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The Best Damned Coffee in New Aveon
Dec. 4th, 2019 05:47 amThis work originally appeared on my Patreon page. Please consider supporting me on Patreon to this and other, original stories at least 30 days in advance of the public.
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From New Aveon on a Half-Mark a Day
The best damned coffee in New Aveon can be found at Coffee of the East, located across
the street from the Cathedral of St. Ove in New Aveon’s central district. Though not the
largest eating establishment in the city, its prime location and unique service make it one
of the most popular stops in the city.
Coffee of the East gained its name from the owners, former Imperial subjects Erebus and
his lovely wife. Coffee is a rare commodity in the West, and often brewed frugally, as
purchasers of the marvelous bean attempt to make the most of their prize. The result
often is a coffee that, in the words of Erebus’ wife, “—is weaker than a halfling that had
missed First Breakfast.” When Erebus and his wife emigrated to New Aveon, they saw
an opportunity to serve coffee as it was meant to be drunk. “Black as Hell, strong as a
bull, and sweet as a woman.” Though it can be pricey, the unique blends provided by the
shop more than make up for whatever the customer pays. In addition, a wide variety of
sweet pastries and hot rolls can be purchased to expand the customer’s enjoyment.
Coffee of the East is fronted by large panes of glass, which allow visitors a lovely view of
the bustle of Cathedral Square, as they sit at one of the half-dozen or so circular tables
within. During the summer the door is left wide open, and the delicious aroma their
unique coffees spills out into the street, often tempting pious churchgoers to alter their
plans on Sunday mornings. At the back of the shop is the serving counter, where
customers can watch as the coffee is brewed right before their eyes in the exotic
“samovar”. The walls are paneled in light woods that brighten the spirit, and paintings
hang, illustrating some of the myths of the Old Empire that remain favorite stories, even
as the gods within them were supplanted by the Allfather.
Make sure to come by, it’ll be worth the trip.
What’s not commonly known:
Coffee of the East is owned and operated by the anonymous heroine of “The
Professional” and her husband Erebus (who was successfully rescued by the Ebon School
from the East, along with their children). Most of the information presented in the travel
guide is true. It just leaves out some salient facts.
For starters, the private area above the shop is definitely that, private. The second story
contains the family’s living area, a single large living/dining room. The third contains
two bedrooms, one for the adults and one for their children. Entry to the private area from
a single staircase hidden by a door behind the serving counter, which is Wizard Locked
always, and booby trapped at night. A second door at the top of the stairs is similarly
secured, as are the windows. The setup more than a little paranoid, but you are talking
about a family of escaped slaves, one of whom used to work for an organization that is at
least the Ebon School’s equal, and all of whom lived in an Empire that is notable for its
vindictiveness towards non-elves.
Below the shop is the storage cellar, which has nothing of note, except for a small barred
area where they keep the really expensive beans.
Erebus and his wife also don’t just earn their pay by serving coffee. It’s only natural that
their shop is a magnet for the few Imperial expatiates in the city, and occasionally an
Emperor’s Hand operative who isn’t above risking his cover to get a decent cup of java.
The couple keep their ears wide open while serving, and report the rumors they
occasionally hear to the New Aveon government, who has them on a semi-permanent retainer.
To help keep their cover, the entire family has gotten into the habit of wearing long-
sleeved clothing to hide the slave tattoos on their arms. Erebus’s wife doesn’t normally
go armed anymore, save for a knife in her boot, but she has a small but extensive
collection of weapons hidden behind a wall panel in the bedroom she shares with her husband.
