Trollskull Manor

The Hype Squad

The initial bearers of the deed were:

• Ambrose Rosznar, a tiefling bard whose flamboyant performances and battlefield spells often blur the line between theater and war.
  
• Calista Maidel, a veteran rogue of the Dragon War, sharp-eyed and steady, her missing leg replaced with resolve.
  
• Doyen Sump, an alchemist and human of ceaseless curiosity, capable of distilling both poisons and philosophy.
  
• Xanna Twinfield, a gnome whose journey from warlock to knowledge cleric (and corrupt PI to reluctant truthseeker) shaped much of the Tavern’s moral compass.

In time, others joined:

• Jackob, a dwarven monk whose fighting style evokes a barbarian’s fury but whose logistical acumen keeps the Tavern solvent.
  
• Hexaran, a dragonborn paladin dispatched by the Harpers following an incident involving the clone of Manshoon (and several exploded balconies).

Together, they turned a crumbling house into a sanctuary—sometimes from evil, often from themselves.

Layout and Function

The Tavern is a structure of three and a half floors, each repurposed with equal parts pragmatism and eccentricity:

• Ground Floor: A lively, warm tavern with mismatched chairs and large tables. Many furnishings hail from Calista’s ruined family tavern, rebuilt and enhanced by Tali, a war-weary elven archer turned carpenter whose trauma was carved into every lovingly crafted bench.
  
• Upper Levels: Housing quarters for the Hype Squad and their guests. These rooms are humble, yet defended by traps, wards, and at least one curse involving a talking mirror.
  
• The War Room: A former study, now the tactical heart of the Squad. Also serves as an informal interview chamber for less cooperative visitors.
  
• The Basement: Once a dark and unused storeroom (with too much blood in its history), now converted into a dormitory for local orphans. Their presence gives the Tavern something rare in Waterdeep: innocence.

Role in Recent Events

In the Contemporary Era, Trollskull Tavern has become both legend and locus:

• The Pretzal Incident: During a skirmish with Manshoon’s agents, Ambrose, under stress and flair, bent a dying assassin into a “human pretzel.” The ethical dissonance of this act splintered the party for weeks—until they reached an uneasy accord on when, and how, one ought to kill.
  
• Martial Law: During Waterdeep’s descent into lockdown, the Tavern acted as a hidden HQ for the Hype Squad, members of Bregan D'aerthe, and a splinter of the Zhentarim under Davil Starsong. They coordinated resistance, rescues, and revelries from this very alleyway.
  
• The Grand Game: As the powers of the city turned their blades inward, Trollskull remained an independent eye. Here, the game pieces of Waterdeep’s secret wars often found themselves gathered, whether they realized it or not.

Cultural Impact

Trollskull Tavern is no longer just a tavern—it is a symbol. For the locals of Trollskull Alley, it is a refuge, a gathering place, and an unofficial orphanage. For the nobility, it is a strange curiosity. For spies, it is a challenge. And for adventurers? It is home.

The performances of Ambrose are now legendary, drawing bards from as far as Baldur’s Gate. Children whisper tales of “the Fire Bard,” “the Tiny Priestess,” and “the Dwarf Who Yells at Ledgers.” For many in Waterdeep, the Hype Squad has become a new kind of nobility—not of blood, but of bravery.

Closing Remarks

Some would say the fate of cities rests in castles or council chambers. I have seen enough of the Realms to disagree.

Trollskull Tavern may be built of wood, brick, and repurposed furniture—but within it live the choices, sacrifices, and strange alliances that have shaped the very soul of Waterdeep. It is not a perfect place. It is simply real—and in Velkarn, there is nothing more rare.

—Filed and preserved by the Librarian, under the Year of the Tyrant's Pawn, 1495 DR.

Curated from field notes, eyewitness tales, and at least one ghost’s anecdotal recollection.

—Filed under “Living Personnel,” as of 1495 DR.

“A tavern is only as good as the souls who choose to serve it. At Trollskull, those souls are not merely servers or barkeeps. They are scars, secrets, songs, and stories.”

Ownership Circle

Ambrose, Calista Maidel, Doyen Sump, Xanna
These four, known founders of the Hype Squad, are as entwined with Trollskull’s foundation as stone is with mortar. While they may spend days—or entire arcs—in the wider chaos of Waterdeep or the Grand Game, their presence is felt in every floorboard, drink name, and whispered rumor.

Jacob
Dwarven monk of organized chaos. Hired first as a bartender, his preternatural ability to manage supply chains, negotiate with butcher unions, and throw grown men through windows earned him both a stake in the tavern and a healthy fear from the other staff. As he says, “Management is just combat with receipts.”

The Staff

Carric Nolal — Chef de Main Flame
Human. Gruff. Carric’s culinary expertise lies in large plates and larger expectations. A former field cook for mercenary companies, he now enchants his spices with transmutation and has been seen arguing with cloves of garlic. If you hear yelling from the kitchen, it's either Carric or the rats have unionized again.

Syllee “Syl” Gemsong — Barmaid
Drow. A newcomer to tavern work, Syl brings kindness, humility, and an untrained but eager hand to the bar. She is one of the few people who can calm both Carric and Larry. Her romantic entanglement with Tali the carpenter is the subject of local alley gossip and at least one drinking game.

Magdir Ironfoot — Pastry Warden & Appetizer General
Dwarf. Salt philosopher. Debt-bonded to the Manor’s ghost, Lif, due to a mysterious wager from his younger days. Knows 57 ways to prepare mushrooms. His cupcakes are tender; his croutons could end disputes. Do not ask him about “the incident with the sea salt.” He will tell you.

Widdilink Terragazer — Barkeep, Brewer, and Brew-theatrician
Svirfneblin (Deep Gnome). His drinks are as much show as sustenance—bioluminescent ales, gravity-defying pours, and “the bounceberry shot” that once dislocated a nobleman’s shoulder. Despite his Underdark roots, he admits (in private) a preference for dwarven ale. No one tell Magdir.

Larry the Second — Waiter / Occult Specialist / Kobold of Questionable Hygiene
Kobold. Bleeds black from his eyes (medically stable). Waits tables, recites the menu in draconic rhymes, and studies necromancy on weekends. Accepts only electrum as pay (“for symmetrical arcano-financial resonance,” he says). Romantically linked with Sinane; they make a disquietingly efficient couple.

Itlic Aloh — Moon-Barmaid / Midnight Healer
Human (Aasimar, undisclosed). A devotee of Selûne, Itlic took the job at half pay because “light comes not from coin, but from mercy.” Offers both drinks and minor healing services with quiet grace. Her silver flute playing in the evenings is said to soothe even Jacob.

Sinane Gijog — Bouncer
Half-Orc. Tall, silent, watchful. Her snake tattoo may mark an affiliation with a darker group, though no proof has ever surfaced. She has flattened a Zhentarim agent with a barstool and bought a round of drinks for a weeping noble—on the same night. Dating Larry, presumably by choice.

Former Staff & the Dead
As is the way of both taverns and adventurers, staff come and go, and occasionally explode. Several short-lived hires are remembered on the “Wall of Those Who Tried,” a small plaque nailed above the trapdoor to the basement.

Lif — The Ghost
Once the Manor’s original barkeep, now bound to the Tavern in spectral form. Helps with chores when not sulking or causing minor poltergeist flare-ups. Has a soft spot for orphans and Magdir. Will not speak of Volo.

As transcribed from the chalkboard behind the bar and annotated by the Librarian (who dines rarely, but remembers always).

House Specials

Carric’s Flame-Kissed Wyvern Ribs – 15 gp
Roasted with transmutation-enhanced fire that perfectly sears without charring. Glazed in a sauce that hums with mild enchantment—each bite briefly enhances your Charisma (advantage on one social check in the next hour). “One rack, one deal signed.”

Magdir’s Rocksalt Roast – 10 gp
Slow-cooked pork and root vegetables buried in magically heated dwarven salts. Hearty, rich, and possibly able to mend broken hearts. Comes with complimentary crouton commentary.

Syl’s Softbread & Moonbutter Platter – 7 gp
Freshly baked rolls served with glowing, silvery butter imported from a Selûnite enclave. Said to calm nerves and cure mild headaches. Pairs well with flute music and longing stares.

Xanna’s Interrogation Pie – 8 gp
Meat and mystery in every bite. Spiced aggressively. Causes mild sweating. May induce honesty (Wisdom save DC 12 or answer the next question truthfully). Disclaimer: The Tavern is not responsible for broken marriages.

Drinks & Spirits

Ambrose’s Allure – 5 gp / glass
A sparkling, fruit-forward wine with notes of rose, citrus, and mild suggestion magic. On a failed save (DC 10), the drinker must give a compliment to the nearest person. Popular on date nights and disastrous during duels.

Widdilink’s Glowbrew – 6 gp / tankard
Pale ale that glows faintly violet in the dark. Tastes like moss, honey, and triumph. Consuming a full pint grants darkvision (30 ft) for 1 hour. Warning: renders burps luminescent.

Jacob’s Fist – 10 gp / mug
A dark dwarven ale, thick enough to chew. Grants +1 temporary hit point and a sudden urge to challenge someone to arm wrestling. Non-dwarves may require a Constitution save to remain conscious.

Moonshot – 2 gp
A small glass of concentrated Selûnite moonwater and vodka. Cleanses the palate. And your aura. Occasionally leaves a glowing crescent mark on the tongue that fades by morning.

Sweets & Desserts

Magdir’s Brimstone Blondies – 4 gp
Butterscotch and chili, enchanted to warm the belly and, sometimes, the soul. Each square gently smokes at the edges. Eating more than three is considered a Constitutional Challenge by the locals.

Orphan’s Dream Sundae – 5 gp
Vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, candied almonds, and a single cherry blessed by Itlic. Part of the proceeds go to supporting the basement dormitory. Eating it gives you the Inspiration condition—but only if you mean it.

Larry’s Black Pudding Pudding – 3 gp
A disturbing but delicious dessert made of dark sugar sludge, tiny bones (candy, probably), and hints of licorice. May contain necromantic traces. Consumption at your own risk.

Late-Night Menu ("Post-Gala Recovery Specials")

Calista’s Scarred Hash – 6 gp
A medley of diced meats, seasoned potatoes, and regret. Named after one of her war wounds and prepared with equal ferocity. Popular with nobles sneaking out of masquerades.

Hangover Egg – 3 gp
One perfectly poached egg served with a whisper of divine magic. Cures 1 level of exhaustion and a single poor life decision. Does not undo exes.

Tali’s Wooden Platter (Literally) – 9 gp
An artisanal snack tray carved and prepared by Tali. The cheeses are mediocre. The board is exquisite. Comes with a complimentary side of wistful carpentry metaphors.