The Rust Bucket

Overview

History

Built from the remains of a collapsed foundry and a decommissioned merchant vessel, the Rust Bucket has stood for thirty years as a defiant spit in the eye of the upper-class districts. Hagar Hammer-Finger purchased it after losing two fingers in a tunnel collapse, vowing to create a place where those who actually build the city can feel at home.

Quirks

The tavern features no chairs; patrons sit on upturned barrels or repurposed stone blocks. Every time a new keg is tapped, Hagar strikes a massive suspended gear with a sledgehammer, causing the whole room to vibrate.

Rooms and services4

The Communal GrateHeating and Utility
A massive circular iron furnace in the center of the room where patrons can heat their own iron tools or warm their hands while drinking.
The Steel StacksLodging
Bunk-style sleeping arrangements made from salvaged ship hull plates. Cold but sturdy and extremely cheap.
The Repair PitService
A small alcove with basic smithing tools available for rent by the hour for quick repairs on gear.
Gambling AnvilEntertainment
A heavy anvil where patrons play games of chance involving hammering coins or heavy dice.

The Sledgehammer8 copper
Drink
A pitch-black brew served in a heavy stone mug; requires a Constitution save to avoid falling prone.
Foundry Stew3 copper
Main Course
A thick, brown porridge containing chunks of questionable root vegetables and tough salted pork.
Hard-Tack Sliders2 copper
Appetizer
Stale biscuits soaked in grease and topped with spicy mustard and fried onions.
Smoked Eel5 copper
Main Course
Oily eel pulled fresh from the harbor and smoked over scrap wood fires.
The Rusty Tankard4 copper
Drink
A mid-grade ale with a distinctly metallic aftertaste that laborers swear gives them strength.
Ash Cake2 copper
Dessert
A dry, gritty honey-cake baked directly on the hot stones of the central furnace.
Whale Oil Schnapps1 silver
Drink
Clear, biting liquid that burns all the way down; popular among the port workers.

People

The keeper and 3 patrons

KeeperHagar Hammer-Finger
Mountain Dwarf fighter, level 6
Former ClerkElias the Debtor
Nervous and constantly looking over his shoulder for the debt collectors of the Iron Bank.
BlacksmithBrak Iron-Sinew
Boisterous and friendly; he treats everyone like a brother as long as they can hold their ale.
Underworld InformantSarya of the Mists
Quiet and observant; she wears a heavy cloak and speaks in riddles about the black market.

Keeper's Species

Mountain Dwarf

Intrigue

Intrigue · GM only

What locals say

Legend says that beneath the main floor lies a secret tunnel connecting to the city sewers, originally used by the Iron Workers Guild during the Great Strike to move supplies under the noses of the Royal Guard.

Plot hooks

3

1A desperate laborer offers the party ten copper pieces to help him carry a 'heavy crate' to the docks past the night watch.

2A young dwarf apprentice has gone missing after a night of drinking the Sledgehammer; his master is offering a reward for his safe return.

3Hagar needs someone to travel to the Gilded Chalice to 'accidentally' deliver a crate of rotten fish meant for the noble quarter.

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