The Black Lantern is a tavern located in the Imperial city-state of Talabheim that is known to serve as a hang-out for much of the city's criminal element.[1a]
Set along the imposing rise of the Taalbaston crater in which the city lies, the Black Lantern is a sprawling building that gets even less sunlight than the rest of the Tallows. A huge, ancient lantern made of black iron provides the tavern's name. Long ago, a drunken and slightly insane Magister cast a spell on the lantern after a ludicrous bet -- a perpetual flame now burns inside it, and patrons can still see the blackened mark in front of the tavern where the Magister self-immolated.[1a]
The Black Lantern is a notorious haven for thugs, conmen, and scum of all kinds. Its owner, a Tilean named Lorenzo, often turns a blind eye to all but the worst offences within his business and spends a healthy portion of his profits on bribes to keep the local City Watch out. He maintains several large "banquet rooms" where wealthier members of the local underworld can conduct business in private.[1a]
The basement of the Black Lantern has a secret door that leads into the warrens of the Ratholds to the west. Lorenzo stores all manner of illegal contraband in this tunnel and, for a substantial fee, can be convinced to dispose of a body or two with no questions asked.[1a]