Hessa waters every alcoholic drink, even when customers explicitly ask for it neat. She claims this prevents arguments, accidents, and unnecessary singing, though the regulars suspect she simply dislikes strong liquor. Every guest must leave a name, nickname, or mark in the guestbook. The hearth fire is never allowed to go out, and one iron poker is always kept crossed over the coals. On rainy nights, the inn's old beams creak in a rhythm that sounds almost like footsteps overhead. The resident cat, Turnip, refuses to approach the Hooded Guest and hisses at anyone who tries to move the old shield above the fireplace.