(2/5 pipes, 2/5 tankards, 3/5 coins)

The Mermaid is renowned up and down the Sword Coast as a meeting place for those who wished to conduct illicit business.

The outside of the tavern is made of a moored ship, with its bow facing the ocean. The lobby has a high ceiling adorned with a crudely carved life-sized mermaid suspended over the reception desk. This nearly nude woman is adorned with more than a score of blackened and shriveled severed hands. The tavern’s other rooms have low ceilings and dim lighting; they are furnished with mismatched and much-abused furniture.

All rented rooms are heavily lockable with iron or wooden bars, but patrons are still advised not to sleep too soundly, which is difficult to do as the establishment is usually noisy at all hours.

Prices:

• Rooms – 2 gp per night
• A platter of fish, bread, and drippings – 2 cp
• Meat dishes – 3 cp
• Shellfish – 1 gp per heap
• Ale – 3 cp
• Whiskey – 1 cp