There's a Tavern in the Town...

Lots of Them, in Fact!

By Shayalyn

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Each week our staff is charged with writing an article that fits a certain theme common across all the Ten Ton Hammer network sites, from EVE Online to World of Warcraft. Sometimes, when I see the weekly topic coming up, I cringe and wonder how I'm going to apply that topic to Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO). This week we're asked to discuss “fluff,” or non-leveling content in our respective games. Yep, that's a truly cringe-worthy topic when it comes to DDO. “Where's the fluff?” I asked my writers in despair. They unanimously replied, “There really isn't any; you're out of luck.” And since I couldn't convince any of them to write this article for me, the following is my own feeble attempt.

The truth of the matter is, DDO isn't a particularly fluffy game. There are no player-versus-player (PvP) PvP arenas, because there is no PvP.  At this time, there's no crafting, either. Neither PvP nor crafting is an essential part of the pen-and-paper (PnP) game, Dungeons & Dragons, which DDO strives to emulate. I could easily write about what's not in DDO from that angle, but I've already said all that needs to be said--there's no PvP or crafting, and that's that.

Then finally it dawned on me; there is something in Stormreach that doesn't relate directly to leveling--the taverns. Just like in a well-played D&D campaign, there are taverns in DDO, and local barkeeps and patrons to chat up. Sure, taverns ultimately lead to quests, and that's related to leveling...but work with me here a bit, m'kay?

The first tavern you'll encounter in Stormreach, once you get past the initial newbie training area, is the Wavecrest. As with any good tavern, you'll be greeted by the strains of music and the chatter of patrons as you enter. At the bar, you'll meet Sigmund Bauerson, the tavern owner. He's got goodies for you to purchase, from stew to bubbling brown froth, which will help you regenerate your energy and stamina a bit quicker. But he's going to want you to do a chore for him, first. Fetch him a cask of Old Sully's Grog from the cellar and you'll be his friend for life. You'll also find brother Augustus, the enigmatic holy man who wants you to investigate a decidedly unholy artifact, and Aida the bar wench, who has lost a necklace in the cellar, waiting to talk to you. And, of course, there are plenty of tavern patrons to chat with, each offering some insight into the people and places of Stormreach.

Outside the port and onward into Stormreach Harbor you'll find, you guessed it, more taverns. So far I've been able to explore two—The Leaky Dinghy and The Wayward Lobster. Both establishments have a similar look, but a very different flavor. The Leaky Dinghy, located on a platform high above the waters of the harbor, is lit by lanterns and not hard to miss. Something about it feels, well, lofty. (I know, I know...bad pun.) The Lobster has a shady feel, as though perhaps it is home to smugglers and lowlifes. It could have something to do with its location, hidden away in a back alley, or it could have something to do with the class of people you'll meet within its walls.

Certainly there are many more taverns to explore in Stormreach—my adventuring during the DDO beta just scratched the surface. And no, taverns aren't exactly fluff in DDO; you'll find many people there, while you're enjoying a drink and a bite to eat, who have quests for you, as well as many folks who wish to join you on your adventures. But some of what goes on in taverns doesn't specifically relate to gaining levels—they're a good place to just hang out, meet people, and listen to a little lute music as you sip an ale.

Ah, who am I kidding? Can you keep a secret? Okay, here goes: if you want to level up in DDO, you're going to find yourself in plenty of taverns. Taverns are where it's at. Honestly, when it comes to this game, I just can't find anything that doesn't relate to making progress as an adventurer. My idea for discussing fluff is a lame attempt at jamming important DDO content into the framework of an article concept that doesn't fit this game.

Just don't tell my boss, okay?

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