Nicole

Nicole is the barkeep at The Sword and Keg in Jhelom in Ultima V.

Ultima V: Lazarus
The former wife of Jarl who had died from a fall, Nicole was responsible for the administrative and bar work, as well as ordering supplies for her busy establishment, which she had purchased off of Ean the former mayor of Jhelom before he fled into exile. She complained that organizing and paying the taxes for her establishment was especially exasperating, and the taxes ensured she couldn't afford any other help.

Nicole was upset by the taxation of her establishment under Blackthorn's Oppression, but felt she had little choice but to submit to this new burden. The tired barkeep admitted the Oppression had a stranglehold over Jhelom, and heard it was similar throughout Britannia. She found Blackthorn's behavior as regent at odds with her memory of the man the one evening he visited her establishment, where she'd thought him a brave and noble young man. Nicole regaled the hero with how one evening she had felt a strange temper arise within her establishment, which caused her to lash out verbally at her newest customer, a young Lord Blackthorn. This situation was quickly influenced by a stranger who challenged the regent's right to power, but Blackthorn had defused the situation and accepted Nicole's apology. Blackthorn's rule of the city, headed by the Guard Captain Jonus had been a point of contention even since martial law had been declared throughout the land.

The barmaid was familiar with the residents of Jhelom, saying Gremnor had a rough demeanor, but this was merely a facade. Nomaan, she noted was well liked by all, and his blacksmith Bullwier was a miserable sort while sober, but a happy enough drunk. Shannon was a beautiful woman, quick with a blade, and uninterested in romance. She felt the bard Trian was a drunk, and was worried about Fel who had cut his ties with the community after his wife's death

Nicole had begun to take care of Goeth, fearing that his increasing insanity left him a threat to himself. She noted that Goeth had disappeared for several days after the Night of the Black Gloves, and upon his return had a new found fear of being inside. She had tried to feed him and provide lodging for him ever since.

Nicole asked the hero to help her with acquiring some cocoa beans, for she had recently forgotten to order her supply. The Avatar would receive 50gp for this task. The Avatar would also receive 60gp for bringing wine from Empath Abbey.

If the hero mentioned seeing Ean, and reported that he was not well, Nicole would write a letter for the Avatar to deliver to the man wishing him good health.