In the capitol city of Oniford, there is a tavern well known to be visited by people famous far and wide. S-class adventures, visiting royalty and even those who could be classified as demi-gods. It is always open, from the afternoon 5th bell on towards the early break of morning, never seeming to slow down or tire. Inside is not as extravagant as one may think, considering who graces the premises, but that is just one of the many reasons it is so well loved by the people. Once you enter the doors, you are greeted with a large open room, well lit by the special lights created not long ago by the prestigious artificer’s guild. A stage takes up the wall on the far left side and the bar sits in the back, all made of a warm brown wood that came from the Elves enchanted forest, a gift given freely to the owner. Tables and chairs fill most of the floor, though a space is left open closer to the stage for those who wish to dance when the band plays. Stairs sit in the back right corner leading to a second floor, where the owner and live in employees sleep, and the kitchen can be seen thru 2 swinging doors behind the bar, the smells of good food seeping thru whenever the doors are passed thru.

Most nights there is some exotic guest from afar for a visit, a noble who joins the crowd of commoners to be a just another person, and adventures sharing stories amidst laughter and song while they relax after a day of travel or work. Handsome knights and beautiful maidens, roguish elves and burly beastmen, barrel chested dwarves and slim mages, sit shoulder to shoulder with none acting against another. For in this tavern none are allowed to discriminate against others, lest they are barred forever from the tavern, an act that could even ruin future prospects and careers. No matter race, skin, religion, or prestige all are equal inside these doors, and all are welcome.

And in this tavern sits our protagonist, enjoying a drink. He is not the boisterous knight talking about his conquest of both beast and women, or the beautiful androgynous elf thief who sits while contemplating his next plan. He is neither the burly dwarf who is drinking a mug as large as his head nor the well-muscled tiger-kin who has three beastwomen draped upon him as he enjoys a meal. No our hero of the story is none of these, in fact if asked by the many patrons of said tavern, none know what race he could be. Rumors are of course spoken, but many are considered far-fetched and impossible, as they would have him claimed of an ancient long dead race, a race so far forgotten none know when they disappeared.

He is a well-known customer though few could claim to have heard him speak, and even less know his occupation or name. Our hero is even included as one of the many mysteries of the tavern, known only as the drunken one. Yes our hero is a drunk, a worthless nobody, and overall considered a waste of space. Even the seat he sits upon in the dark corner of the room farthest from everyone is known to be a special seat for him alone. Though that is only because he is always there from the moment the tavern opens for the night, till the early morning when the doors close. Some wonder why this strange being is allowed to just sit there, but the owner never says a word and the employees never mention him, though they do make sure his cup is filled when he raises it for another. For though he is naught but a filler and mystery, our hero always pays his tab before leaving.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Many newcomers have asked about the mysterious drunk out of curiosity, but they are met with shrugs and no answers. Eventually as they become regulars he is forgotten in the corner he sits, another background to the tavern. Of course this monotonous background is occasionally brought to the forefront, when on the rare occasion someone sits with him and they talk. Even more so when people realize that those who speak with him are people who hold roles in places of high authority. Such as when the King of the country the tavern is in came to speak, or when the highest ranked adventures go sit with him and seem to ask questions or advice. A surprise visit by Archmage Asorin, a conversation with Pope Odoron of the Covenant, and the stunning demon Queen Winvyn left many a tongue wagging on who this mysterious man could be.

But only tales and rumors followed him, and anyone who may know the truth would not speak of it. It’s not like he was trying to be mysterious or keep secrets, just that he enjoyed his privacy and asked that be respected. As such, when some would be too persistent or not know when to give up, some would disappear, and some would come one day and never speak of it again, turning pale if was brought up. Of course this left more rumors, but since these special visits were usually exceedingly rare, most would once again forget or ignore him, allowing him to return to the backdrop as he liked.

But a new wind is blowing in the capitol, and with talk of a new relic uncovered from one of the many ancient ruins that cover the globe, things that had not seen the light of day are coming to the surface once again. The calm and peaceful city may soon be seeing a new side of our hero, one that many would have never believed. As those with power look outward toward the threats that gather, those in the tavern speak of a weapon of destruction found deep below the ground. What does this mean for the city of Oniford, and for the tavern deep within its walls? What new legends may be born? This is a story about an unknown drunk who sits in his corner and how his actions can shake the world.