Rusty Anchor Tavern

The Rusty Anchor Tavern is by far the largest tavern on Bornheim's Fishtown district. Once a moderate warehouse it was partially burned down when constables broke in to break up a smuggling ring. Opened in Y449 AH by Adalbert Busch, one time sea captain (smuggler) who just paid Constable Penrod a grand sum of money after selling his ship the Rusty Shore. The name of the tavern comes from the large rust-pitted anchor that leans against the wall outside. Nobody can quite remember who put it there - its been there as long as anyone can remember.

The Rusty Anchor has a well-deserved reputation not just drunken brawls, but as one of the largest establishments where all manner of people meet for entertainment. Adalbert never saw the reason in denying service to non-humans as elven silver spends just as well as dakarian eagles or dwarven strikes. When it comes to business the only thing that matters is the strength of one's metal.

Adalbert does not hold the right to rent rooms, but the constables look the other way when the floor is covered with sailors, thieves, whores, and cutters sleeping off the night's drink. It is far easier having them here than cutting each other up in the streets.

The largest attraction is the fighting ring that Adalbert maintains. Six (6) wooden posts are driven into the floor and rope is tied between then to keep the spectators from entering during a fight. The rules are simple: each fighter puts up a purse that is paid to the winner after the house takes its ten percent (10%) cut, no magic only contests of fists and steel, the house gets a twenty percent (20%) cut on any bets - anyone caught cheating the house is banned for life from the Rusty Anchor.

In Y462 Xarth started up a Fight Club that met at the tavern just after high sun. It was not a for the purposes of betting; although many people in the club went to the twice-nightly fights. It was instead a gathering of people wanting to improve their own skills in battle. The most well known member of the club, aside from Xarth himself, was Merrick Stonearm blood-cousin of Impirrick Farnath Carne Stonearm. The club did not last long as the demon and Reavers invasion of 462 made the club unnecessary.

The tavern has two floors. The lower floor still shows the marks of a warehouse. Its large open floor is divided only by the construction of a small kitchen and large bar. Tables, chairs, and benches are scattered around the room at the whim of those using them, most partially broken or threatening to simply fall apart. At least once a week the staff sweep the contents of the floor through the trap door the smugglers used into the waters below the dockside, eventually the tides will carry the flotsam into the bay.

The upstairs only takes up a eastern third of the building, being built atop the kitchen. Rooms can be rented, but not for a full night. Most patrons are whores, captains needing privacy, or smugglers doing a bit of business. Any bodies left behind are the problem of those creating them. If they fail to clean up, the trapdoor is always available for a cost, the Rusty Anchor can become a inhospitable place.

The fight ring is near the southern wall, opposite of the stone hearth that Adalbert had constructed shortly after establishing the tavern.