The Tangled Rigging, Sailor's Fellowship House

Guildhall in Leicester

Hanging over the door to this establishment is a section of knotted rope, denoting it as The Tangled Rigging, or The Rigging to those who frequent the place. Sitting off the wharf on a street heading into the depths of the city The Rigging is a sailor's friendship hall. Those who come here, mostly sailors of some type, understand that if you want to go out and drink your wages, then there are taverns along the wharf.

The Tangled Rigging has been used as a sailor's friendship house for many years. It has been ran by a captain's widow, Ms. Elinoire, and is a place for a quiet night, decent food, and a bed. It has some a couple of rules posted on the wall inside the door and everyone who comes here is expected to respect them.

The first rule is that every person in the house is shown respect. This means there is no fighting or thieving. Those who break this rule are turned over to authorities and barred from using the hall. The second rule is there is no gambling.

There are several services provided at The Rigging to patrons. For the most part, patrons are anyone who makes a living from the sea. Others are not turned away; however, they might feel a little uncomfortable if they are not able to be involved in the basic conversations.

The common room has food and drink. It is not the best, but it isn't bad. There is always a cioppino made from contributions left by the local fishermen. The common room also provides a place where people can just sit and relax, talk, meet, and play a game. Usually a quiet conversation is respected, or those who wish to sit alone. There are cards and tiles where they can be used.

For those who want a place to stay for longer periods of time The Rigging has rooms and beds in its upper levels. There is a barracks hall with a number of bunkbeds for those who don't want to spend a lot of money, or can't afford to. Better rooms are available for those who want privacy. Those who are looking for better accommodations or more services provided are directed to one of the several local inns. The Rigging doesn't have room service or baths.

Some people like to have a place to secure personal items while at sea and The Rigging has that service. A sailor can store items for a small, up-front fee. The sailor's name, the duration of the storage, and the name of the ship they are sailing out on are noted. Ms. Elinoire also suggests that information be left of what to do with items stored in case the sailor is unable to return and collect their belongings. If a sailor is lost and no information left, they become the property of The Rigging. Ms. Elinoire doesn't like to take items this way and has been known to hold them for longer periods, in case the person returns, just late.

Letters are also brought through The Tangled Rigging. These are not letters to be forwarded on to residents in the city, but letters left for those coming in on a ship. A letter can be left by anyone. Those who know about this service can check to see if any letters have been left for them. When leaving a letter it is required to leave a name of who gets it. Sometimes the name of the ship or some distinguishing feature of the person is added to help ensure the letter is getting to the right party. When seeing if anything has been left for someone, they need to ask for it. There is no effort to go and find a person a letter is left for. Because letters are left for people by name there are some who use an alias, or special code name to make sure they are getting their own mail from friends and family. The date is usually marked on the letter and if it is not retrieved in a year they are discarded.

There are a number of regulars who stay at the fellowship hall or visit the hall. There are sailors who have family in another port that prefer to stay here than going out on the city. Some locals also use the fellowship hall as a meeting place with captains because of the quieter nature of the place.

Along with Ms. Elinoire there is a regular staff. All of them have some connection with the sea. Some are retired from the life of working the waves, while others have family who are out on a ship.

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