The Monk & Fist
Added 2020-05-13 04:42:44 +0000 UTCThe Monk and Fist is a large inn and ale room just off the main road between the cities of Valhenge and Dureya. It's run by a small and cheerful old man named Gan who enjoys the company of adventurers and loves nothing more than a cold pint and a story.
In the center of the large ale room is a recessed dirt pit. Anyone at any time (regardless of Gan's level of intoxication) can challenge the old man to a fight in the center of the pit. The first one to yield or leave the pit loses. The winner receives free drinks for life. What most folks don't know (and many found out rather painfully) is that Gan is none other than Gandath the Unyielding, the famous monk who single-handedly stopped the orc invasion of 1142 by challenging their leader to single combat and deftly beating him to death with his own weapon.
Now retired, Gan spends his days drinking and consorting with those who've yet to make a true name for themselves. He's always happy to offer words of wisdom and, should anyone step out of line, he's quick to remind them how he got his nickname. Despite his martial prowess, Gan doesn't believe in violence without meaning or forethought. In his pit fights he never lands any lethal blows and, even when dealing with troublemakers, he always makes sure they land solidly outside his doorstep alive and mostly unharmed.
Recently, Gan has been intrigued by a guest staying in one of his inn's suites. The man paid a hefty sum in advance on the condition that neither Gan, his staff, or his guests disturb him no matter what they hear. He then proceeded to spend the rest of the day boarding up the windows and barricading himself inside the room, much to the chagrin of Gan and his other guests. For the next week, no one heard hide nor hair from the man until late last night when someone heard screaming from his room. Gan, being of a lawful neutral inclination, respected the man's wishes, and refrained from investigating. However, he did make note to ask the next adventurers who stopped by to look in on the man. After all, until they'd spent coin or received it they were neither his staff nor his guests.
