You are looking at a well-made marquee depicting a bear skin rug before a fireplace. The Bear Skin tavern - they, of course, play on the words. If only it had topless women inside instead of shirtless men. Others told you this is one of the better spots to find adventurers who may be looking for work. There's nothing for it; you'll have to go in.

  Pulling open the door and stepping in, you find it reasonably well-lit and not as smokey as some of the other taverns you've been in. There is a fire in the hearth and a bearskin rug in front of it. Several bearskins adorn the walls, and a stuffed grizzly is in the corner by the bar.

  It's not very busy for a mid-week afternoon, but there's a very apparent divide between one table and the rest of the patrons. At that table, a comely human female with a ghostly eye is tossing runestones onto a mat. Across from her, a well-endowed female tiefling sits, inspecting her last throw. The odd man out at the table is the man who appears to be talking to an empty chair. There is a huge butcher's knife stabbed into the table in front of him. You can hear his muttering even as you stand in the doorway:

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  What kind of stupid rule is it that you can't be a mage's apprentice if you hear voices in your head? It's asinine, I tell you! Oh, yes, I agree. I'll do what's needed for you to give me the power I crave and deserve. Neither of these wenches will serve you like I will...Master. He, he, he, he - Oh yes, how glorious. Of course, a river of blood spilled in your name, Master. Yes, yes, that's right. Now, I need an adventurous name. Charlie... Chuck... ha ha! Upchuck! No, that's silly, like woodchuck... Wait...Chucky! Yes! I'll be Chucky now. Throw the stones for me next Halis! Chucky has a date with destiny!