Before the swamp¿ there was the tavern. At the edge of the Verdant Kingdoms, where four roads meet and the world is slowly turning grey, the Thistle & Tankard stands as one of the last warm places left. Food is hot. Ale is strong. And behind the bar is Nessa Thistlecheeks-tavernmaid, ward-keeper, and the stubborn heart holding it all together. Raised in a family of half-blood survivors, Nessa has inherited more than just a business. She's inherited magic woven into the walls, a legacy of resilience, and a responsibility to protect what little light remains in a fading world. But the crossroads is changing.

The grey is creeping closer. Travelers are disappearing. And across the road, a bold new rival has arrived. Marta, the ambitious and sharp-tongued owner of the Buxom Boar, isn't just competition-she's a problem. Flashy, fearless, and determined to take over the crossroads, Marta threatens everything the Thistle & Tankard stands for. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, Nessa must fight to protect her tavern, her legacy, and the fragile sanctuary her family built. Because in a place that belongs to everyone¿ not everyone is welcome. Includes five immersive tavern recipes woven into the story, including Mira's legendary warding broth.