[Location] The Red Dragon
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:20 pm
The Red Dragon
Located next to Gildum's Barbery, this lively tavern is a favorite of East End. They open at high noon every day serving delicious food ranging from chicken and goat skewers to hearty, fat-filled stews and roasted vegetables. While the establishment does not boast of the most unique meals, they do specialize in offering traditional, seasonal meals that leave you satisfied and full.
Before entering the building the sounds of music can be heard from the streets- either grand or sloppy depending on the hour of your entrance and the drunkenness of the musician. Upon pushing it's simple wooden door open, guests are greeted with the smell of roasting meats, booze, and (sometimes) sweat. While not the most clean establishment especially come sundown, it's tables are never left empty. In the main room are 10 tables, some long, some short, some circular, and none quite the same. Long red tableclothes woven by the owner cover a few tables in the hopes of saving each from the stain of spilled beer.
The bar itself stretches across half of the back wall and serves simple mixed drinks and keg upon keg of Zaichaer's finest medium-grade ale. To the left of the bar sits a hearth to warm it's visitors, next to which is a staircase that leads upstairs where extra kegs are stored and the employees can catch a rest from the hustle and bustle of their jobs.
Across the bar to the right of the entrance is a long open wall that has been dubbed the 'stage' even though no platform exists. One can easily tell a local from a traveler simply by if they 'respect the stage'- don't go up there unless you plan to perform! Other quirks of the local tavern include an unannounced chant when the clock strikes midnight, line dances, and if you're lucky enough may even catch a glimpse of the tavern ghost. Rumored to be a black and white tubby cat with an eyepatch, 'Patch' is known for knocking glasses off tables, tripping drunkards, and stealing coin. Though many wonder if this 'ghost' isn't just an excuse made by the embarrassed sort who drank too much.
But, if you learn the lingo, dance the dance, and 'respect the stage', you're sure to fit in just fine at the Red Dragon.
Helga Sincrim
"Owner"
While often only seen with a scowl, Helga is known to brighten up after the 8th or 9th ale on nights she isn't working (which are few and far between). Her darker demeanor beforehand may be off-putting to many at first, but the locals know her as a kind hearted woman who'd sooner serve a free meal to the hungry than turn a blind eye. Not that she'd admit to it. She is often found rushing about the tavern demanding her customers 'respect the damn tables' and take their glasses back to the bar at the very least. Most do. But those who don't often find themselves served a half-mug the next time they arrive.
But at the end of the day, Helga simply wants to provide good food, good ale, and a resting place to the people of her town. If one night in her bar is enough to relieve some stress of their long days, then she is a happy woman.