Encounter-a-Day

For generations, a lone building has stood along the road between Barlowna and Keppings. The Carrot & Stick was an inn remarkable only for the fact that it stayed afloat despite the high prices, terrible food, and terrible service. In fact, the only reason it stayed around as long as it did was because it was the only inn for many miles.

Even with its little monopoly, the owner eventually went bankrupt and the inn shut down. Then, about two months ago, it was re-opened under new management. Already it’s gotten a reputation for remarkable hospitality. The food is great and filling, the beds soft and warm, and the companionship attractive and friendly. Perhaps most important of all, the prices are quite reasonable to boot!

What few people know, however, is that the Carrot & Stick is actually being funded by the Barlownan government. For almost a year, relations between Barlowna and Keppings have been going south, and in recent months rumors of war have been spreading. The Carrot & Stick is run by Barlownan spies. There are a series of cramped secret passages leading to well-concealed spy holes in every room, and the prostitutes (both male and female of which are employed) working it are all trained to loosen lips and gather information without arousing suspiscion.