Richmond’s is a welcoming haven for weary travelers and an ideal stopping point along the road. This charming inn, managed by an aging couple and their children, has served as a dependable rest stop for decades.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by Franklin Richmond, who sits diligently behind a modest desk, keeping the inn’s books in order. The second floor houses well-maintained rooms, ranging from cozy singles for lone travelers to spacious suites for larger parties.
Beyond the reception area lies the heart of the retreat: a bustling common room and tavern. Open at all hours, the tavern serves hearty meals, fine ale, and wine to a cheerful crowd. Guests can enjoy lively entertainment, including singing and dancing, accompanied by the tunes of a timeworn piano that stands proudly by the bar.
The retreat is well-equipped for travelers’ needs. Supplies are stored in a larder accessible through the kitchen, while a small stable behind the inn provides a place to hitch horses. Adjacent to the stables, a forge and anvil are available for basic farrier work and smithing tasks, ensuring both riders and their mounts are well cared for.
Encounters at Richmond’s Roadside Retreat
Richmond’s Roadside Retreat isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a hub of possibility for adventurers. Whether you’re weaving it into your campaign as a vital meeting point, a quiet reprieve, or the setting for a gripping mystery, the retreat offers countless opportunities to enrich your game world. Here are a few ways Richmond’s can become an integral part of your story:
A Meeting Place for In-Game Contacts
Richmond’s offers a discreet setting for private discussions. Whether players are meeting a secretive informant, a trusted ally, or an enigmatic stranger, the common room’s lively atmosphere provides just enough cover for covert exchanges. The retreat’s bustling nature makes it ideal for slipping in and out unnoticed by prying eyes.
A Rest Stop for Weary Adventurers
After a grueling adventure, the party can find respite at Richmond’s. Comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and friendly tavern chatter make it the perfect location for downtime. This encounter can be an opportunity for characters to bond, reflect on recent events, or even discover new rumors and local gossip.
A Crime Scene Investigation
The retreat’s warm ambiance takes a chilling turn when it becomes the scene of a gruesome crime. A guest has been murdered overnight, and the party must piece together the events of the previous evening. Suspicious patrons, cryptic clues, and conflicting alibis create a thrilling murder mystery for the group to solve.
Meet the Richmond Family and Tavern Patrons
At Richmond’s Roadside Retreat, you’ll find more than just a warm bed and hearty meal—you’ll meet the characters who bring the inn to life. From the hard-working Richmond family to the travelers who pass through, each person has their own story to tell. Whether they’re helping with the day-to-day operations of the inn, sharing a drink in the tavern, or hiding secrets beneath their friendly exteriors, these individuals are ready to become a part of your adventure.
Franklin Richmond
The steadfast patriarch of the Richmond family, Franklin oversees the retreat’s operations and finances. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp mind, he is a constant presence at the front desk, greeting guests and ensuring the inn runs smoothly. Franklin is a wealth of local knowledge and is quick to notice when something—or someone—seems amiss.
Martha Richmond
Martha is the matriarch of the Richmond family and the heart of the retreat. She manages the kitchen with precision, crafting hearty meals that bring comfort to weary travelers. Her warm and nurturing presence makes every guest feel welcome. Martha has a talent for overhearing useful tidbits of gossip, which she may pass on to trusted adventurers.
Thomas Richmond
Thomas, the eldest son, is a sturdy and practical man responsible for the stables and smithing tasks. He ensures travelers’ mounts are well cared for and can handle basic repairs for wagons and equipment. Thomas is known for his straightforward nature and willingness to help, always looking to ensure guests and their equipment are well kept and well prepared for travels ahead.
James Richmond
The younger son, James, is energetic and curious, always darting around the retreat to run errands or help guests. His chatty nature often leads him to overhear snippets of information from travelers. James is quick to share what he knows, though his curiosity can sometimes land him—or those he talks to—in unexpected trouble.
Eliza Richmond
Eliza is the eldest daughter and the retreat’s skilled tavern manager. With her quick wit and natural authority, she keeps the tavern running smoothly and mediates disputes among patrons with ease. Her sharp eye for detail makes her an invaluable ally for adventurers, as she often notices things others overlook.
Clara Richmond
Clara, the youngest of the family, is a bright and artistic teenager who dreams of adventure. She spends her days sketching guests and playing the piano in the tavern. Clara idolizes adventurers and often seeks their stories or tokens from their travels, providing a touch of youthful enthusiasm to the retreat.
Grigor Thornblade
A grizzled veteran of countless battles, Grigor is a retired mercenary who often sits quietly in the corner of the tavern nursing a mug of ale. His scarred face and imposing presence tell the story of a hard life.
Story Hook: Grigor might recognize an old foe among the retreat’s guests and enlist the party’s help to confront them—or he could warn the adventurers of a looming threat tied to his past.
Oswin Greybrow
Oswin is a mild-mannered, bespectacled scholar who travels the land in search of knowledge. Often found pouring over ancient scrolls and maps at a table in the tavern, he seems oblivious to the hustle around him.
Story Hook: Oswin could ask the party to help him retrieve a lost artifact from a nearby ruin or decipher a mysterious text tied to the region’s history. His findings might lead to a larger adventure.
Lila Fairwind
Lila is a vibrant and charming traveling bard who delights patrons with her captivating songs. Her sharp wit and talent for storytelling make her a favorite among travelers and locals alike. She quickly takes a shine to Clara Richmond, mentoring the young girl in music and performing with her in impromptu duets at the piano.
Story Hook: Lila carries knowledge of a hidden treasure or dangerous road ahead, but she will only share it with the party if they gain her trust—or if Clara vouches for them.
Rena “Quickhand” Merrow
Rena is a sly woman with a knack for getting what she wants. Claiming to be a traveling merchant, she is always ready to sell rare and unusual items, though her wares often come with questionable origins.
Story Hook: Rena might try to sell the party stolen goods, drawing them into a conflict with local authorities—or she could offer useful information in exchange for their help dealing with a dangerous associate from her past.