As a youth, Ralph, the current Innkeeper, was short and pudgy but unusually strong. The other children harassed and ridiculed him constantly because he was a slower runner, could not handle a sword very well and enjoyed assisting his uncle Toland in his bakery. When Ralph was nearly 12, he started to rapidly grow taller. He shot up to over 5’5 by his 14^th birthday. With the onset of puberty, he also lost his pudgy stature and developed real muscles. The world around him took notice! The young ladies now noticed him for friendlier reasons! His comrades hesitated prior to insulting him lest they end up with their face in the dirt or worse. Ralph was never a bully, but he earned a reputation for actively defending himself when really pushed. Around his 16^th year, after forcibly removing a sword from an adversary’s hand, he angrily threatened the would-be attacker when suddenly, unexpectedly, the sword burst into flames! Ralph was gifted! He had subconsciously commanded the rare, magical Crimson Force to engulf his sword in flames. His father and uncle counseled him to apprentice himself to one of the Venturers in the High King’s army so that he could properly learn to utilize his gift without unintentionally harming someone. The ‘discussion’ really left no room for discussion and Ralph was directed to apprentice himself immediately!

Ralph and several young recruits were assigned to Captain Urry, a stout Dwarf fighter. Urry was a tough teacher and demanded the most his students could give, which was far beyond what they thought they could. He pushed each recruit to their personal limits and helped them recognize and master their abilities while overcoming their shortfalls. Ralph was a good and attentive student and he developed into a formidable professional fighter.

He also developed a reputation as a Ladies’ Man. His tan skin; long, flowing dark brown hair; deep brown eyes; and 1-2 days stubble were pleasantly memorable. Ralph usually wore a boiled leather, sleeveless vest with a heavy cotton lining. Shirtless, hatless, well-maintained cotton britches and polished low leather boots; he caught and held the attention of many ladies of the area!

One evening, while wandering in a small, peaceful town which they were guarding, Urry approached Ralph, alone, and asked him what his life goals were. They ended up at an old, but clean Inn, deep in a questionable area of a small city. Urry was very familiar with the ‘Seven Stars Inn’ but Ralph was a first timer. A solid oak, closed door leading to the basement subtly displayed a unique carving of an eye with a compass rose for a pupil. Ralph hesitated but Urry walked right through and down the stairs.

Ralph and Urry were immediately greeted as brothers by several members of the diverse group of unique individuals occupying the large, underground gathering room. Males and females were intermixed as equals. 3 Elven bow, 4 dwarven axe, 1 gnome wizard and 2 human healers were obvious. A few dark cloaked individuals were keeping to themselves in a remote corner. Though cautious, Ralph was excited. This was a private gathering point for venturers – and HE was invited! After introductions where Urry vouched for and publicly sponsored him, Ralph fit right in with the others. Never had he felt such kinship, brotherhood and acceptance.

As the evening grew into morning, many ordered breakfast from the barkeep. The elderly man, Olran, was very tired, having spent the entire night serving the Venturers, and his morning baker/cook failed to arrive. Ralph, anxious to please after being accepted into the Venturers’ Guild, jumped right in and took over the kitchen. He baked wheat, rye and oat breads. He baked dozens of tiny sweet pastries with fresh blueberries on top. He fried a large pot of potatoes mixed with eggs, assorted meats and fresh peppers and onions. Olran was amazed and the other Venturers’ were enthusiastically appreciative. Ralph had secured a place in their group forever!

Upon returning to the army encampment, Urry immediately reassigned Ralph as Sergeant in Charge of his camp kitchen. Ralph was assigned a daily list of assistants by Urry to perform the duties of fetching, carrying, cleaning and the like. One of those assignees was a young dwarf named Gruff.

After serving nearly 2 years in the war against LeZarick, Ralph quit the army and used his savings to purchase The Lodestar Inn from Olran, who was anxious to finally retire. Gruff, having served with Ralph for the past 2 years, joined him as friend, partner, bar keep and bouncer.

No one knows Gruff’s real name. He is known only as Gruff due to his coarse personality. A slightly short, male Dwarf fighter, he is rock solid with a wrinkled ruddy earth brown complexion, dark/dark brown hair and a beard which he wears thrown over his left shoulder. His deep smoky gray eyes can outstare any adversary. Gruff normally wears leather britches and a floppy heavy cotton shirt covered by a very strong, lightweight dwarven chain mail vest. He carries a short handled light war hammer on his back, always at the ready. Gruff is a good listener, poor communicator and a powerful fighter with a widespread reputation for his uncanny use of his fearsome war hammer.

As Olran was preparing to leave the Inn for the last time, he took Ralph into the basement Venturers’ meeting room and showed him its many secrets. One of which was a concealed, locked storage area high on the back wall. Opening it, Olran bestowed upon Ralph his many famous recipes which he had created over the decades! Ralph was jubilant! Olran had served his culinary delights to kings, dignitaries and travelers from around the world. Now, those secrets were his.

The ‘Seven Stars Inn’ flourished under Ralph and Gruff’s management. They expanded it in all directions. The Venturers’ Room was relocated to the newly constructed second floor. More guest rooms and a large barn were added. They even renamed it ‘The Lodestar Inn’.

Of course, the culinary delicacies continue to draw travelers and noble guests. The Venturers’ Room is always occupied and ‘True Stories’ are constantly available for any willing, or not, to listen.

(Note) The Lodestar Inn plays a prominent role in many tales and historic events on Airth and it is a consistent fixture in several of my visions of Airth. I will tell you, the reader, the stories as accurately as I remember them. One item of significance is Olran’s Cookbook, especially as expanded by Ralph. I have seen many of his culinary creations prepared from the best raw ingredients and I will detail a few of their recipes as best I can. Ingredients and their names are not always the same, but I will convert all to standard Earth nomenclature and measure so that you may enjoy some of the best that Airth can offer. LuChinda’s Quest starts in the upper, Venturers’ Room and follows the Tabletop Game. The Inn is also a favorite of the Role Players for starting, ending or restocking during a scenario. Enjoy.   (RJ)

Click HERE for Olran’s Cookbook

Click HERE for LuChinda’s Quest

 

 

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