When the City Guard is Off Duty

The Mother’s Guard is a large inn located in the heart of Aranthaes Wynds, catering specifically to soldiers and other members of the military. The building is made of sturdy stone and wood, with a green and gold banner hanging above the entrance depicting a shield with a dragon, sword and crown.

Inside, the common room is spacious and well-lit, with sturdy wooden tables and chairs arranged in neat rows. The decor is regimented and disciplined, with swords and shields hanging on the walls, and a painting of Lady Bune as a splendid golden and emerald dragon is displayed proudly above the hearth.

The owner of The Mother’s Guard is a retired general named Aric, who is known for his strict adherence to military protocol and discipline. He runs the inn with a firm hand, and expects his staff and customers to do the same. The staff at The Mother’s Guard are all former soldiers themselves, hired by Aric for their experience and knowledge.

Despite its military focus, The Mother’s Guard is a popular destination for travelers of all kinds, drawn by the well-appointed rooms and excellent service. The inn is particularly popular with soldiers, city guard and other members of the military, who appreciate the sense of camaraderie and discipline that permeates the establishment.

Prices at The Mother’s Guard are very reasonable, despite the high quality of the accommodations and the expertise of the staff. Subsidized rooms are available for a few silver pieces a night, and food and drink are available for a few copper pieces. Overall The Mother’s Guard is a well-regarded establishment, one of the best and most popular in Aranthaes Wynds thanks to its high standards and excellent service and a city-funded subsidy (available to Aranthaen citizens only).
 

Pricing

Subsidised Rates
Prices shown first are for Aranthaen citizens and recognised serving or retired military personnel. Visitor prices are shown in brackets.
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Drinks

Guardhouse Ale
A clean, dark session ale brewed locally and served in heavy pewter tankards.
4 cp (7 cp)
Parade Ground Bitter
A crisp copper bitter with a dry finish, popular with off-duty guards and veterans.
5 cp (9 cp)
Mother’s Mead
A smooth honey mead with light herbal notes, traditionally served warm in winter.
7 cp (1 sp 2 cp)
House Red Wine
A dependable red from vineyards beyond the Aranthaes Fields, chosen more for consistency than prestige.
1 sp 5 cp (3 sp)
Officer’s Reserve
A better vintage kept for promotions, reunions and evenings when someone has finally received back pay.
3 sp (5 sp)
Black Coffee
Strong, bitter and served without ceremony. Refills are free while the kitchen is open.
5 cp (8 cp)
Herbal Recovery Tea
A warming blend of mint, willow bark, honey and mountain herbs, popular after long watches or hard training.
4 cp (7 cp)

Food

Soldier’s Breakfast
Two eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, mushrooms, toasted bread and beans. Large enough to discourage complaints before midday.
3 sp (5 sp)
Watchman’s Porridge
Oats cooked with milk, honey, dried fruit and a little cinnamon. Served with bread and butter.
1 sp 5 cp (3 sp)
Mother’s Guard Stew
Beef, barley, onions and root vegetables cooked slowly in dark ale, with thick bread for dipping.
3 sp (5 sp)
Roast Pork & Mustard Greens
Slices of roast pork with greens, potatoes, onions and sharp mustard gravy.
4 sp (7 sp)
Chicken, Leek & Herb Pie
A substantial individual pie with buttered vegetables and thick gravy.
3 sp 5 cp (6 sp)
Aranthaen White Fish Sharing Plate
Boneless white fish with lemon, butter and herbs, served with warm bread and sharp green sauce. A traditional sharing dish for two.
6 sp (1 gp)
Veteran’s Mixed Grill
Sausage, lamb, bacon, fried potatoes, mushrooms and onions served on a heated iron plate.
6 sp (9 sp)
Field Supper
Cold roast meat, hard cheese, pickles, bread, apple and a boiled egg. Available late when the main kitchen has closed.
2 sp 5 cp (4 sp)
Vegetable & Lentil Pot
Lentils, vegetables and herbs simmered with tomato and served with flatbread.
2 sp (3 sp 5 cp)
Apple & Oat Crumble
Warm spiced apples beneath toasted oats, served with cream.
1 sp 5 cp (3 sp)

Lodgings

Barracks Bed
A clean bed in a disciplined shared room with secure storage, fresh linen and access to communal bathing facilities.
3 sp (7 sp)
Veteran’s Bunk
A quieter four-bed room intended for serving soldiers, retired personnel and those requiring an early night.
4 sp (8 sp)
Private Single Room
A small but very well-kept room with a proper bed, desk, wardrobe and private washstand.
7 sp (1 gp 4 sp)
Private Double Room
A comfortable room for two with a large bed, storage chest, table and washstand.
1 gp (2 gp)
Officer’s Room
One of the inn’s best rooms, with private bathing facilities, a writing desk, secure storage and breakfast included.
1 gp 5 sp (3 gp)
Secure Arms Locker
A reinforced locked cabinet in the staffed rear store, suitable for weapons, armour or campaign equipment.
1 sp (3 sp)
Stabling
Secure stall, water, feed and basic grooming for one horse or similar mount.
4 sp (8 sp)

 

Encounters

In Aranthaes Wynds, there’s no such thing as a quiet drink. Roll d10 for possible encounters…

  1. A group of 3 (1d6) merchants sitting around a table, trading goods.
    Merchants: AC 12, HP 25, dagger (1d4), leather armor.
  2. A heavily armed group of 3 (1d4) adventurers discussing their next mission.
    Adventurers: AC 16, HP 40 each, longsword (1d8+3), chainmail armor.
  3. A group of 5 (1d8+1) rowdy off-duty soldiers belting out military songs and drinking heavily.
    Soldiers: AC 12, HP 20 each, fists (1d4).
  4. A well-dressed nobleman conducting business with a group of associates in the corner booth.
    Nobleman: AC 12, HP 25, rapier (1d8), leather armor.
  5. A group of 6 (1d6+2) rowdy off-duty merchant police drinking heavily in the corner of the inn.
    Merchant Police: AC 12, HP 10, unarmed
  6. A grizzled veteran soldier regaling anyone who will listen with war stories.
    Soldier: AC 16, HP 50, longsword (1d8+2), chain mail
  7. A wealthy merchant drinking wine and boasting about his latest business deals.
    Merchant: AC 12, HP 25, dagger (1d4), fine clothes
  8. A pair of City Guards enjoying a drink after a long shift.
    Guards: AC 17, HP 50, shortsword (1d6+2), chain mail
  9. A flamboyant entertainer putting on a show for the patrons.
    Entertainer: AC 10, HP 8, daggers (1d4), colorful clothes
  10. A group of 4 (2d4) adventurers discussing their latest quest and seeking information on their next destination.
    Adventurers: AC 14, HP 30, various weapons and armor
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