The Old Guard

Fortified Roadside Inn

The Old Guard is on the main road, at a cross road four miles north-east of Grissenwald. The north-west road leads towards Wittgendorf, Kemperbad and eventually Altdorf.
Once a military outpost, The Old Guard has the appearance of a small manor. The outer walls are twelve feet tall made of solid stone, braced with wooden beams and are roughly circular. At it's centre is a large building that was once a military barracks which has been converted in to a tavern building. Aligned at a right angle to the tavern building is a sizable stable with enough space for eight horses.
There are three guard towers, one by the main entrance to the south. One watches over the road to Grissenwald and one guards the northern road.
The tavern building is a rustic but well-maintained establishment, a favorite among locals and travelers alike. The tavern's name and decor pay homage to its history as a former gathering place for retired soldiers. Its sturdy wooden beams and stone walls exude a sense of timelessness and stability. The large hearth at the centre of the main room is the heart of the inn, with a crackling fire that casts a warm, inviting glow. The hearth is adorned with various military memorabilia—shields, swords, and old banners—each with its own story and history, adding to the tavern's rich atmosphere.
The Old Guard Inn's wooden tables and benches are polished from years of use, and the bar is always stocked with a variety of ales and spirits. The aroma of hearty stews and freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen, drawing in hungry patrons. The overall ambiance is cozy and welcoming, a testament to the owners dedication and care in running the place. Whether it's a weary traveler seeking rest or a local looking for good company, Astrid Meadows and The Old Guard Inn offer a sanctuary of warmth and camaraderie.

Astrid Meadows

Description: A sturdy woman in her middle years, with dark shaggy hair that frames her lined face, telling tales of a life filled with hard work and resilience. Her keen, warm eyes survey the room with a mix of authority and kindness, always attentive to her patrons' needs. Astrid's demeanor is no-nonsense, but a genuine smile often breaks through when she engages in conversation or shares a hearty laugh.
Role: Owner of the Old Guard.
Uniform: A simple brown and white dress, often with a shawl.
Equipment: A hip knife

Captain Heinrich “Scar” Richter

Description: A large, imposing man with a thick, greying moustache and a prominent scar running down his left cheek. His piercing blue eyes and stern demeanor command respect and authority. Despite his tough exterior, Heinrich is known for his fairness and deep sense of duty.
Role: Captain and leader of the guard at The Old Guard Inn.
Uniform: Well-worn but meticulously maintained white and red uniform.
Equipment: Trusted longsword, polished yet showing signs of numerous battles, and a sturdy shield bearing the inn’s insignia.

Ingrid Hofstetter

Description: A tall, muscular woman with a no-nonsense attitude. Ingrid’s short-cropped black hair and sharp, vigilant eyes make her a formidable presence. She is known for her unwavering loyalty to Captain Heinrich and her comrades.
Role: Second-in-command, responsible for training new recruits and maintaining discipline.
Uniform: White and red uniform, slightly modified to accommodate her extensive array of weapons.
Equipment: A pair of finely balanced axes, always kept razor-sharp, and a reinforced leather shield.

Otto Braun

Description: A lean, agile man with an uncanny ability to spot trouble from a distance. Otto’s keen eyesight and quick reflexes make him the ideal lookout. His brown hair is often tucked under a cap, and his demeanor is generally calm and observant.
Role: Scout and lookout, usually stationed at vantage points around the inn.
Uniform: White and red uniform, designed for mobility and stealth.
Equipment: A light crossbow, a quiver of bolts, and a short sword for close encounters.

Hans Wagner

Description: A burly, rugged man with a fondness for drink that sometimes gets the better of him. Hans has a scruffy beard and a jovial personality, though his drinking habits occasionally cause friction with his fellow guards. Despite this, his strength and reliability in a fight are undeniable.
Role: A defensive specialist, often guarding key points like the inn’s main entrance and cellar.
Uniform: White and red uniform, slightly rumpled but still functional.
Equipment: A heavy tower shield and a spiked mace, both showing signs of extensive use but well-maintained.

Klaus Metzger

Description: A burly, middle-aged man with a jovial disposition and a passion for cooking. Klaus has a thick brown beard, a broad smile, and an ever-present apron stained with various food ingredients. He is known for his hearty stews and freshly baked bread, which are a staple at The Old Guard Inn.
Role: Cook in the Old Guard kitchen, responsible for preparing meals for the patrons and staff.
Uniform: Simple but Practical kitchen attire, usually a white shirt, dark trousers, and a sturdy apron.
Equipment: A well-used set of knives, pots, and pans, each meticulously cared for.

Anya Meadows

Description: A teenage girl with a bright smile and a hardworking attitude. Anya has long, dark hair often tied back in a braid, and her hands are usually busy with chores. As the niece of Astrid Meadows, she is eager to learn and always willing to help wherever needed in the kitchen.
Role: Scullion in the Old Guard kitchen, assisting Klaus with various tasks such as washing dishes, preparing ingredients, and keeping the kitchen clean.
Uniform: Simple, functional clothing suitable for kitchen work, often a plain dress with an apron.
Equipment: Basic kitchen tools and cleaning supplies.

Old Tomas Eckhart

Description: Tomas Eckhart is a very old, retired soldier who has seen countless battles and lived to tell the tale—though he often forgets the details. His hair is thin and white, and his face is deeply lined with the marks of time. Despite his cantankerous nature, Tomas has a friendly heart, often sharing old war stories (even if the details change with each telling) with anyone willing to listen.
Role: A permanent resident at The Old Guard Inn, renting a room on a long-term basis.
Uniform: Often seen in comfortable, worn clothes that speak of a simpler time, with a military jacket from his younger days always within reach.
Personality: Cantankerous but friendly, quick to grumble about small inconveniences but equally quick to offer a smile and a story. His memory is very bad, leading to repeated introductions and forgotten conversations, but his warm spirit endears him to the regulars and staff alike.

Type

Inn