The Rose Garden, Inn, Thistle Hold

The Rosegarden

No other guesthouse in the realm has such a misrepresentative name as the Rosegarden. The name comes from the blooming park that was on the site up until the fall of year 16, but which was rebuilt into housing for a large number of impoverished residents after a series of failed expeditions. Initially the unfortunates were dealt with harshly – they were escorted to the closest town’s gate and thrown outside. But the problem escalated and it was finally decided that the poverty instead should be hidden away behind walls, in the hope that at least some of the fortune hunters would recover and become productive again.

The Rosegarden is commonly called ”The Last Chance” and is run by the hard-edged Delera on behalf of the Mayor. The four dormitories have room for about sixty guests, which, at the reasonable price of 5 ortegs a night, offer access to a sleeping coffin, a blanket and two servings of porridge or soup. The turnover of guests is considerable. Many die from infections, others are victimized by more or less justified violence, and some choose to kill themselves as the last flicker of hope has faded. Others find themselves banned from town, while a few are lucky enough to become invited to join some expedition or treasure hunt. In any case, the sleeping coffins of those who leave are never empty for long.