The Diligent Dragon

Tavern & Safe House

Where charm conceals danger on a quiet cobbled lane

Owner

Theobald (Bard/Warlock)

Staff

Mae Ironstride, Celeste Gildwynn

Location

Mid-tier district, Fort Valiance

Status

Active safe house

Overview

Once a reputable tavern, the Diligent Dragon fell into disrepair when Corwin Darius departed on urgent business. He appointed Theobald, a charming Bard/Warlock con man, as caretaker. The party eventually inherited it as their operational headquarters. Originally served as Corwin's command center during the Timber Conspiracy investigations.

Located on a quiet cobbled lane in Fort Valiance's mid-tier district, the Dragon has since become a renowned gathering place for those who remember the heroes' deeds against the Sporesworn.

Layout

Common Room (Ground Floor)

The main gathering space, serving as meeting point for team councils and informant exchanges. Closes at night. Windows and doors provide access to surrounding alleyways.

Private Quarters (Upper Floor)

Multiple rooms where the party sleeps. Vulnerable entry points via windows — a security concern noted after a Sporesworn assassination attempt targeting the upper floor.

Secret Meeting Room (Beneath)

Hidden behind barrels and reinforced false walls. Used for clandestine planning since the Timber Conspiracy era. Contains sealed charges, maps, encoded messages, and crucial evidence from the Sporesworn investigation.

Corwin's Hidden Safe Room

A separate secure chamber housing intelligence documents, maps, and covert communication channels. The spymaster's personal operations base — its existence known only to a trusted few.

Staff

Maelis "Mae" Ironstride

A striking half-orc former pit fighter turned bartender and bouncer. Over six feet tall with ash-gray skin, emerald green eyes, and serpent-and-dagger tattoos. Diffuses tension with equal parts charm and controlled intimidation. Her battle tales keep patrons entertained, and her brawler's reflexes keep the peace. Has a soft spot for underdogs.

Celeste Gildwynn

A tiefling with ruby-red skin, golden pupil-less eyes, and dramatic black horns connected by an elegant chain. Flirty, calculating, and unapologetic about both traits. Uses cantrips like Thaumaturgy and Prestidigitation to create light shows and set drinks aflame. Her uncanny ability to extract secrets makes her an invaluable intelligence asset.

Adventure Hooks

Mae's Past Returns

One of Mae's oldest tattoos carries a magical brand tied to her former pit boss — a figure she thought long dead who may resurface with claims on her past. The consequences could jeopardize the tavern's safety.

Celeste's Secret

Celeste overheard a Sporesworn cultist discussing a secret gathering. She's waiting for the right moment — and price — to share the information. Meanwhile, her minor fiend patron makes demands that could endanger everyone.

Underground Death Matches

Mae has overheard rumors among late-night drinkers about the Sporesworn hosting underground death matches featuring corrupted creatures. The fights are drawing dangerous attention to the district.

The Sealed Charges

The secret meeting room contains sealed charges against the party — leverage material from Corwin's original arrangement. If discovered by the wrong people, the heroes could face legal exposure or blackmail.

Back to Fort Valiance

Nearby Communities

Mining town

Dwarven forgehold

Lakeside village

Trading post

Frontier outpost

Coastal watchtower

Monastery village

Highland shepherds

Naval garrison

Border outpost

Blighted village

Elvish settlement

Fort Valiance City Frostvall Clans Pantheon World Atlas

Overview

Located on a quiet cobbled lane in Fort Valiance's mid-tier district, the Dragon has since become a renowned gathering place for those who remember the heroes' deeds against the Sporesworn.

Layout

Common Room (Ground Floor)

The main gathering space, serving as meeting point for team councils and informant exchanges. Closes at night. Windows and doors provide access to surrounding alleyways.

Private Quarters (Upper Floor)

Multiple rooms where the party sleeps. Vulnerable entry points via windows — a security concern noted after a Sporesworn assassination attempt targeting the upper floor.

Secret Meeting Room (Beneath)

Corwin's Hidden Safe Room

A separate secure chamber housing intelligence documents, maps, and covert communication channels. The spymaster's personal operations base — its existence known only to a trusted few.

Staff

Maelis "Mae" Ironstride

Celeste Gildwynn

Adventure Hooks

Mae's Past Returns

Celeste's Secret

Underground Death Matches

Mae has overheard rumors among late-night drinkers about the Sporesworn hosting underground death matches featuring corrupted creatures. The fights are drawing dangerous attention to the district.