The colossal and ancient tree that houses the tavern had originally been entrusted to a naive and gentle Nymph, whose sole duty for the last half-century was to guard the tree and provide refuge to the forest creatures as necessary. This tranquility was capriciously dismantled by Tillynut Sprigglesprout.

Tillynut challenged the impressionable Nymph to a now legendary game of chance, demanding that she offer up the deed to the great tree as collateral. Easily taken in by Tillynut’s elaborate trickery, the Nymph foolishly betrayed her sacred duty and lost the tree. Tillynut instantly took ownership, gutting the interior and transforming it into the lively and beautiful tavern it is now. The tree, though displeased, remains alive and powerful, easily containing the chaos within its walls. In a strange twist, Tillynut continues the spirit of the Nymph’s oath by providing refuge within the ancient tree, though these days, that refuge is most often sought by the thirsty and weary. Now the only constant threat to its success remains the sour pixie Zizzlebud, who carries an eternal grudge against the hollowed-out refuge.

“Oh, you want to know about Tillynut and the Hollow? Well, as Tillynut Sprigglesprout tells it, the whole thing began with a bet…”

Tillynut, being the unrelentingly whimsical Fey Sprite that they are, challenged the Nymph (The current and sole occupant of the enormous tree) to a legendary game of chance for the deed. The stake? A ridiculous, magical ransom, a cloak woven from pure moonlight. Apparently, Tillynut convinced the Nymph that such a thing actually existed, and she giddily accepted the challenge. Tillynut won the game, of course, and gleefully took the deed from the now very bitter Nymph. The awe-inspiring location perfectly complemented the Sprite’s innate skill for hospitality and leisure, and word of the forest’s extravagant new ‘go-to’ spot immediately spread.

Naturally, that immediate success infuriated Zizzlebud, a sour pixie whose every attempt at running a tavern of their own has spectacularly failed. Zizzlebud sees Tillynut’s effortless flair and prosperity as some kind of cosmic injustice, so they’ve dedicated their miserable life to constant, petty sabotage of the Hollow. Tillynut recognizes every sticky spoon and mysterious little mishap as Zizzlebud’s work, but the Sprite holds no ill will. They simply consider the pixie’s efforts ‘tragically un-whimsical,’ and devote their attention to making sure the guests keep their bellies full and their coin pouches light.”

Likes

• Whimsy
• Rich patrons
• Tricks & Pranks
• Storytelling
• Satisfying each and every patron to the full extent of their coin pouch

Dislikes

• Humorless patrons
• Stick-in-the-muds
• Gruel-and-water patrons without developed personal tastes

Ramthorn Merribough was once known throughout the forest as a wild, fun-loving, and most passionate young Elkfolk, famed for his laughter and reckless good spirits. Unfortunately, one day, he made the mistake of carelessly crossing the path of a powerful Archfey who resented his natural, unbridled joy. The bitter Archfey cursed him, stealing his capacity for spontaneous emotion and passion. His quiet presence is welcome to all who grace his bartop, though a careful glance might reveal a small glimmer of joy struggling to break through the stillness in his eyes.

Likes

• N/A

Dislikes

• N/A

Snort Drudgepot may possess truly terrible personal taste, but he is undeniably a gourmet master when forced to cook. Yet, Tillynut didn’t hire him for his recipes; rather, it was his impressive, seemingly endless ability to invent creative new curse words that brought the Sprite so much joy. Despite his grumpy demeanor and poor personal hygiene, Snort adapted to the high standards of The Spindleroot Hollow’s menu effortlessly, though not without slipping in a few of his own unfortunate homemade recipes first.

Likes

• Slop
• Tub wine
• Curse words

Dislikes

• Fine dining
• Fancy tastes
• You