crime spree, but were thwarted by a handful of waitresses who were cleaning up after hours.
- 1020 - Regular became the new owner after the founder retired.
- 1021 - A workplace strike was called after Regular implemented a two-drink limit for employees. After three days, workplace drinking returned to normal levels.
Tourism
People who visit The Basilica will inevitably make their way through to the eatery, whether for a quick drink or for a good meal. Every day the building is stuffed to capacity, with plenty of people waiting in the main lobby or out in the garden for a chance to grab a seat. Its nearby location to a a string of inns makes it the perfect place for stoppers-by to visit, and many traders, merchants, and mercenaries will include The Bronze Countess as part of their itinerary for their stay in the capital.
Hours of Operation:
| Weekday | Hours |
|---|---|
| Suneday | 9 AM - 11 PM |
| Gonday | 10 AM - 2 AM |
| Tormday | 10 AM - 2 AM |
| Waukeenday | 10 AM - 2 AM |
| Mielday | 10 AM - 2 AM |
| Ilmday | 10 AM - 2 AM |
| Lathanday | 9 AM - 2 AM |
Founding Date
895
Alternative Names
The Countess, The Bronze, The Gallery
Type
Pub / Tavern / Restaurant
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Wow! This is one extensive list of meals and beverages! And the map is very cute. I would like to know a little bit about the people working there though.
I think this is an excellent idea, it's definitely on my to-do list, I'll make sure to add it!