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Introduction

Adventures often begin in taverns. It’s where parties meet, where travelers seek refuge, where bards sing and brawlers fight, where thieves make away with coin from an unsuspecting mark, and where rival wizards and warlocks break bread on neutral ground.

On every continent, in every world, on every plane of existence, there is always a tavern—or something very like one. One might wonder if taverns are more commonplace in Dungeons & Dragons than dungeons. Or dragons.

While taverns are universal, they are not all the same. The infamous Yawning Portal in Waterdeep is the archetypal adventurer’s tavern with its rowdy patrons, beer-soaked boards, and direct connection to possible quests via the giant well that leads right to the dangerous treasure-filled dungeons of the Undermountain! Other venues are distinctly different: the Driftwood Tavern is a historic public house, the Pink Flumph is a raucous downtown theater, the Halfway Inn is a lonely trading post on a long road, the Moonstone Mask is a genteel club, and the Hissing Stones is a restful thermal spa.

In the following pages, you will encounter these places from all across the continent of Faerûn in the Forgotten Realms. You’ll discover what sets each venue apart in terms of ambience, character, and clientele. You’ll find recipes for popular, distinctive cocktails and appetizers that are the specialty of each house, and you’ll learn a little something about the stories attached to those drinks and bites.

An adventurer’s tavern is not just mead and wine and salty songs. The drinks on offer can be as diverse, colorful, and strange as the members of your adventuring party.

Welcome to the puncheons and flagons of Faerûn!