The Tavern and Gambling Den at the Sign of the Squandering Snail
Written by Fraser Ronald
Years ago, both the tavern and the gaming den were separate establishments. The round, tower-like structure that became the gambling den was a hostel run by a benevolent charity. That charitable organization went the way of so many well-meaning individuals and entities in the Temples—it disappeared. The tavern had always been a public house with rooms for let.
Before Murnac’s time, a man named Wesent (no relation to Wesent Tailor) owned the public house, under the sign of the Mouse and the Moon. Wesent took control of the tower. He didn’t purchase it, as there was no one from which to purchase it. Wesent hired a group of thugs to clear the squatters out of the tower, then he hired some workmen to refurbish it and attach it to his existing public house. Wesent had dreams for this newer, bigger public house.
As is common in the Temples, Wesent’s dreams led to Wesent’s doom.
The cost for the realization of his dream put Wesent seriously into debt. He owed that debt to many people. He struggled to pay off most, but lowest on his list was Murnac. At that time, Murnac was only known as muscle for another loan shark, one of the few sharks to whom Wesent didn’t owe money. Though Wesent owed Murnac money, he didn’t consider Murnac a priority. When he came to collect, Wesent dug his grave. He treated Murnac with unconcealed distaste. He had come alone, without the usual show of toughs. What Wesent forgot was that Murnac didn’t need toughs. He was a tough.
The next week, Wesent had disappeared. Murnac had a note, giving him control of the new, combined establishment. It reflects well on Murnac’s intelligence and understanding that he paid off those debts Wessent still owed. He had the establishment free and clear. The sign of the Mouse and Moon came down and the sign of the Squandering Snail went up.
The Snail opens its doors every day an hour or so before sunset. It does not close until sunrise. During the day, the structure is silent, save there may be some locals attending the tavern. The tavern serves meals through the day.
There are two main entrances to this structure. One is to the right, leading into a three-story structure with a slanting roof. The second leads into a circular tower built into the structure. A wood sign hangs beside each entrance showing a snail burrowing through a pile of coins. The ground floor is walled in stone, while the upper floors are built of wood.
The Squandering Snail
