Ardoris - A Tour Guide

Ardoris - A Tour Guide
Ardoris - the City of Love (and also drinks).

''After another successful venture in the wilder reaches of the Perennial Coast I found myself positively longing for some civilization. So ahoy, off to Ardoris for some taste of the spirits of the land.''

Since I know that you also might share some of my appreciation of the truths one can only find at the bottom of a formerly full goblet I thought that I would write some of these experiences down lest I forget them if my search proves successful.

''First let me just say some words of appreciation for the grandeur that is Ardoris when she is approached from the sea. How splendidly she rises out of the shoreline and how the limitless sprawl of the numerous streets is perfectly counter balanced by the twin delight of her palaces. Its breathtaking, or at least if that doesn't do it then the aromas of her docks may make you wish it did.''

''Having already acquired my bearings I jumped of the brig and at the western end of the harbour found myself at the dockside Tavern, which is also enough of a description. Whatever your mind dredges up in forms of prejudice, this place lives up to them all.''

''But I decided to be thorough nonetheless and promptly ordered the best ale, beer and mead the house could offer. After having to explain this order to both Emma the maid and then to Draulius the owner; it turns out they only had one of each to offer and the ale was really the beer with some extra water. A real pittance and the less said about their quality the better, but at least I had some entertainment in the form of three fights and only two of those instigated by me. So much that I had to down the last of my order quickly as I heard the approach of Cugel and his company.''

''Well. From there I headed quickly into the thick of it and due North-North-East passed the market where I can safely say that Mrs. Nightbloom has the most pure spirits. Such that your throat burns, your stomach warms and your courage blossoms but your taste buds might object for a while. But the atmosphere of a market leaves something, so again I headed onwards.''

''A short walk to the North-East corner of the main square there is the Peladjar Inn, a fine establishment if there ever was one. With good strong mead of a honeyed type. Although Peladjar insisted that I try his new selection of spiced wines instead. Couldn't notice the difference of number 4 or 5 though. Good stuff. Yes.''

''Had an argument with a Martin fella though, something about white lies or something. Had to move on.''

''Found nice company. Went east of oracle. Followed wall.''

Nice company got me through big iron door.

Smelled like harbour, or worse.

''Made new friends. Had liquor. Strong, good.''

''Lost purse. More drink.''

Good, you try to.

''Snuck off to sleep. Hard to find door. Fell through wall. Nice. Sleep here.''

...

''Well, I couldn't believe where I woke up, so neither would you, so I won't even try. Instead I'll recommend to everyone that you should book a room at Peladjar's inn if you appreciate his selection as much as I do.''