The entrance to the Dragon's Herald was down three worn stone steps, and the door was of solid ironwood banded with blackened iron.  The room was darker within, and age-blackened trees had been used as timbers to buttress the roof.  The walls were of masonry, and also showed their age, but across the way was a fireplace fit to roast an ox within.  The fireplace, huge and with a good-sized fire burning within, was set within a massive dragon's skull, complete with scimitar-like teeth, its empty eye-sockets glaring balefully across the room.  Given the time of day, there were few people sitting at the thick, sturdy tables and benches.  An elven bard was in the corner, a slight smile on his face as he stared into the fire, strumming his lute contemplatively.  A busty barmaid was cleaning a table, and a older man with a waxed handlebar mustache was vigorously cleaning a number of mugs behind the bar, where dozens of lovingly attended bottles shone.<br/><br/>"Ah, travelers!  What might I do for you?  Jacob is my name, and innkeeping my game!  If you'd like to do a few dice or card games, I can provide those as well, of course.  I also have information for sale, or food, drink, and lodging for rent, if you like." The man said boisterously, a broad, honest grin on his face.  A faint snort of amusement came from the barmaid at his comments.