Tavern Talk is a beautifully drawn visual novel where you play as the Innkeeper of a fantasy tavern. It was developed by Gentle Troll Entertainment, and released on June 20, 2024. The game has some D&D aspects, and you can play through it multiple times for different achievements, outcomes, and endings. Check out my walkthrough for the best outcomes and achievements below!
Tavern Talk Act 1 Quests
Before you can start creating quests in the game (yes, that's your job), you'll have a short introduction to the game that includes two tutorials - one to make drinks, one to make quests.
As the Innkeeper, you are a faceless entity with NPC-like qualities. You can, however, choose your pronouns at the beginning of the game.
You'll meet Fable first, who is an anxious bean without much faith in their own abilities. While talking to Fable, you'll learn about your tavern, the drinks you serve, and how to complete orders.
Basically, it's D&D in bar form. You have five attributes disguised as potions that you can mix together. At the start of Tavern Talk, there are five known drinks that you can make. Like an attribute graph in D&D, each drink will show you how much of each potion to include. If you hover over the potions, the corresponding symbol will glow.
Drinks can't have more than five parts to them and will include one to three parts of any one potion.
For example, Swift Strike is a drink with three parts dexterity, one part intelligence, and one part defense. You'll make this with Fable learning from you as your drink-making tutorial.
After Fable, you'll meet a hooded figure who wants a "drinkable" drink, so go nuts and make whatever you want.
Then comes Caerlin, who will teach you how to put rumors - which you log from talking to your patrons - together to create a quest. It's really simple: three rumors = one quest.
Once you're done with Caerlin, you'll get to day two, and you'll meet KYLE the Vampire and Rhea the Dwarf.
This is just more drink practice, and you'll make two for Rhea because she needs them.
After this interaction, you'll be able to put together your first quest.
Drink for Fable for A Werewolf on Detours
Fable decides to take this quest to add more spice to their life. They want a drink that will either give them better dexterity or boost their charisma.
A Swift Strike (Dexterity) will unlock the Take Aim! achievement, while the Spoken Heart (Charisma) unlocks the Diplomacy Is Key achievement.
If you choose Spoken Heart, Fable and Caerlin will become close, rather than Caerlin being angry at Fable. It's pretty cute.
They'll both get another drink when they come back, so just make them what they want.
Depending on how you put your rumors together (the order of them), you'll either get Zephir - the previously hooded patron - next, or Caerlin will come back.
Drink for Zephir for Hey There, Evelynn!
Before we get onto the drinks for this quest, let's talk about infusions. Always add the infusion first - they add to the attributes of the drink, so you'll find that you need to use less of your potions to make the same drink when including an infusion.
Zephir has two choices for this quest and you can help him with both. Either make him a drink to make him speedy and invisible, or make one to strengthen him and allow him to create ice shields.
Making a Swift Strike with a Fae Crystal is the best outcome. This drink will mean that Zephir can retrieve the cape from Countess Evelynn without coming across anyone.
Zephir brings you a bat-shaped clock to decorate your tavern with, and you'll unlock the Shadow Steam Achievement.
Alternatively, if you want the Rogue Steam Achievement, give Zephir a Strength Boost with a Frozen Pinecone. He'll still get the cape, but he'll end up in a brawl with the enemies at Marrow Castle. He also comes back with scars, and Kyle's story will be impacted by this choice.
Your final battle will also change if you do this. But you'll get a ceremonial dagger, I guess.
Drink for Caerlin for Until Sunrise
Caerlin is going to want a drink to wake up first. You can just make her a Southern Brawler.
For the quest, she wants to fight a chimera. With her single drink, you can choose to help boost her defense by adding fire-resistant chilis or making a drink that's better for her brain.
Give her a Frozen Lagoon (Defense) for The Beast achievement, or a Sparkling Nebula (Intelligence) for the Puppet Master achievement.
You can add Phoenix Chilis to the Frozen Lagoon for that fire-resistance element.
If you go with the Frozen Lagoon, Caerlin will return uncertain, despite her victory. The Sparkling Nebula, on the other hand, allows her to study and outsmart the creature; which is her preference, because her Baba is fascinated by them.
Before Act 2
After Caerlin, you'll start day four of the game and meet Chrissy. She's off on an adventure and a Frozen Lagoon is perfect for her. I added a Pinecone because I wanted to.
Following Chrissy, day turns to night, and the lovely Fable shows back up. They have a gift for you - an embroidery of a constellation that they did themselves. It will automatically decorate your tavern's walls, and Fable tells you it's the "Little Dipper."
While you're chatting, Kyle appears, talking about how he struggled to find your tavern. It seems new alleyways have formed around the building. A Southern Brawler is perfect for him and is the only alternative he'll accept to your own blood.
Ah, I spoke too soon. No, he still wants your blood.
Anyway!
Tavern Talk Act 2 Quests
Before you get anyone who comes in for a quest, you'll meet Jade, who is happy with a Swift Strike. During your conversation, she'll drop a rumor - but it's not the missing piece to any of the current quests. You also chat a bit about the damage done to the tavern and a blonde in armour walks in.
This is Eleithyia. Make her a Frosted Lagoon to start - I put another Pinecone in this one - and then she'll introduce herself.
Eleithyia leaves, and is replaced by Iniko. Iniko will chat with Jade a bit - even ask to steal her name - and ask for a drink.
A Swift Strike is the best fit for their requirements.
Iniko is quite the character, and he chats with Jade enough to give you two more rumors - enough to unlock the next quest.
You'll enter the next day and Rhea will show up (Frozen Lagoon drink), quickly followed by a crying Kyle. It's a sweet reunion, Kyle gives her some earrings, orders a drink (Southern Brawler), and they both talk for a while.
Drink for Eleithyia for Twinkle Twinkle, Deadly Stars
Eleithyia takes this quest, and there are a couple of different ways you can help her.
The best route here is to go with Sparkling Nebula with Thunder Sage. This allows Eleithyia to investigate without resorting to violence. You'll also get TWO achievements for helping her with the quest this way: The Gently Giant achievement and the WOW! achievement.
Alternatively, you can go for a Frozen Lagoon with Pheonix Chilis and get the Beauty & Sadness achievement. Eleithyia will make a new friend in either situation, but he will visit the tavern quite sorrowfully if you give Eleithyia a Frozen Lagoon. They don't care for the choices they made during the quest, and are upset about it.
Getting more Act 2 Rumors and Recipes
After Eleithyia leaves with Rhea and Kyle, Melina (Melli) pops up.
Melli gifts you a Golden Feather in exchange for a drink. The Golden Feather is added to your collection of infusions. Make her a Sparkling Nebula with Thunder Sage to start with.
Zephir pops up and you finally get that bat clock you've always wanted for the tavern. Make him a Sunny Breeze while he talks to Melli.
Caerlin will show up, successfully back from her quest. She gives you a new drink recipe and asks for a Southern Brawler.
Melli will disappear and that leaves Zephir alone in the tavern. You can make him a Sunny Breeze with a Fae Crystal infusion while he chats with you. Fable shows up for a Swift Strike.
The next day starts with a new patron - Hex - who comes in for a drink that will help him focus. That's a Sparkling Nebula.
Next up is Skully, who helps with a rumor, and requests a drink. Make this moustache-wearing skeleton a charming Spoken Heart.
Okay, Fable walks in next. They get their usual (a Swift Strike), and give you some Honey Flowers for drink infusions. You'll also unlock the First Snow drink.
The sun starts setting and in walks Rhea (First Snow with a Golden Feather) and Kyle (Southern Brawler).
Followed by Minthie, with her dogs. She talks to the Innkeeper like they're old friends, and requests a drink and her manuscript. You can't find the manuscript, so she'll be back in a week.
Now you can piece together the next quest from your rumours.
Despite having the next quest ready to go, you'll get a couple more visitors first. Fable comes back in the morning for another Swift Strike, after a long night of helping the locals.
Then, you get to meet Gustav (who goes by Archie), a new adventurer who is a Fable fanboy. He asks for a defense drink first - a First Snow with a Golden Feather will do - and then talks a little about his parents and gives you a rumor to work with.
Drink for Melli for A Scanal in Zoford
FINALLY, Zephir takes a seat at the bar and Melli grabs a quest from the board - A Scandal in Zoford.
After Zephir is done upsetting Melli by telling her he isn't coming on the quest, it's time to make a drink. You have two routes to go here: Melli's suggestion or Zephir's.
The best drink to serve at this point is the Sunny Breeze with a Golden Feather; this will give you the Case Closed achievement, a new familiar for the tavern, and a new recipe.
If you follow Zephir's request, which is a Sailor's Courage with added Porcupine Chilis. You'll still get a new familiar, but you'll get the Cold Case achievement instead, and things won't go as well for Melli and Zephir as they could have.
Melli, Zephir, and Fable will leave, to be replaced by Chrissy. She chats with you, leaves, and is replaced by... well, Baya.
Baya has a spa and some obvious social anxiety. If you don't let them leave some coupons in the tavern, I hope all your bacon burns.
Jade walks in for a drink next (Swift Strike) and offers a rumor. Followed by Una, who has sailor vibes, so I gave her a Sailor's Courage. You'll get a new infusion from these two talking.
Eleithyia (First Snow with a Honey Flower) shows up with Clay Moor (Southern Brawler with a Chili), who they met on their quest. Una also requests a drink - a Southern Brawer will do. You don't need to use any of these specific drinks, just be sure that you fulfill their attribute requests.
You'll gain a rumor during their conversation, too.
Eleithyia, Una, and Clay leave, replaced by Skully, Hex, and his sister - Grace.
Grace's first drink request is for her brain. A Peak's Sunrise with Sage is perfect for this!
Skully also asks for a drink - a charming one - and putting a Golden Feather in a Thousand Winds drink is good practice for mixing potions and infusions.
You'll get another rumor while they're talking.
Once they leave, you can put together the green rumors for the Raiders of the Lost Archives quest.
Drink for Eleithyia for Raiders of the Lost Archives
This quest is taken by Eleithyia, with Clay right by her side.
They give you another rumor while they're talking to you.
Clay will ask for a drink that boosts Charisma and Defense - make a First Snow with a Honey Flower infusion. This is the best result and unlocks the Ever Blooming achievement.
You can, however, go with Eleithyia's choice for a drink that enhances Strength and includes Citrin (something like the Southern Brawler). Doing this means missing out on some allies, but it will give you the Ever Blooming achievement.
After they leave, Archie pops up and gives you a Steel Tonic recipe. He'll then ask for a Defense drink, and you may as well serve him a Steel Tonic with a Chili.
Archie will also give you a rumor, and leave soon after.
Introducing, Voyage! The renowned bard, who constantly blows you kisses. He's honestly a vibe and I love him. He asks for a drink with some Charisma, so try a Sunny Breeze with Sage.
Your next visitor is Quincy - based on the creator of Quincy's Tavern, and it's so lovely to see him in the game. He also wants a drink for Charisma, and a Spoken Heart is perfect for him.
Quincy leaves, day turns to night, and Una shows back up with Baya. They seem quite upset, best serve Baya a Swift Strike for Dexterity.
Una tells you the story - Baya's two close friends are having a domestic, and Baya is worried they'll both leave her. Enjoy the rumor you get from that.
All three leave, and there are two quests you can make now.
Melli (Peak's Sunrise with Sage) and Zephir (Thousand Winds with a Golden Feather) come back from their quest for drinks. While they're talking, you'll unlock the Silent Owl recipe.
You learn about Zephir's tragic backstory, get a new familiar (top right of the screenshot), and then Hex walks in. He also wants a drink, so why not try out the Silent Owl?
Drink for Caerlin, Rhea, & Archie for Fatal Company
After Hex and Melli have left, Caerlin will walk in and take this quest.
This is the first time she's meeting Zephir, and he's all broody. He asks for a drink for his aura (a pun on the last name Melli gave him). A Thousand Winds with a Honey Flower will do, or any other Charisma drink (Spoken Heart works) you want to make.
For Caerlin's quest, you could choose a drink that boosts Defense and strength and includes Citrin, like a Steel Tonic with a Citrin crystal. This drink gives you the best possible outcome and unlocks the Hero's Tale achievement.
Or you can go for a drink like the Peak's Sunrise, but this choice results in a poor outcome and earns you the Distract and Run! achievement.
Rhea appears after you've made the drink and joins Caerlin on her quest. Archie then does the same thing. Caerlin's going to love this...
Drink for Zephir & Fable for The Lagoon of Tranquility
This quest kicks off with Zephir suddenly taking the quest, despite having just returned from one. You do, however, have the option to involve Fable if you want to or give the quest to Fable. No matter what you choose, they will eventually team up.
Fable has different ideas for what would be a good drink. If you go with their preference, make a Sunny Breeze with Thunder Sage in it. Following this route leads to the best possible outcome, rewarding you with the A Lullaby achievement.
On the other hand, Zephir wants a drink that enhances Intelligence and includes the Fae Crystals Infusion; so make him a Sparkling Nebula. This choice gives you a less cheerful conclusion, but does grant you the Camouflage achievement.
Zephir leaves, night falls, and Rhea comes down from her nap. The interaction between Rhea and Fable is really enjoyable to witness.
Before Act 3
The next day starts, and we get to meet Polly and Scott! They're very hip, and.... Very Gen-Z.
Polly wants a Strength drink - you have three options, so just pick any of them. If you need me to tell you one, it's Southern Brawler.
It turns out they time-traveled and are very much not from this period.
Then the cutest thing happens: Baya shows up, Polly and Scott are super happy to meet her, and they all go to Baya's spa together. Wholesome.
The day closes out, and your first visitor the next day is Grace. Grace asks for an Intelligence-based drink; something like a Sparkling Nebula. While talking to Grace, you'll get another rumor.
Grace leaves and Zephir comes back from his quest with Fable. There's definitely a crush going on there, and I'm here for it. They both ask for drinks that are like the other person. I picked a Sunny Breeze with a Honey Flower for Zephir to drink, and a First Snow with a Golden Feather for Fable's cloudy request. Doing this gave me the Still in Training achievement, ha!
You're going to want to give Fable a Swift Strike after Zephir leaves.
Grace leaves soon after, Fable sings for you, and then Voy runs in and tells you both to duck. The tavern shakes, and you can see that water goes up to the top of your tavern window. There's been a flood.
Turns out Grace hadn't quite left yet, but she's fine.
Enjoy the Blub Blub achievement.
Tavern Talk Act 3 Quests
Act three starts while you're still submerged.
Hex is your first patron, he's distressed and looking for his sister. As Grace is resting upstairs, you offer him a drink. He requests something to help him focus - any Intelligence drink will do; I went with a Peak's Sunrise with Sage.
Hex and Grace leave, to be replaced by Fable and Voy. Voy doesn't stay long, but Fable desperately needs a comfort drink - make them a Swift Strike, you know you want to!
Caerlin and Zephir come in looking for Fable, and you get another rumor while they're talking.
Zephir leaves, Caerlin asks for a Strength drink (Southern Brawler), and then she leaves with Fable. They need to find Melli, who hasn't checked in since the flood.
Uma comes in with a new rumor, perfect for your growing collection. She'll also ask for a Strength drink. The typical Southern Brawler is great for these requests.
The unlikely party of Caerlin, Rhea, and Archie have come to share their quest story and a rumor.
Oh, and Archie gifts you a mug! How sweet!
Archie leaves, Rhea requests a Defense-based drink (Frozen Lagoon), and she and Caerlin chat. During that conversation, they reveal another rumor.
Both Iniko and Baya visit next, and they both want drinks for Dexterity. Baya also gifts you Lotus Flowers. Later in the conversation, you'll get a rumor.
Fable comes in next, quite upset, followed by an angry Zephir. There's a lot of story there, but you can read it yourself. Zephir wants a Charisma drink (Spoken Heart), and he absolutely deserves one.
You'll then argue with Fable, and finish out the day by putting together the next quest.
Archie comes in the next day, asks for a Defense drink (Frozen Lagoon), gives you a rumor, and then a very angry Zephir returns. Angry Zephir brings another rumor with them, though, and asks for a Charisma drink (Spoken Heart) before they leave.
Archie gives you a second rumor, so that's three total today. Once he's done talking, he leaves.
Drink for Caerlin & Skully for The Vegan Dead
This quest is taken by Caerlin and Skully, and as is usual now, you have two choices:
Go with the Spoken Heart with a Pinecone for a slightly better outcome and the Unionize! achievement.
Or you can choose a Swift Strike and add a Lotus Flower. This results in a slightly worse outcome and gives you the Burn Out achievement.
Once Skully has the drink, he and Rhea will leave to start the quest.
You can create two more quests now.
Drink for Jade for The Parent Trap
Jade takes this quest.
The drink should be a Sunny Breeze with Honey Flowers. This is the better choice and unlocks the Katallage achievement.
The other option is a drink that enhances Sailor's Courage with Frost Armor (Frozen Pinecones). This gives you the Katharsis achievement.
Drink for Hex, Iniko & Voy for Mission: Magically Possible
This quest is taken by Hex, but Iniko and Voy will already be in your tavern.
The best outcome comes from a Peak's Sunrise with a Golden Feather, which gives you the From Rags to Riches achievement.
The alternative is a Sailor’s Courage that includes Phoenix Chilis. This path has a funny outcome but is still a quest failure, earning you the Boom! achievement.
Archie comes in after they leave, asking for a drink to Defend (Frozen Lagoon) his brain. Uma's also there, and asks for a Strength drink (Southern Brawler). I feel like you've likely got these down by now and don't need suggestions for the non-quest drinks... But I'll still offer them.
Minthie comes in next, it's been a while since she stopped by, and she asks for an Intelligence-based drink (Sparkling Nebula). She also gives you a new recipe - Cursed Coffee.
Jade comes back with Zephir (who is currently called Kumo from Fable naming them) and requests a Detexity drink (Swift Strike) before she'll talk about the quest outcome.
Melli finally returns, along with Voy and Inkio. Fulfill the drink order, and learn about where they've been.
After Voy and Iniko leave, Zephir shows up. He's rightfully upset, and he and Melli get drinks and talk for a while.
The next day, you'll have a visit from Eleithyia and Clay. During their conversation, you'll get the Last Whisper recipe and a new rumor.
Your next visitors are Kyle, then Caerlin and Skully, and you'll get a rumor while Caerlin and Skully and retelling their adventure.
By the end of their very long conversation, you'll have enough rumors for three quests.
Drink for Rhea, Caerlin, & Kyle for Heir of Dragon Fire
Rhea, Caerlin, Baya, Hex, and possibly Kyle will take this quest. Kyle only comes along depending on your past choices. If you've been following this guide, Kyle will go with Rhea to get Hex, and Caerlin goes to get Baya.
Both drinks will lead to failure for this quest, there's no way out of it.
You have two choices as usual. Both have slightly different outcomes, but both end up failing. By serving a drink like the Last Whisper infused with Phoenix Chilis, the crew will pointlessly fight their way into the tower that houses the Dragon Fire - they will find it extinguished, and they return unsuccessful but alive. This gives you the Lights Out achievement.
The other option is to go for a Sparking Nebula with a Ghost Berry. The quest still fails, but it has the better story. You'll get the Guivre achievement.
Drink for Eleithyia, Clay, & Jade for The Twilight Chase
Eleithyia's back at it again with a third quest. She takes Clay and Jade with her. This is another failure-only quest, giving you these choices:
- Prioritize Dexterity over Defense and make a Last Whisper for the Last Dawn achievement.
- Or go with Defense over Dexterity and make a Last Snow to get the First Star achievement.
Either way, someone dies. Knowing that, I poetically went with the Last Whisper with a Frozen Pinecone.
Grace and Melli come in next, but they don't stay long.
Quincy, however, does. He also teaches you his famous Hot Chocolate recipe and checks in with you.
After Quincy, you'll finally meet Quasar. He's an... Old friend. I hate his attitude so much.
He also sent your bird familiar to spy on you all this time, and recalls them. So, you lose Gertrude the bird here. Honestly, this made me irrationally sad.
You'll get a string of visitors from here: Archie and Melli, Una, Melli again.
Hex, Caerlin, and Rhea come back from their quest. Hex and Rhea will leave and be replaced by Clay, Zephir, and Jade.
Finally, after some dark conversations, Fable walks in.
The news they share is dire, but the riddle is wonderfully written.
You'll also get a rumor from their conversation with Caerlin and Zehpir, which is used to create the final quest of the game.
Drink for Rhea for The Dead Parade
Your choices and how they've affected the characters' lives should have become apparent by now.
For Rhea and her party, you can choose between Dexterity and Intelligence with a Blessed infusion, such as a Last Whisper with a Lotus Flower, or you can serve Charisma and Defense with an Inspiration infusion.
Now, this is where there's an issue.
The best outcome comes from the Charisma and Defense drink, but there is no drink and infusion combination that works for the request. Thankfully, the other drink is still a positive outcome, just slightly less of one. This could be a bug in the game because I tried literally every possible combination and couldn't do it. It's supposed to be a Spoken Heart with a Honey Flower, but the negative force on the Strength element makes it impossible to create.
You will get the Some Sparkle on Top achievement for using a Lotus Flower, though.
Drink for Fable for Fight of Hopes and Dreams
This is the final quest of your playthrough, and it's taken by Fable. They won't be going alone at all.
The final drink you serve will heavily affect your playthrough, and there are some dark endings to this game. If you want the best outcome possible, serve Fable their favorite drink: Swift Strike.
Remember that this game can be played in a number of different ways. Every drink choice you make for a quest can change the outcome.
I won't write anything else here, I want you to experience the ending for yourself and there are no more plot drinks to make.
Want to read about more about visual novels at Pro Game Guides? Try What are Otome games? or the Best Visual Novels of 2023.
