“Welcome to the Maw. Wipe your boots. Speak no lies. And never, ever ask what’s cooking.”

The Abyssal Maw is a living tavern hidden in the roots of a crumbling fortress or sunk halfway into a hillside. Its wood pulses faintly, the chandeliers sway to a nonexistent rhythm, and its walls sometimes whisper when you think too hard.

A couple of overweight humans with bulging eyes and unusually large jaws run the place. Their names are Earl and Marge. Their aprons appear to be stained with blood. They don’t talk a lot except to do their jobs, say please, thank you, and remind people of the rules. They are VERY adamant about the rules.

Basic Concept:

  • The tavern is alive, semi-aware, and hungry.
  • Every now and then, it consumes a patron or a horse. No one talks about it.
  • It enforces strict house rules with an unnerving degree of control.
  • Its mood changes like a surly innkeeper: sometimes welcoming, sometimes vindictive.

House Rules (posted in blood-red ink):

  • Do not speak of the past before your third drink.
  • Always tip the barkeep before being served.
  • If a door is closed, it stays closed.
  • Don’t ask about the black stew. Just… don’t.
  • Do not inquire about the cauldron out back that we throw our meat scraps in.
  • The harpsichord plays itself. Never interrupt it.

Dragonbane Mechanics:

  • Spot Hidden (INT) reveals hairline fractures in the tavern’s mouth when it’s about to “feed.”
  • Fear Rolls if the tavern attempts to influence or terrify characters (e.g., doors slam shut, ale turns into blood).
  • Patrons gone missing? Use Myths & Legends (INT) to recall folktales about a “Hellmouth Saloon.”
  • Failed Bluffing or Persuasion may trigger minor psychic retaliation (mild illusions, ejected forcibly, etc.).

Adventure Hook:

A local dignitary vanished after visiting the Maw. PCs are hired to investigate—but must follow all rules or risk being the next item on the menu. Is the tavern cursed? Is it the prison of a demonic entity? Or is it simply… hangry

This game is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Fria Ligan AB.
This Supplement was created under Fria Ligan AB’s Dragonbane Third Party Supplement License.

Thank you for being here with me today. I appreciate you. Keep it real, but please strive for positivity, too. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy in your life.