Location The Building: The Third Onion stands as one of Greendale’s most prominent structures, a three-story timber and stone building that dominates the eastern edge of the market square. Its name comes from the peculiar architectural choice of three onion-shaped domes crowning the main structure—a design quirk from the original elven architect who built it decades ago. During festival time, colorful banners and garlands drape between the domes, creating a festive canopy that’s visible from across town.
The ground floor houses the main tavern hall—a spacious room with low, heavy beams overhead and a massive fieldstone hearth that could roast an entire pig. Festival week has packed every table, bench, and available floor space with a mixture of locals and visitors. The air thrums with conversation in multiple languages, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional drinking song.
The Atmosphere: Warm amber light from oil lamps and the great hearth creates dancing shadows across walls lined with shields, banners, and mementos left by traveling merchants over the years. The scent of roasted meat, spiced ale, and woodsmoke mingles with the earthier smells of travel-worn clothes and leather. Despite the crowded conditions, Tarin’s efficient management keeps the chaos organized and welcoming.
Information Gathering Opportunities:
At the Bar with Tarin Copper: “Room 103? Oh, that fellow…” (Tarin’s expression shifts from cheerful to puzzled) “Checked out before dawn this morning, didn’t even wait for breakfast. Paid his bill and left quick as you please. Strange sort—claimed he was here for the horse trading, but I never saw him near the livestock pens. Spent most his time sitting right there in the corner, nursing a single ale and watching folks come and go.”
She’ll provide details about his appearance, behavior, and the suspicious questions he asked about town security and festival proceeds.
Local Gossip: Several conversations can be overheard or joined:
Near the Hearth: A group of farmers discussing the strange lights seen near the old ruins to the east: “Flickering like fireflies, but wrong somehow. Too bright, too cold. Young Tam swears he heard chanting, but the boy’s got an imagination…”
Corner Table: A weathered yeoman nursing his third ale mentions seeing armed figures: “Two of ‘em, maybe three. Near old Olymyster’s place up north. Could’ve been his new protectors—those Graybough boys—but they seemed… different. More weapons than farmers usually carry.”
Merchants’ Table: Visiting traders share concerns about unusual activity on the northern roads and missing livestock.
Room 103 - The Abandoned Guest Room
Initial Description: The room sits on the second floor at the end of a narrow hallway, marked by a simple wooden placard bearing the carved number “103.” When Tarin unlocks the door, it swings open to reveal obvious signs of hurried departure.
The small chamber contains a narrow bed with rumpled blankets thrown aside, a simple wooden table and chair, and a washbasin on a corner stand. A single window faces north, offering a view of the rolling hills beyond town. What’s immediately noticeable is how thoroughly someone tried to clean up while obviously being in a rush.
Investigation Opportunities:
General Search (Passive Perception 12+):
- Faint smell of pine sap and campfire smoke lingers despite the window being left open
- Scuff marks on the wooden floor near the table suggest something heavy was dragged
- A few pine needles caught in the gap between floorboards near the window
Detailed Investigation:
The Washbasin (Investigation DC 13):
- Dried mud residue around the drain shows signs of hasty cleaning
- Tiny fragments of bark and forest debris in the water pitcher
- The soap bar is worn down more than typical for a two-day stay
Under the Bed (Investigation DC 12):
- A small piece of rough parchment wedged between the bed frame and wall
- Contains a crude sketch of Greendale’s market square with X’s marking key buildings: the bank, guard barracks, and main roads leading out of town
The Table (Investigation DC 15):
- Faint indentations in the wood surface from writing with heavy pressure
- Holding parchment over the marks and rubbing with charcoal reveals fragments: “…dawn assault…” “…vault proceeds…” “…north to Thornvale…”
Window Area (Survival DC 14):
- Scratches on the window sill suggest someone spent considerable time watching the street below
- A small piece of dark cloth snagged on a splinter—rough material, not typical merchant wear
- The specific view includes sight lines to both the bank and the guard barracks
Tracking Opportunity (Survival DC 13):
- For characters with tracking skills, faint boot prints in the dust by the window show a distinctive wear pattern in the left heel
- These same prints can be found leading from the tavern toward the northern road
Time Pressure Element: While investigating, Tarin will periodically check on the party’s progress, mentioning that the evening crowd will arrive soon and she’ll need the room ready. This creates gentle urgency without being heavy-handed.
Key Clues Revealed:
- Physical Evidence: The suspect had recent outdoor activity (pine needles, mud, forest debris)
- Intelligence Gathering: He was surveilling key town infrastructure from his room
- Planning Materials: The sketch and writing impressions suggest coordination with others
- Timing Information: References to dawn assault indicate when an attack might occur
- Location Lead: “Thornvale” appears in the notes—a potential bandit camp location
- Connection to Other Clues: The festival ribbon links to the halfling shepherd’s missing livestock