This is the fourth entry in my #dungeon23 series. I’m currently laying the foundations for a project that will take me all of 2023 to complete. I am writing a room or detail of a megadungeon set on a steampunk airship every day.

Follow along and watch me develop this in real time! These entries are only what I can manage in a single day. This entry ends a trilogy of starting locations.

This location is based on a real place. The real-life Nos Da hostel sits along the River Taff, with a view of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. It’s been closed since the covid-19 pandemic.

It will live on in the setting of Gwerddonau Llion, however and will be a place for players to rest before they embark on the GLS Anghymodlon, the 12-deck steampunk airship currently moored in the Bay of Caer Isel

Nos Da, Hostel on the River Awen

Description

The Nos Da Hostel sits along the Bay of Caer Isel. The River Awen flows gently beside it into the bay. It’s usually an interesting and affordable place for travelers to stay, but increasingly popular due its prime location close to the Bay and the currently moored luxury airyacht GLS Anghymodlon.

The building is painted in a dark grey, evoking sleep. Features of the city’s current Steam Era are present all along the walls as copper and brass tubes pump out steam from the various washrooms and dining rooms in the building. The building’s name is painted onto the brick itself in a bright, high-contrast light grey against the painted walls.

Inside the hostel the interior design is heavily fitted with industrial and steam era features. There are exposed gears and wires all about the place. A receptionist sits behind a desk, ready to book you in for a room.

Who’s working today?

1. Dydd Llun: Nye Bugh (Day), Lleulu Wren (Night)
2. Dydd Mawrth: Nye Bugh (Day), Lleulu Wren (Night)
3. Dydd Mercher: Nye Bugh (Day), Lleulu Wren (Night)
4. Dydd Iau: Elis Beavin (Day), Madoc Rice (Night)
5. Dydd Gwener: Elis Beavin (Day), Madoc Rice (Night)
6. Dydd Sadwrn: Nye Bugh (Day), Lleulu Wren (Night)
7. Dydd Sul: Elis Beavin (Day), Madoc Rice (Night)

There is a cosy and warm atmosphere within the Nos Da. A spiral staircase leads up to where the guests may stay in their rooms, but may also continue on to a communal area to relax and socialise. There is a basement below the hostel that is sometimes used to host bands and whatever else the owners need to store.

The Nos Da offers both private rooms and shared halls, some of these may have as many as fourteen guests. Patrons come from all places and backgrounds. It may be a great place to find an adventuring party member, or a place to learn about other cultures. The rooms offer basic amenities like beds, linens, storage space and showers, while there is a communal kitchen for guests to prepare their own food. The dining room is a comfortable space for guests to eat with eachother.

The highlight of the hostel is its location close to the harbour with a great view of the sea. Guests can eat and drink with a stunning view of the Bay of Caer Isel and the ships currently moored in its harbour.