![[Attachments/Locations/Emberwood Village.png]] # Intro This dingy saloon was converted from an old farmstead. A jawless skull impaled upon a rusty sword (alias: "Carl") is embedded beside the main doors: no one knows who it was or who did them in, but it’s tradition to make a macabre greeting to the skull on your way into the bar. Inside the establishment is a rowdy environment - brawls and fist fights happen daily, and several ruffians are thrown out nightly. The [[Skull & Sword Taphouse]] is a popular place for scoundrels and misfits to gather thanks to the cheap mead and liquor served here. It may very well be the best place in [[Emberwood Village]] to pick up rumours from the city, but you may want to keep a low profile hanging out around there, or be ready to draw swords for looking at someone the wrong way. The establishment is run by a half-orc [[Gladiator]] named [[Frida Longhorn]], who keeps most people in check. Despite the rough reputation of the establishment, [[Frida Longhorn|Frida]] is pretty good at keeping the peace and making sure there are no killings or broken windows in her bar. Her business partner, a halfling spy named [[Cuff Goldburg]], is usually sitting at one of the back tables with [[Blackjack Mel]]. [[Cuff Goldburg|Cuff]] typically excuses himself when [[Blackjack Mel]] deals with mercenaries and adventurers. %% The [[Queen of Thieves]] bankrolls the bar, ensuring the flow of cheap booze (which is almost all stolen). While commonfolk in [[Emberwood Village]] believe the [[Skull & Sword Taphouse|Skull & Sword]] is a hub for unlawful activity, most of what goes on here is above board aside from a few sketchy meetings. The real dirty deals and smuggling happen in [[Buckledown Row]] where the other factions can’t easily interfere. %% - A mug of cheap mead is 5 copper pieces. Brandy, rum, vodka, and gin are 1 silver. %% - [[Blackjack Mel]] is here every night, where he has a favourite spot amongst the back tables with 7 (2d6) thugs. He’s eager to meet potential recruits in a private booth in the back corner.