The Dry Deck
The Dry Deck began as a chandlery's counting room beside the old tide stairs. Its first owner painted the name above the door after a season of storms, boasting that his floor had never taken water. The stairs later sank, the waterfront rose, and spring tides now creep through the floorboards. The boast stayed, though locals shortened the original sign to simply Dry Deck.
The Dry Deck
Overview
History
The Dry Deck began as a chandlery's counting room beside the old tide stairs. Its first owner painted the name above the door after a season of storms, boasting that his floor had never taken water. The stairs later sank, the waterfront rose, and spring tides now creep through the floorboards. The boast stayed, though locals shortened the original sign to simply Dry Deck.
Quirks
The floorboards flex with the tide, and a loose plank near the hearth gives a soft whistle whenever the water rises. Oru keeps a line of polished pebbles on the bar, moving one into a tin cup each time the floor gets wet. Locals swear the pebbles always predict the tide more accurately than the harbor bell.
Rooms and services5
- Upper BerthsLodgingA narrow row of curtained bunks sits above the bar. The rooms are plain but dry, and the keeper keeps a loaded crossbow behind the desk.
- Tide LandingDockA plank platform reaches the water for loading skiffs and hauling in nets. At low tide, a ladder leads down to the mud flats.
- Net BenchWork AreaA covered corner holds hooks, a salt barrel, and a bench for patching torn sails or nets. Basic repairs are free for customers; materials cost extra.
- Wager TableGamblingA scarred table is set aside for cards, dice, and wagers on the next ship to make harbor. The house takes a small cut, and the keeper bans marked dice.
- Back Yard StallsStableA cramped stable yard fits two ponies and a mule, with a roofed rack for saddles and sea-soaked gear.
People
The keeper and 5 patronsKeeperOru Half-orc fighter, level 4
Net menderBram A broad-shouldered net mender with a dry sense of humor. He recognizes most local boats by the sound of their rigging.
Traveling healerYuna Sarto A soft-spoken healer who is patient with frightened people and sharply suspicious of anyone asking after the underwater lantern.
Merchant-ship officerKett A sharp-eyed young deck officer who counts every coin twice and insists the brass tokens are counterfeit.
Retired sailorDagan A jovial retired sailor who tells lively stories, then quietly checks whether anyone is following him when he leaves.
Dock runnerMiki An eager errand-runner who knows the harbor's alleys and is saving money to buy passage on a ship.
Keeper's Species
Half-orc
Intrigue
What locals say
The Dry Deck stands in a busy harbor district where crews from coastal towns, fishing boats, and merchant vessels mingle. Its customs are practical: a captain's word is worth something only if someone else heard it, and no one asks why a passenger arrives soaked if they pay for a hot meal. The moving underwater light and brass tokens are custom elements for this adventure, not established D&D setting lore.
Plot hooks
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