The Coin Vault

If one were to look at The Coin Vault from the outside, it wouldn't look like much. Not because of the size - it was, after all, built to accommodate dragons. But there would be other parts of its appearance - the rickety old architecture grown from two gnarled old oak trees, and the decaying sign sporting three coins flipping through the air. Some might sniff at it, others would praise the old-timey charm. It is, indeed, an old building. But how it got to be so old makes it one of the most popular buildings in the City of Wonders - even when surrounded by glorious and splendorous buildings constructed specifically for the Wonder Days.

"There's more to the Coin Vault than meets the eye," the old man said, with just a hint of a gleam in his eye. "More than any one person can comprehend in one sitting. Why don't you come inside, have a look see, and then tell me what you think, hmm?"

Purpose / Function

The Coin Vault was initially constructed as a rest stop for weary travelers. Back when the relative safety and technology of the Inner Realm was almost incomprehensible, having a safe place to rest on one's journey, as well as a soft bed and a warm meal was worth an entire pouch of gold coins.
The Coin Vault did not only serve as an inn to tradesmen, messengers, expeditions, cartographers, researchers, and travelers - it also had a small building to the side for birds. Messages by carrier birds is not a new concept, and The Coin Vault, strategically positioned along a steady air current, provided a place that all messenger birds could stop to rest. And, to tip the innkeepers' generosity (and ensure that the message remained private), small coins would often be attached to the birds.

Architecture

The central Coin Vault room is large, circular in shape and has the two oak trees that grow into the rest of the building in the center. Around these two oak trees are the counter - one one side, managing reservations, and on the other side, getting food. A little trapdoor between the trees leaders down into the undercloud storage room. Dotting this main room are tables (human and dragon-sized), a stage/platform grown from the wall, bright fire-fly lantern hung from draping tree branches overhead, and various plaques and portraits mounting the wall that tell a bit about the place's history.
Branching off from the main room are three wings - two large areas to accommodate dragons, and another one with many rooms for humans. The size of these wings have changed throughout the years, and aren't as big as they once were. Around these wings are a pleasant garden and walkways, one of which leads to the visitor's center and restaurant.

History

As soon as the first distancing programs were initiated during the beginning stages of the Dark Plague, almost all travel ceased, and The Coin Vault's profits dropped dangerously close to zero. Only the sparse merchant travel and a now steady stream of carrier falcons kept them afloat.
However, the building's strategic position, status as an inn, few pens of livestock, and extensive gardens gave it a key position during the Ashes War to supply and house Skydweller Troops during their travels. At least, until Stygian Forces swooped down and captured the inn for themselves. The innkeepers, two small human and dragon families, were forced to supply them. Almost all safe mail was halted, and the Vault's loss was a devastating blow to the Skydweller side.
The end of the Ashes War saw a unification of the sky and a people that no longer needed a place to stay in their travels. However, many survivors had fond memories of The Coin Vault, and the building was moved between the Cities, made some supply deals with nearby farms, and repurposed as a large restaurant and a place to relax. Gradually, other popular buildings emerged, but The Coin Vault managed to gain a spot in the center of the City of Wonders, dubbed a historical monument and still frequently visited today.

Tourism

"And on your left, you'll see the wing where famous explorer - no, sir, you are not allowed to fling a coin onto the roof - you never know when one might hit unsuspecting passerby in the head - It's happened before."

-a Coin Vault tour guide

Nowadays, The Coin Vault serves as a hotel - one for everyone to enjoy. Whether people come for the history, the experience, or the good food, it is a very popular tourist destination. Some people stay there, others take a small historical tour and eat in the old falcon shed, now repurposed as a small restaurant so everyone can enjoy the food.

Type

Inn