Bullseye Pool Hall Building / Landmark in Lockard-verse | World Anvil

Bullseye Pool Hall

The Bullseye is just off a major thoroughfare and visible from the highway that feeds into town a few miles away. It’s a run-down two-story building with a wrap-around front porch that seems to belong on a more Southernly designed house. A parking lot stretches along the side closest to the access road and tapers into extra parking on roughly-maintained gravel. Two big oak trees are planted just behind the house and their branches loom over the roof, reminding Ace that he really needs to trim those things back before they drop limbs on the place. The entrance off the parking lot brings guests into a tavern atmosphere with five free-standing tables with chairs and three booths along one wall. A long bar extends from the entrance all the way to the back of the building and is bright with varieties of alcohol and more than a few potent magical tinctures. A half-height divider wall separates the tavern area from the pool hall, which features two full-sized pool tables and casual seating for spectators along the walls. Some of these are built right into the wall, including Alley’s favorite spot, which is almost more like a reading nook than a bench. Near the far end of the bar is another exit door, which also leads to the external stairs leading to the second floor. On the second floor are four medium-sized rooms built as studio apartments (bathroom, kitchenette, sitting room with a bed alcove). Behind the bar is a kitchen area which services the tavern with standards like cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings and other fried delights. When Ace is around, the burgers are really good. Otherwise, they’re average. Behind the bar and past the kitchen is the manager’s office, where Lara keeps the cash safe, the more valuable magic items, and the desk where she does her paperwork.

Alterations

In 1970, a second floor with five rooms for rent was added.

History

The Bullseye is a pool hall, tavern and stopover for hunter-mages located in Northern Nebraska. As of 1985, it is owned by Ace and Lara Archer, though managed by Lara exclusively. Lilja Lundquist-Martin, a Finnish-born vampire who has been part of the Nebraska hunter-mage community since the 1930s, lives here occasionally and has since before Ace and Lara bought the building. Hollis Noble moved into one of the rental rooms in 1989 after his expulsion from Michigan Tech. Amanda "Alleycat" moved in 1993 and remained a resident until she moved in with Dex Lockard at the Lockard compound in 2003.

The Bullseye holds monthly spell-swaps, meetings where hunter-mages collect to trade lore, books, spells and other occult knowledge. Lara closes the establishment for a “private gathering” at these times to protect her friends.

About once a year, Urania the muse of arcane knowledge and the occult visits these spell-swaps to catch up with local hunters and mages. The pool hall used to belong to her in the 60s and 70s and she has left her blessing on it in addition to vowing that no one may hurt Lilja while she is on the property.

Alternative Names
Trail's End (1920-1946), Mac's Pool and Darts (1946-1970)
Type
Pub / Tavern / Restaurant
Parent Location
Related Professions
Owner
Related Tradition (Primary)
Related Materials

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