The Hearth Under Boughs, commonly called The Bent Lantern or The Last Dry Cloak
The Hearth Under Boughs is Dornruh's only tavern, built around the hollow trunk of a gigantic fallen oak that came down long before the settlement was founded. The first shelters were raised beneath its branches, and the tavern grew outward as Dornruh became a refuge for charcoal burners, hunters, merchants, and travelers who lost the main roads. Maela Voss took ownership after a caravan she guarded vanished on a forest route. She rebuilt the tavern's doors, reinforced the cellar, and made herself the keeper of every secret route into Dornruh.
The Hearth Under Boughs, commonly called The Bent Lantern or The Last Dry Cloak
Overview
History
The Hearth Under Boughs is Dornruh's only tavern, built around the hollow trunk of a gigantic fallen oak that came down long before the settlement was founded. The first shelters were raised beneath its branches, and the tavern grew outward as Dornruh became a refuge for charcoal burners, hunters, merchants, and travelers who lost the main roads. Maela Voss took ownership after a caravan she guarded vanished on a forest route. She rebuilt the tavern's doors, reinforced the cellar, and made herself the keeper of every secret route into Dornruh.
Quirks
The tavern creaks whenever someone lies about where they have been. Maela claims this is merely the oak settling, but regulars treat the sound as a warning. Rainwater trickles down one interior wall even during dry weather, forming a pattern that resembles a map. The hearth smoke sometimes smells of wet stone rather than wood. Every table bears a small notch cut into its edge, marking the number of days its original owner stayed in Dornruh. Maela never allows anyone to sit with their back to the cellar door.
Rooms and services8
- Oak-Trunk Sleeping AlcovesLodgingSix narrow sleeping alcoves are built into the hollow oak trunk. Each has a straw mattress, wool blanket, peg for a cloak, and a small shuttered lantern.
- The Root HearthFireplace and Drying RoomA stone-lined hearth burns at the center of the tavern, keeping the hollow oak warm even during wet forest nights. Travelers may dry clothing and boots on the surrounding racks.
- Boughside ShelterStableA covered lean-to behind the tavern shelters pack animals, carts, and a few tired riding beasts. Bran the stable hand checks every animal before dawn.
- The Wayfarer's TableMaps and Local GuidanceA long table near the eastern wall holds rolled route maps, charcoal sticks, and wooden markers. Maela offers practical directions through the forest, though some roads have been deliberately scratched out.
- The Warm BasinBathing ServiceA curtained corner contains a washbasin, heated water, coarse soap, and bundles of drying herbs. A full bath costs extra and must be requested before sunset.
- The Root Cellar PassageSecret PassageA concealed trapdoor beneath a stack of firewood opens into an old cellar passage. The passage leads toward the sealed ruin beneath Dornruh, but Maela keeps the entrance locked and disguised.
- The Roadside StoresSuppliesTravelers may purchase dried meat, hard bread, lamp oil, trail salt, cord, mushroom cakes, and small bundles of medicinal herbs for forest travel.
- The Council BoardNotice BoardA battered board near the front door displays notices from the Elder Council, the local watch, and traveling merchants. Missing persons, escort requests, and warnings about dangerous paths appear here.
People
The keeper and 6 patronsKeeperMaela Voss Human former caravan guard and innkeeper
Local laborerTovin Reed A nervous young charcoal burner who talks too quickly whenever the sealed ruin is mentioned. He claims to have heard knocking beneath his hut.
Traveling merchantSella Marr A practical traveling merchant who smiles warmly, counts every coin, and knows which Elder Council members are secretly buying old maps.
Local watch patrolmanHarl Fen A broad-shouldered member of the local watch who pretends to be relaxed but watches the cellar door constantly. He dislikes Maela's secrecy but fears what openness might bring.
Village healerNeris Vale A quiet herbalist who sits near the hearth and sorts leaves by touch. She answers questions with unsettlingly precise observations.
Regular hunterPerrin Ash A cheerful trapper with a missing front tooth who exaggerates every hunting story. He was the last known person to speak with the vanished traveler.
Retired guideOld Braska A sharp-tongued former road guide who remembers paths that no longer exist. She refuses to look at Maela's maps and drinks only hot tea.
Keeper's Species
Human
Intrigue
What locals say
Dornruh's people say the fallen oak grew from a seed carried by an ancient wandering clan, though no one agrees on which clan. Its roots spread beneath much of the settlement, and several old foundations appear to have been built around them. The sealed ruin below Dornruh predates the present village and is associated with the vanished roads marked on the tavern's maps. Locals avoid speaking of the ruin after dark. Some claim the oak's roots are the only reason the underground doors have remained shut.
Plot hooks
8Media
0 imagesNo images yet.
Turn The Hearth Under Boughs, commonly called The Bent Lantern or The Last Dry Cloak into a sheet
A high-res, share-ready sheet you can post or print.