Whalebucks Coffee Co.

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Whalebucks.png

General

Locations: Toril
Category: Franchise

History

Founding & Early History (pre-1215 DR)

In the early 13th century DR, two half-seafolk brothers — Borlen and Deryn Whalewake—operated a modest bait-and-tackle shop aboard their sea-skiff, The Whalebuck’s Folly. Sailing the coasts of FaerĂ»n, they peddled lures, nets, and (when no one was looking) the occasional bit of stolen treasure to fellow sailors and dockside wanderers.

As a mark of hospitality, they gave out small tin mugs of dark, invigorating coffee—an exotic brew they had begun trading for with southern FaerĂ»nian merchants. Sailors grew to love the drink almost as much as the gear, and word of “the coffee boat” spread from port to port.

The Great Brew Split (ca. 1230 DR)

In time, a sharp divide grew between the brothers. Borlen believed the future lay in coffee—its demand soaring with each tide. He proposed leaving behind bait and tackle entirely. Deryn, ever practical, dismissed the brew as a novelty, a side offering to keep customers warm and coming back.

Their dispute ended in a bitter split. Deryn stayed with The Whalebuck’s Folly, continuing the original trade. Borlen, meanwhile, stepped off the deck for good, founding his own venture—and naming it in memory of the ship that started it all: Whalebucks.

Expansion Across the Realms (1230–1494 DR)

Borlen refined his coffee blends, experimenting with planar ingredients, magical brews, and new brewing techniques. Whalebucks quickly grew in reputation and variety, offering everything from espresso-style shots to enchanted chill-brews.

Pop-up stalls and enchanted carts began appearing not just in port towns, but in market squares, adventuring guild halls, and even extraplanar trade hubs. By 1494 DR, Whalebucks had established permanent cafés in most major cities, each with their own sponsored stalls at local events.

Academic Sponsorship & Modern Dominance (1507–2024 DR)

In 1507 DR, Whalebucks began sponsoring university cafĂ©s—starting with Neverwood Academy, followed by Strixhaven, Blackstaff Tower, and the Magehold of Exandria. The company became a fixture in academic and arcane circles, serving coffee to students, scholars, and sorcerers alike.

By 2024 DR, Whalebucks had become the largest coffee franchise in the multiverse. Its iconic green sigil—featuring a stylised whale tail rising from a steaming cup—is recognised on every plane where coffee is poured.

Legacy

The original brothers passed away about thirty years ago. Their respective businesses were passed down to their eldest sons: Merrick Whalewake, now CEO of Whalebucks Coffee Co., and Tolan Whalewake, who still sails the Whalebuck’s Folly II, trading bait, tackle, and tales of the sea.

Hierarchy

Founders: Borlen Whalewake, Deryn Whalewake
Current CEO: Merrick Whalewake

People

The following people are members of this group.

File Gender Race Role College
Borlen Whalewake Male Human Cafe Founder None
Deryn Whalewake Male Human Cafe Founder None
Merrick Whalewake Male Human Cafe Manager None

Services

Whalebucks locations offer a wide variety of food and drinks

Standard Food & Drinks

Coffee

Tea

Chocolate Drinks

Soft Drinks

Pastries

Sandwiches

Bagels & Wraps

Other Light Bites

Signature Drinks:

Specialty Drinks & Food (Event & Pop-Up Exclusives)

From whimsical Fey carnivals to arcane universities and planar festivities, Whalebucks occasionally unveils limited-edition drinks tailored to the moment. These magical concoctions are available only at specific locations or during special events, each offering not just flavour, but unique effects tied to the time and place of their debut.

The Witchlight Carnival

Chuckles Chococino

A chocolate-caramel delight topped with candy sprinkles and fey giggles. Served in a grinning clown mug.
Effects: +1 Charisma checks (jovial charm), disadvantage on Stealth (clown shoes), and frequent giggling.

Torbek’s Mighty Mug

Spiced, earthy brew served in a bugbear-faced mug. Stir to read shifting foam messages.
Effects: +1 Strength checks/saves, and you refer to yourself in the third person (advantage on Performance boasting, disadvantage on Insight).

Frosty Feybrew

A sparkling mint drink topped with cloud-like cream and edible glitter. Served ice-cold in a shimmering glass.
Effects: Advantage vs. fear, and cannot be surprised.

Hither

King Gullop’s Royal Ribbitade

A tangy, citrusy green beverage served in a golden goblet that croaks softly.
Effects: Doubled jump distance, frog-like voice (advantage on Intimidation, disadvantage on Persuasion).

Bavlorna’s Bog Brew

A swampy, minty brew bubbling in a miniature cauldron glass.
Effects: Gain swim speed equal to walking speed, but disadvantage on Sleight of Hand.

Thither

Will’s Wildberry Fizz

Berry-fizz drink that shimmers with fey energy, served with glowing mint.
Effects: +10 ft. movement, one free Dash bonus action, and at-will guidance cantrip.

Skabatha’s Nightshade Nectar

Dark floral drink with a black sugar skull garnish. Aromatic and eerie.
Effects: +1 AC via barkskin, -5 ft. movement speed.

Yon

Brigganock Glowtail

A starlit, humming beverage glowing with gemstone magic.
Effects: Advantage on Investigation and Sleight of Hand (fine detail), and glowing fingertips (5 ft. dim light).

Endelyn’s Stormy Sip

Swirling storm drink with a cotton candy “cloud” topper. Tart and electric.
Effects: Cast shocking grasp once, hair frizzes (disadvantage on Persuasion).

Palace of Heart’s Desire

Envy’s Prideful Blend

Golden, lion-themed drink with spiced honey-citrus and a confidence-boosting kick.
Effects: Once per hour, roar to frighten foes (DC 13), +1 Charisma checks/saves.

Tasha’s Cauldron Brew

A shimmering black-and-gold mystical brew served in a tiny cauldron.
Effects: Cast Tasha’s hideous laughter once, +1 to saving throws vs. spells.

Neverwood Academy Autumn Specialty Menu 1508

Pumpkin Cauldron Latte (hot)

Served in a mini bubbling cauldron. Slightly energising; gain advantage on the next Constitution save vs. fatigue.

Feyspice Fog (cold)

Chilled oat milk with violet syrup, nutmeg, and a “fog” illusion rising from the surface.

Falling Star Chai (hot)

Topped with cinnamon dust and a spark of static magic; anyone who drinks it gets a faint static charge (harmless shocks on touch).

Gingersap Pop-Tarts (grab-and-go)

Spicy pastry with a golden glittering glaze and a miniature candy broomstick garnish.

Neverwood Academy Winter Specialty Menu 1508

Arcana CrÚme Brûlée Latte

Caramel-vanilla latte topped with magically torched sugar foam.
A sweet study companion with a spark of focus enchantment.

Frostwhisper Mocha

Dark chocolate and peppermint mocha dusted with shimmerdust.
Steam whispers gentle Elvish compliments until it cools.

Solstice Glow Tea

Spiced black tea with cinnamon and star anise, glowing amber in dim light.
Brewed from sunfire petals grown on the shortest day of the year.

Neverfrost Cold Brew

Dark roast steeped in cryo-charmed water over frost crystals that never melt.
Bittersweet coffee with notes of toffee and pine resin.

Ginger Tome Biscuit

A gingerbread book filled with vanilla icing “pages” that rearrange to display affirmations.

Winter Whale Tail

A cinnamon-sugar pastry drizzled with sea-salt caramel — a sweet nod to Whalebucks’ coastal roots.