The Laughing Gull

The Laughing Seagull

Type	Tavern
Location	Tarrinport, Joriah
Owner	Willow Gentleheart

Staff

• Desmond
• Thumia

Services

• Food and Drink
• Accommodation
• Storm Shelter
• Messaging Service
• First Aid
• Baking Classes

Location

The Laughing Gull is found near the shoreline of Tarrinport, Joriah, overlooking the harbour but keeps a distance from the port itself, away from the chaos of merchants and ship arrivals and departures. The unique weathervane in the shape of a seagull makes this lively tavern easy to spot amongst the many weathered buildings.

Atmosphere and Appearance

This three-story, faded yellow building stands facing the ocean with it's iconic seagull weathervane spinning on the rooftop, a large porch spanning the entire front jingles with all manner of wooden, metal, shell and glass wind chimes creating a discordant but not unpleasant symphony orchestrated by the sea breeze. Seating under the porch provides a place of respite for those wanting to sit and admire the view, with equally faded blue shutters adorning each window in a shade that matches the sky on a clear, sunny day.

Inside is bright and airy, the smell of salt still in the air but whether it's the fish stew cooking or the sea breeze, you can't tell. There is usually a variety of patrons, ranging from local families to small-time merchants and young sailors, all basking in the liveliness and sense of family The Laughing Gull offers, spread amongst mismatched furniture or the weathered bar. A fireplace stands in the corner surrounded by old rocking chairs and bookshelves that crackles away on those cold coastal nights with a small table nearby covered in various parchment and art supplies, and you notice that the wall that contains the local noticeboard is surrounded with dozens of children's art pieces, from both local and travelling families.

The rooms on offer are on the second floor, there are 6 different rooms with slight varying maritime or ocean themed decorations but they are comfortable and just for a moment, somehow, make you feel at home. Fresh flowers and herbs are placed into every room daily, extra blankets provided and a bowl of local treats is topped up in every room. There is a separate room on this level that contains a delightfully deep bath that can be filled with hot water by request.

The third floor is Willow's and Thumia's bedrooms, and a rooftop garden that is Willow's pride and joy. Each bedroom is decorated to reflect their heritages; Willow's room is reminiscent of the forest where she grew up with plants and very earthy tones, however Thumia's includes stone accents and warm furs with paintings of the mountains on the walls and a small workout area of stone weights. The lush rooftop garden contains vegetables, herbs and flowering plants that somehow thrive in the salt air, a small greenhouse to protect the more delicate plants and a small seating area for relaxation or meditation

Staff

Willow Gentleheart, a towering but graceful firbolg woman standing at near 8 feet fall, she has soft grey-blue skin that seems to shimmer slightly in sunlight and long silvery-white hair that is braided with small shells and sea glass she finds on her morning beach walks. She is very maternal despite having no children of her own and every guest is family, she strongly believes that a little kindness goes a long way and she will always provide as much support as she can, including first aid services for the injured, and storytelling for the kids.

Desmond, a human male in his mid 20s, he has shoulder length curly blonde hair that he usually keeps tied up and incredibly tanned skin. He is the son of the previous owners who Willow purchased the tavern from, he did not want to own and run the tavern but was happy to continue working under the new ownership. He loves to cook and create and will sometimes run baking classes for local families.

Thumia, a tall female goliath with storm-grey skin and deep blue tattoos that spiral around her arms like ocean waves, her pitch black hair is braided with colourful fishing lures and small bells that chime softly as she moves. She is a complementary gentle giant to Willow and they protect and nurture their community with a shared vision, beginning as a customer then friend, then family. She handles the bar and drinks, and security as a gentle but intimidating presence.

Stock

Kitchen

Meals are 2-5 copper pieces, children eat free.

Fresh Bread: Baked daily with herbs from her rooftop garden

Seafood Stew: Made with the day's fresh catch and secret spices

Herbal Teas: Calming blends for sleep, energizing morning teas, stomach soothers

Pickled Vegetables: Preserved with sea salt and garden herbs

Honey Cakes: Sweet treats popular with children and homesick travelers

Dried Fruit: Apples, pears, and berries preserved for long journeys, 1 silver per day's worth

Bar

Ale/Wine 3-6 copper pieces per mug, cocktails are 1 silver.

Local Ales: Tarrinport Harbor Brew, Fisherman's Friend, Sunset Gold

Mountain Spirits: Strong liquors from Thumia's homeland

Imported Wines: Modest selection for special occasions

"Storm Warning" Cocktail: Thumia's signature drink served before bad weather

Golden milk: Warming drinks with honey and mountain herbs and spices

Other

Handmade products are 1-5 silver pieces

Soap: Made with sea salt and herbs

Sea Glass Jewelry: Polished glass pieces set in simple settings

Shell Necklaces: Made by local children, each piece unique

Driftwood Carvings: Small sculptures of sea creatures and ships

Pressed Flower Bookmarks: Using flowers from Willow's garden

Friendship Bracelets: Woven by local kids, said to bring good luck