And yep, I realise that headline is a mouthful, but so is attempting to explain this unique and awesome gaming concept. But here goes: You know all those taverns, inns and pubs you visit in high fantasy RPGs to buy items from, rest in or, more importantly, gain information that usually leads to new quests? Well, Epic Tavern is a game where you run one of those establishments, dishing out quests, information and items to the heroes who walk through your tavern door.

Here's an official excerpt from Epic Tavern's Early Access press release:

Developed by Hyperkinetic Studios, a team led by a trio who were formerly a Creative Director at Treyarch, an Associate Producer at Konami, and a Technology & Design Lead at Sony Pictures Studios, Epic Tavern will age to perfection in the casks of Early Access until 2018.

In Epic Tavern, players take on the role of Tavernmaster and oversee a legendary pub where renowned heroes from across the World of Beor converge as they prepare to embark on adventures. A tasty brew of role-playing, roster management, and social simulation elements, Epic Tavern enables players to customize their establishment and dispatch its heroic patrons on quests.

During these journeys, Tavernmasters will guide their parties as they encounter difficult forks in the road. It’s up to players to help their heroes overcome the lasting effects of their dangerous adventures, guide their progress as they level up, and divvy up the spoils of their quests.

How Tavernmasters befriend their heroes, manage their teams, and maintain their establishment will reverberate out to the world beyond the inn’s doors, attracting new patrons and powerful enemies, in addition to unlocking lucrative and exciting new adventures.

Epic Tavern was crowdfunded via Kickstarter, where it raised 170% of its goal. Available here for USD$24.99, the tavern management simulator is playable in English, with additional language support planned for future updates.

“Epic Tavern’s dynamic systems ensure no two players’ stories will be the same,” said Rich Bisso, Co-Founder, Hyperkinetic Studios via the same press release. “We’ve built the tools so Tavernmasters can create and run the fantasy inn of their dreams and be at the heart of every adventure.”

Check out the Early Access launch trailer below.