Every large city has one, a section where things are a bit rough about the edges. Camelot's version is called The Hook. A stretch of shoreline that curls out gives the area its name, and the many chaotic nights there gives it its reputation.

Entrance is gained at the south end of the Camelot market through a set of gates that are usually closed at midnight, but smaller postern gates are available along the century old wall built to contain the occasional riot. The main street stretching along the shoreline is called Shore Road and runs the two mile length of the area on the east side of The Hook. There is no such corresponding street on the west side, which is hemmed in by rapidly rising cliffs and mountains. Tradition has it that these cliffs were mined by dwarfs in Arthur's day, but if so, none have found the tunnels or seen any sign of dwarves for years. Other tales speak of similar tunnels running under The Hook, perhaps built by smugglers over the ages. One local claims they connect at some unknown point to others supposedly leading under Camelot itself.

(Note: There is an old barred door in the castle courtyard that a child said was where the orcs came from. A more reliable source confirmed that a force of orcs sought entry into Camelot through this during an invasion some years ago but were defeated by Sirs Tarsus Drake and Ian Blackthorn.)

The one mile width of the Hook is crisscrossed by many smaller streets and alleyways. The visitor is advised to stick to Shore Road, since it's easy to become lost in the smaller side streets. Also, you should stay as near to the north edge of the Hook as possible, for as it narrows and the space shrinks, the denizens of the tip tend to be the toughest and most violent, since they must fight for a place to live. Beware of thieves, cutpurses, and beggars.

The visitor is advised not to display any gems or jewelry.

Points of interest:

Of course, one cannot expect the food or accommodations in the Hook to be up to the standards of the better areas of Camelot proper. But if one insists on exploring The Hook, one should look for:

AMAZING GRACE'S: A clean, peaceful establishment.
The food is well prepared, given the location, and the staff
friendly enough. The bouncer is efficient.

FADED ROSE INN: A place favored by older customers.
The owner and her staff were formally courtesans
and are quite a source of local gossip.

STINKIN' OFFAL INN: Favored by sailors and butchers.
If you can eat a large plate of tripe, called the Awful Offal
on the menu board, you are not charged. The management feels the
entertainment you provided is worth the cost of a plate of tripe.
(Not recommended by Ye Guide)

FAT HENRY'S: A standard blood on the floor sort of bar.
Stay away from the food here as well. The claim to fame here
is the story of a monster that is called Dag that purportedly lives
somewhere under the building. The former proprietor is deceased but
the new owner retained the name in his memory.

Summary:
This is an area of Camelot a visitor can easily avoid and not feel they have missed anything. Your guide feels the reader can pass it up unless of course, the visitor is looking for adventures.

02/2003