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Cooking Up Trouble
Lord Schmultzfeather's call for spectacular chefs to staff a new, exclusive restaurant certainly did not turn up void! Many applied, and the cream of the crop was chosen...
Kehlysch, Dinte, Phillip, Ashley, Tessara, Vincent, Bahram, and Mimi are each approached by a servant of Lord Schmultzfeather, bearing a fancy note card with the following message:
Please bring yourself (and any desired possessions), to Lord Schmultzfeather's tower on Tuesday at noon. You will be provided lodging and will be expected to reside at the tower on days when you are being trained and when the restaurant is open. On your days off (usually Mondays and Tuesdays) you may continue to reside at the tower, if desired, or you may return to any other local home or lodging.
Generous payment will be given upon completion of each successful week of work. Inadequate cooking, laziness, or insubordination will result in termination ... of employment.
See you at the tower!
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Oishi, on the other hand, is approached by a servant bearing the following message, which the servant offers to read out loud, if Oishi so desires:
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On Tuesday, those hired and desirous of accepting the prestigious position show up at Lord Schmultzfeather's recently-refurbished tower, adjacent to his villa. Upon showing the invitation note to the guards at the massive front doors, you are ushered into a large, posh waiting hall, the rounded walls hugged by long, curved couches laden with embroidered pillows, and an impressive chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling. You are asked to wait here as the other new hires arrive.
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Only chosen game-players should make posts in this gameplay thread, and only using game aliases.
(Although, others wishing to follow this campaign for fun may make a single "." post so that it shows up in your campaigns tab. Your character will be marked as previous (so that you don't show up in the party in the players tab), but you as a 'player' will be left as current so you can still follow along as desired.)
Each player should post at least twice per week to stay active in the game. More posts are certainly welcome, though. Significant GM game updates will likely only come once or twice a week, but minor additions or clarifications may possibly be added during the time in between.
A character may be "fired" out of the game at any time. Please do not take this personally if it happens. It is also possible for characters to be "re-hired".
If you have anything that your character would say specifically to another character without letting the whole group hear, put it in a spoiler tag labeled something like [ spoiler = Jane Whispers to John ]"Let's make a soup and dump it on Jack's head!"[ / spoiler ] (only without the spaces).
If you would like to roll certain uncalled-for skill checks, feel free to do so. Responses/information/results may come individually or may be reflected generally in the next game update.
Standard text should describe your character's actions in third-person, present tense.
For example:
Jane slumps in the chair, her brown braids falling over her shoulders, and her eyes gazing around the room warily.
Bold text should be put in quotation marks and represent things your character says out loud.
For example:
"I don't know what you're doing here! Clearly I'm the best chef!"
Out of character text should be used for any side comments to the GM or to other players.
For example:
Also, let's keep the game friendly, fun, and mostly PG. Thanks! :)
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A young human male has taken a seat on a surprisingly clean spot on the floor near one of the benches, politely waiting quietly, a serene, pleasant expression on his face.
He seems to have a small tray before him as well, bearing a three teacups, and tiny teapot, with a minuscule fire under the latter, causing it to steam and waft a slightly heady aroma from its nozzle. He is sipping a fourth cup with a similar aroma emanating from it.
He nods with his head toward each of you as you come in and have a seat, and quietly gestures towards a cup towards the first three to enter.
The man - barely beyond the age of a boy, really - is impressively dressed, his ceremonial robes imbued with a surprising array of colors and patterns. He is so incredibly young, yet bearing a kind and serene expression. He slowly fans himself with a colorful and pleasantly patterned folding fan spread before his face which is carefully partially concealed thereby. He seems to hold and present himself as in a manner as steadily and pleasantly as possible. His mouth, when visible, holds a soft, amused, but welcoming smile - though mostly you're informed of this through his eyes.
His hair is surprisingly red, his skin is fair but with a subtle undercurrent of bronze, and his eyes seem too bright and intense to be real - a kind of indigo or blueish-purple. Despite his mostly-human features, his ears do have a slight point to them, potentially suggesting more exotic heritage, though at least removed by a few generations. He is obviously both short and sleight, and extremely fragile looking and young.
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A young human seeming man enters the tower holding a brown leather case and nods to those he sees waiting before him. He is somewhat tall and healthy looking with pale skin and hair clipped short.
He is dressed in a rather severe manner with a long cloak over brown shirt and trousers. A wide-brimmed hat in on his head and one sees some brown hair around the rim.
Setting his case near a couch, he nods to Ashley and gracefully accepts the teacup, wafting the steam under his nose before taking a sip and giving a polite smile. Very good, thank you.
After enjoying the tea, he sits in a chair with excellent posture and waits silently.
The red-haired young man nods, bowing slightly, and waiting politely and pleasantly for the other man to enjoy the tea.
After the older man is finished, Ashley would rise, approach him, and gently proffer to accept the empty cup back. Once he does, he would return to his previous sitting position and, with a soft sideways nod-bow, he deftly sings a song of minor power to create a semi-dramatic flare of magical energy to clean the cup, consuming any remnants in an instantaneous flash. He returns the warm and pleasant-smelling cup to the tray, ready for the next who would request one.
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A slim, conservatively dressed man, perhaps in his late twenties, with just a hint of pointed ears peeping through a shock of brown hair indicate an ancestry other than human, though perhaps not too distant at that. His gait indicate that he's done more than his share of walking, an easy ground eating stride, that makes little noise on the carpeting. He too, carries a small leather case, filled most likely with the specialized tools of his trade, and perhaps, samples of his work.
While extremely plain garb, the cut and style hints of a culture far from local, with a simplistic green tunic, three-quarter length sleeves, folded back towards the elbow showing a slightly lighter green, belted with a long two toned red sash, with trailing ends turning into a fringe that almost drapes over his feet while standing. The tunic lies outside a plain pair of brown pants that end in a simple pair of wrapped boots.
His entrance corresponds with the ceremonial cleansing of a tea cup.
He approaches the small gathering, stopping about 5 feet out, and bowing deeply.
"Good morning, I am Dinte Dolce, "Sweet Tooth", chef of the 9th Generation and I am honored to meet you both.
He accepts the proffered tea with an inscrutable look, sniffs, and sips.
"Your choice of flavors is auspicious, I am honored. Thank you. I believe I have just the thing to go with it as well."
He steps to the side, and slips down into a seated kneeling position, and opens the top of his case to reveal several small boxes, he pulls one out, and closing the case, lays the open box on top. Nestled within are maybe a dozen, perhaps a few more, tiny 2" white morsels.
"Please, help yourselves to a white chocolate with just a hint of mint."
He will similarly offer to any later arrivals.
. Doting
Among the new hires is a young woman, trying to keep towards the back but somehow finding herself pushed to the forefront. Her sharp-pointed ears and completely purple eyes are the only thing really indicating her elven nature, due to her massive frame. She appears to be at least three times fatter than any elf the others might have seen, her crisp white coat clearly strained and showing off every curve, especially around her prominent stomach, much to her embarrassment. Her expansive skirt, tightly stretched over her shelf of a rear, reaches to her ankles, where one can see her plain, brown shoes. Her red-gold hair is tightly wound into a bun and she wears a tall-white hat, like one might see in any bakery. She lugs a large leather case of her own, and various apparatus can be seen poking out, including some things that look more like they belong in a laboratory than a kitchen.
A deep crimson rises to her pale, chubby cheeks as she sees the three men looking at her.
"Um...good morning! I am Tessara, Tessara of the Great Green."
She nervously grabs the tea and chocolate offered and takes a quick sip. Her eyes widen as she tastes it, and she drinks the rest down in a single gulp, before tossing the chocolate in after it.
"Those were...were amazing! I can see why Lord Schmultzfeather hired the two of you. Thank you for letting me try!"
She stifles a sudden burp and shuffles off to the side, blushing once again.
Phillip takes the offered chocolate and examines it, noting any designs and sniffs before taking a small bite. His eyebrows arch and he swallows the remaining part.
Very good, an excellent finisher for say, afternoon tea. Alas, I have nothing to offer due to my specialty being meat. Perhaps I will be able to prepare a few small dishes as thanks.
Philip Gastone, at your service.
Kehlysch nods appreciatively to the doorman as he walks into the room, his pack jingling with an array of pots, pans and other implements.
He surveys the room and sees that several of the other hopefuls have arrived and have taken up seats around the table.
Approaching the group, he gives everyone a nod in greeting and lowers his pack to the floor. He rolls his neck and shoulders and gives a sigh that clearly indicates that he is grateful to relieve himeself of the burden.
Kehlysch is on the taller side of average, with a slender build. His skin has an olive complexion with an odd shimmer, as if his skin were freshly oiled leather. His eyes are dark, and seem to shine with the light of the room. He wears the clothes of a commoner: a rough shirt, knee-high breeches, and sandals. A simple knife made of brass is tucked though a knot in his rope-belt.
"Well met, friends. My name is Kehlysch. Are each of you as excited about this position as I am?"
Although soft spoken and dressed like a low-class peasant, something about Kehlysch makes him hard to ignore. His presence in the room is palpable and something about him just doesn't seem quite...right.
Philip notes the newcomer's odd nature and wonders about it..
Perhaps gaining some insight!
Greetings, I am Phillip Gastone. It is indeed an exciting day since such an establishment allows many opportunities.
Mimi enters with a stiff, measured gait. She is about 5'6", wiry, with golden skin and black hair stuffed under a white chef's hat. She wears white hakama pants, wooden sandals, a chef's jacket, and a black apron whose strings are doubled tied so that the knot lies at the front of the outfit. A thick sheath hanging from her hip contains, on close inspection, two knife hilts.
Her outfit and person are immaculate, save that her apron pocket contains some greenery and other bits and pieces pocking out of the top--apparently she was picking local flora in the woods this morning before she arrived.
She gives a faint bow to all assembled. Through all of this, her expression is not blank but unchangingly neutral. "I am Mimi."
Kehlysch is a gillman. Gillmen are an amphibious humanoid species purported to have been kept as slaves beneath the sea for millenia. Some have apparently escaped over the centuries and have made their way to the surface. They tend to be found near the sea or large lakes and rivers.
As recall, some gillmen exude an oil that helps their bodies retain moisture. The sheen of Kehlysch's skin seems to confirm this. Gillmen are also known to be a handsome race, and members of both sexes tend to be quite attractive. There is something else about Kehlysch, though. He's handsome enough, you suppose, but something is off...disturbing...about him that you just can't put your finger on.
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"Well met, Mimi. I am pleased to meet you," Kehlysch says, giving the woman with the flat expression a warm smile.
"Thank you." She looks at the gillman, and her neutral gaze flickers with a hint of curiosity as she wonders if she has ever seen such a creature before...
... but her eyes register familiarity as she recalls discussing seaweed harvesting from a similar humanoid. "You must have traveled far to get here, Kehlysch. Where are you from?"
"Well...the docks...in town..." he replies, trailing off and lowering his gaze.
"I've probably not seen so much of the world as you, Mistress."
Tessara curtsies politely to Kehlysch and Mimi as they enter.
"Well met to the both of you. Call me Tessara. I hail from the Great Green, not too far from here, though I've spent much of the past century roaming the world."
The tower doors open again and walks in Bahram, a 29 year old male who has greasy black hair hanging down to his shoulders. On his belt is a dagger that has been fashioned in to a butchers knife. That knife though looks brand new hardly used. The man is of average height and weight. The site before him looks a wild world of people in front of him. As the doors close and people look at him he smirks.
"Glad to see you all, I am Bahram Von-Humperdinck, Cheese Chef extraordinaire. "
Bowing deeply at the entirely of the room
"Are you the head chef then ma'am?" Looking at Mimi
"I was given this and told to report to the tower today"
Holds out the note to her
"Sorry I am not in uniform ma'am, but I have seemed to over sleep this morning, I was hoping to find a place where I could change before I got here, but I forgot to look, Sorry Ma'am. I am just so excited to start work at a real resturant. I have been waiting for this chance since I was 4. Did you get a chance to taste my food the other day too? I know that there was plenty? Please I beg tell me what you thought of it ma'am"
Looking intently around now.
"Oh, I see I am not the only one whom over slept. Good to know. I'll be sure not to do that again ma'am" looking back at Mimi
"Well...the docks...in town..." he replies, trailing off and lowering his gaze.
"My mistake. I was not aware of a gillman settlement nearby." Mimi replies to Kehlysch matter-of-factly. She turns her face away briefly to hide a faint pinkness of embarrassment.
"I've probably not seen so much of the world as you, Mistress."
"Likely true."
Mimi gives a slight bow to the two newer arrivals.
"Are you the head chef then ma'am?"
"No. I am Mimi, Chop Fu Disciple."
Bahram leans into Mimi and whispers...
"I suggest listening more and speaking less, and the answers will come to you in time."
In walks a man, in his mid 30s, graying hair with steaks of black. He looks around to those gathered, seems I am the old man. Guess I better be on my game
Vincent is dressed more as a grandpa, than a world class chef. He wears a brown, buttoned down shirt and a pair of black trousers. His face is clean shaven, except for the now thinking mustache under his nose. His hair is clean, and overall he is well groomed.
The first thing noticed about him, is his limp. He walks with a limp in his left leg. The cane that supports his frame, is made from beautiful oak, adorned with rose filigree.
Unlike many of the others, he has few possessions on him; a cooking set and a dagger on his hip. When offered tea, he bends over, albeit slowly and partaken of its contents.
This is quite good, your own blend I presume?
Vincent then gingerly bends over and places the teacup back.
When offered a fine chocolate, he humbly declines.
While I love chocolate in l its forms, my stomach would hate me if I partook in such a rich sweet. I thank you for the offer.
Vincent then walks over to the couch, turns around to face all gathered, My name is Vincent Del Sol. Once a proud military man, now a proud cook. I would offer a sample of my specialty, but soups are not the easiest to transport. I hope our employer has got my cauldron as well, I couldn't carry it in.
Vincent will then sit on the couch and await his new employers entrance.
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Just past noon, a door opens at the rear of the grand entry hall, and a dark-haired human woman enters. She's probably about 20 years old. She bears a serious expression on her face, twin butterfly knives sheathed together at her waist, and an immaculate white uniform.
"Welcome. It looks like everyone is here on time. A good start."
She nods precisely, her eyes sweeping over each of you, and continues.
"My name is Salianutana Kyonat. You will address me as either "Chef Sali" or "m'am." I've been Lord Schmultzfeather's household chef for the past two years, and I'll be your supervisor here at the restaurant. I observed your interviews and tasted your culinary creations, so I know that I shouldn't need to teach you how to cook. However, I'm here to show you the ropes, so to speak, and to ensure that your work consistently demonstrates only the highest standards of quality."
You notice a firm set to her jaw, and a determined glint in her dark eyes.
"As you probably know, this is Lord Schmultzfeather's tower, very soon to be opening as the premiere restaurant for fine dining in the region. This tower will be your entire world for at least five days a week, so you should get to know it well. Follow me."
Chef Sali turns and exits the room through the rear door through which she entered. If you follow her, you find yourself on a landing with another door and a fairly wide, clean staircase headed both up and down. Chef Sali heads down.
"We'll start with the basement. It's mostly storage down here. Still, you should get an idea of what we have stocked so you'll know what else you need to order."
Chef Sali gives you some time to look around the well-stocked and well-organized basement, and to ask any questions.
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Phillip is a bit surprised at Vincent's limp. Work in the kitchen was physically demanding and having difficulty going up and down steps would be problematic.
The cane Vincent is using is also a sword cane.
Vincent follows along. Looking around at the maculate furnishing and surroundings.
Wow, I wonder if the lord was previously in the military. My old drill sargent would be impressed, I think to myself as I walk around.
When in the basement, I look over the various containers and boxes.
Ma'am, how are the meats organized?
"Here, take a look. Everything is mapped out by category on this diagram of the basement. The categories each have a full list of stock here. Orders for more or different ingredients can be placed on these forms over here."
Chef Sali looks proud of this highly organized system.
"M'am, are there means on the premesis for keeping foodstuffs cold, if necessary?"
Phillip takes note of the various sections. Very well stocked, is that some tien beef for the steak tar-tar? High quality!
"Of course. As you'll see over on this side, part of one of the cold mountain streams runs in through this grate, and out through that other one. The water keeps the foodstuffs in these large canisters cool. Additionally, blocks of ice are brought down from the mountain to keep items in the ice chests very cold indeed."
Chef Sali smiles.
"Lord Schmultzfeather spares no expense when it comes to cuisine."
Tessara fumbles among her pack and pulls out a book and inkpen and appears to start jotting down notes.
"I am assuming here chef that you've got a whole another area for cheese making and the storing of cheeses correct? Also do you have a dairy farm that Lord Schmultzfeather owns or does he have a co-op?"
Mimi looks around, quietly taking mental note of everything she sees.
"Wine cellar?" She asks at one point. "Root cellar?" she asks at another.
The basement is very large indeed, with multiple support columns throughout. It certainly seems to be larger than the circular footprint of the tower, with various closets and passages leading off the edges.
Chef Sali guides Bahram over to the cheese storage section.
"I hope, between this area and the kitchen upstairs, you will find adequate facilities to cover your needs. If not, additional equipment can be ordered. Lord Schmultzfeather does indeed own quite a bit of land with a variety of livestock. However, we can request whatever we need, and it will be obtained for us, either from Lord Schmultzfeather's holdings or from the holdings of others. "
Chef Sali leads Mimi over to the wine cellar and then the root cellar.
When everyone has had a decent chance to look around the basement, Chef Sali speaks up again.
"Alright, moving on up. Follow me."
She climbs back up to, and past, the landing from which you entered this staircase.
"You already saw the grand entry hall on the first floor, which will also serve as a waiting room for restaurant guests."
She continues to climb up the stairs, passing another landing.
"The second floor includes your living quarters. We'll return here at the end of the tour."
She continues to climb up the stairs at a brisk pace, passing yet another landing. Those of you in less-than-peak physical condition are probably fairly winded by this point, and may have difficulty keeping up.
"The third floor contains the heart and soul of this entire operation: the Kitchen."
You notice a note of pride in her voice.
"We'll come back here next. But first, the restaurant on the fourth floor.
Chef Sali reaches the final landing at the top of the staircase and heads through a door. You follow her into a short hallway, and then through another door into a spectacular dining room. A dozen small mahogany tables, each with a pair of plush high-backed chairs, are spread around this elegant semi-circular banquet hall. Unlit candles in wrought-iron holders, ceramic vases, and pristine white cloths with corner tassels in rich colors adorn each table.
However, the most impressive sight is the view. Large floor-to-ceiling windows surround more than half the room, making clearly visible an amazing mountainside vista. The immense forested valley stretches out below the tower, with the famous Reichendach Falls sparkling in the sunlight.
Chef Sali steps over to one of the seemingly open large windows and ... taps on thin air?
"It's called 'glass.' Impressive, isn't it? Lord Schmultzfeather spared no expense. This is where the guests will dine, of course. Now, let's get back to our levels."
Chef Sali leads you back to the stairway and down to the third floor landing, then into the Kitchen. You've probably never seen a kitchen as large or as shining as this one. To call it impressive would be quite an understatement indeed. Chef Sali walks straight forward, then around an island at the center of the Kitchen, then turns to face you, a noticeable grin on her face as she leans forward on the central island.
"Well, what do you think?"
Tessara huffs and gasps, her round face red as a radish.
"Lots of...lots of stairs."
Chef Sali's eyes narrow at Tessara, and the grin fades.
"You'll get used to them. They're good for you."
Gastone nods at the large stores and follows the groups up the stairs, the winding stairs does work at his endurance but he handles himself better than Tessara.
The main dining area is a delight. The furnishings, glass and layout is well-suited for dining and perhaps he will be able to observe front of the house operation.
The kitchen of course gets his full attention and his eyes dart about taking in the full layout.
Very impressive and well-stocked! I look forwards to working here.
"M'am, I have never seen a kitchen built above the ground floor. How is water obtained for cooking, and what if a cook fire were to get out of control?" Kelysch asks with a genuine note of concern in his voice for the last part of his question.
The young man nods graciously and smiles slyly and pleasantly at each of the people - a welcoming, if veiled presentation. He nods and bows graciously to any compliments, and offers tea until his small pot is empty, at which point he quickly quenches the tiny fire with a wet cloth, and cleans the pot, the cups, and all else with a brief flare of magic, placing the tea set away with a set of loose, but sturdy attachments to his robes.
To Vincent's question, he silently confirms with a nod that it is, in fact, his own blend.
The young man walks, unspeaking, with his smile and fan, his tea set softly clink!ing as he steps softly. He is awed by the basement, and smiles, clearly intrigued, by the acquisition of cold goods. He listens carefully and calmly to the discussion of the lord's holdings, and nods along with Sali's explanations.
As the steps continue, despite his rather light load and thin frame, he begins to perspire and breath heavily similar to the elven Tessara, save even more so. By the time they get to the restaurant itself, he is heavily leaning on the wall with one hand, his other making a mostly-vain attempt to keep his fan up. Eventually, this attempt is eliminated entirely in an attempt to keep up with the group at all.
About halfway through the tour, a soft whisper of magical song - though whether soft due to an attempt at quiet or due to a breathless caster is unclear - is uttered, and a brief flare of magical energy reignites, having faded over time. His sweat is cleaned once again and a cool aura emanates from him. With a determined look on his face, he works to keep up, though he quickly takes every opportunity to stop and fan himself.
By the time they reach the top floor, he is heaving breathes against the doorway. When he finally regains enough composure to do anything other than breathe, he looks around, and his eyebrows rise, and his mouth opens partially in a shocked expression and partially in a reverent expression, wide-eyed and blinking; first the restaurant and then, later for the kitchen as well.
"Beautiful" he breathes, softly, any attempt with the fan completely forgotten for a few moments.
To Tessara's comments, he simply nods, wryly amused and thoroughly winded, gasping air in as delicate a way as he can... it doesn't work, but he's giving it a valiant effort.
To Chef Sali's comment, he gets a more serious, if still-smiling expression, and nods-bows, as much as his state allows.
The glint in Chef Sali's eyes returns with Phillip's praise, and a smile tugs again at the corners of her lips as she nods.
To Kehlysch's question, she responds eagerly.
"No worries on that account. We have three ways of getting water up here.
I'll start by describing the most difficult way."
Sali gestures over to an opening in the wall.
"The dumbwaiter over there, a sort of pulley-lift, can be used to pull food trays up to the restaurant from this Kitchen, or down to our quarters, or the waiting hall, or even the basement. Similarly, if necessary, buckets of stream water could be hauled up to the kitchen from the basement with that thing."
A related thought passes through Chef Sali's mind and out her mouth.
"And, that isn't the only pulley-lift in this tower. There's a much bigger pulley-lift that only goes from the entry hall up to the restaurant and back ... sort of a dumbwaiter for people instead of for food trays. Lord Schmultzfeather calls it an 'elevator.' It's there so that the fancy people don't have to walk up stairs to get to the restaurant."
You catch slight hints of both amusement and derision in Chef Sali's voice.
"Anyway, the second manner of obtaining water is less labor-intensive. You simply open the spigot on one of those two big barrels."
She gestures to a giant barrel on either side of the kitchen, each set upon a comparatively low counter.
"Troughs and pipes bring the rain water from the roof down here to the barrels. So, as long as the rainwater keeps up with our demand, we're set. And, if the barrels ever start to overflow, we can stop up the entry points to avoid further excess."
Chef Sali smiles proudly.
"That system was based on my idea. Of course, it's largely obviated by the easiest method of obtaining water here, except as a back-up measure. The easiest method has been made possible only by Lord Schmultzfeather's great wealth, and it hinges upon one of these three magic items. Observe."
She opens up a compartment in the center island and withdraws three rod-shaped devices , each connected to the center island by a long, slender-but-strong chain. One is blue, one is green, and one is red.
"You'll notice that each is inscribed with its command word. Each can presumably be used indefinitely. The blue one can be held over a bucket or pot and used to create up to two gallons of water at a time. The green one can be used to purify any questionable food or drink. And, the red one can be used for cleaning dishes, counters, our uniforms, and even ourselves. It can also be used to slightly (and temporarily) adjust the temperature of food or drink ... but it can't heat it enough to cook it. Still ... amazing, no?"
Chef Sali seems to be considering the colored magic rods with a sense of wonder.
"Most *huff* impressive," Tessara replies, panting less but still red.
"I haven't seen *huff* magic like that since my study in the Impossible Kingdom!"
"Ma'am this is an amazing site, I am thankful to all that was allowing me to become a chef here." "Please I must know who will be making the menu ma'am? when will we be able to cook? who do I go to get my direct reports from? Do I have direct reports? Can I make more then just side dishes? Can we Feature a cheese dish for the first night please?"looking around like a little child and touching everything that isn't the walls.
pushing the red one and saying the command word and sticking his head under it and cleaning himself very quickly
Looking up at Chef Sali
"Works, like a charm, eh ma'am?"
standing back now all the way to the wall, embarrassed
Bahram's face turning a scarlet red
Dinte followed along with the tour quietly, hands folded in front of him, taking the many stairs with ease. The impression he had given the early arrivals that he'd done more than his share of walking was supported by the impression that he just flowed up the stairs, and even by the fourth floor, was not out of breathe.
When the tour stops at the floor that will be their living quarters, just as it starts going up again, he darts swiftly down the hall, and places his case on the floor near one of the doors midway down the row, and then hustles and catches up with the group.
When the group visits the intended restaurant, he quickly looks over the seating area, and then gets lost in the view, such that he has to hurry to catch up when the group goes back downstairs.
When Chef Sali describes the "Elevator" Dinte nods once to himself, as if the question that had been bothering him had been answered, and then finally speaks up to ask another question as Chef Sali gets bombarded with questions from the eager chef's, though he waits until the others have stopped talking for the moment to ask.
"Another question ma'am, how will we receive our orders? There was one castle I visited where there were pipes in the walls that led to the kitchen, and orders were shouted through them."
At a moment that is quiet, Mimi asks in the kitchen, "Which are our stations? Where are the sous chefs and scullions?" She runs a finger across a surface to test its cleanliness and appears satisfied with the result.
She nods back out into the grand restaurant area. "Are there wait staff?"
As Bahram starts to ask questions, Chef Sali opens her mouth to answer, but his questions keep flying rapid-fire before she can respond, and she grows visibly frustrated, until she finally snaps.
"No, we will not be featuring a cheese dish on opening night!"
She takes a deep breath to compose herself as Bahram takes the opportunity to test the red rod by cleaning himself, then steps back, realizing he has gone a bit too far.
Chef Sali continues, a bit calmer.
"...at least, it won't be featured more than the other dishes. Lord Schmultzfeather has ideas for various themes for upcoming weekends, and, within the guidelines I give you, you yourselves will be responsible for designing the menus. I'm your supervisor, and I'll be giving you the specific guidelines for opening weekend when we meet here tomorrow morning. You will be able to start preparations then."
When Dinte asks his question, Chef Sali responds.
"At least for the time being, there will be a fixed, multi-course meal offered to each guest, so there will be no need for shouting orders through pipes."
Her nose wrinkles a bit in minor disgust at the idea.
"If a guest expresses a particular dietary concern upon arriving and viewing the menu, that concern will be brought to the Kitchen in a note, and delivered to the appropriate chef in order for accommodations to be made."
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As soon as Mimi asks about stations, Chef Sali looks startled, perhaps surprised that she hasn't already explained this. (She let the questions throw her off her planned explanations! How could she?) She becomes more stiff and severe, continuing quickly.
"You each have assigned work stations. You should find them well-equipped, but if there is something you lack, it can be ordered."
Four curved counters, when taken as a whole, form a large circle (with gaps) around the central island. Chef Sali points to each section of the counters in turn, starting with the one to her right front side as she faces you.
"Bread Station: Chef Tessara, take your place now, please.
Soup Station: Chef Vincent, if you will do the same."
She continues, her finger moving along across the first gap.
"Vegetable Station: Chef Mimi.
Cheese Station: Chef Bahram."
She turns to the counter curving on the other side of the island and continues to point out the stations, starting with the one toward the rear on her left side, across the gap from the previously mentioned station.
"Seafood Station: Chef Kehlysch.
Meat Station: Chef Phillip."
She continues, naming the final two stations on the final counter.
"Drink Station: Chef Ashley.
Dessert Station: Chef Dinte."
Assuming you walk around the outside of the counters to your assigned cooking stations, Chef Sali continues speaking.
"You will notice, among the other features, a large empty drawer with a key sticking out of the lock at each station. You may store any of your own cooking tools, supplies, and ingredients here. You may keep the key as long as your employment here continues."
You notice a placard with your name set on the broad, clean counter at your assigned station. You also notice a drawer full of tools and implements suited to your specialty, as well as the large, empty, lockable drawer described by Chef Sali. Around the curved sides of the kitchen, you notice ample storage cabinets, shelves, stoves, ovens, cook-fire pits, additional counter space, supplies, stools, tools, ice chests, and washing basins, as well as smaller glass windows in the walls of the tower, letting you enjoy the view in multiple directions.
Vincent also notices that his cauldron has been brought up and placed near his station.
Chef Sali continues speaking, addressing Mimi's other questions.
"There will be no sous chefs. You are responsible for planning and executing your own culinary creations. There will, however, be scullions available to assist with menial tasks. And, yes, there will be waiters and waitresses to serve the guests. However, I believe Lord Schmultzfeather will be wanting you to make something of a ceremonial appearance in front of each group of guests at the end of the meal."
An odd expression briefly crosses Chef Sali's face, but it is quickly gone.
Phillip examines his station, checking out what is available and what he might need. He slips in his cooking tools but will keep his alchemy kit for his room.
Tessara "eeps" slightly as she's addressed, and waddles over to her station. She assembles her equipment and places her baking tools in the drawer.
She timidly raises her hand.
"Um, Chef Sali, ma'am? Is there a sourdough starter already present in Lord Scmultzfeather's supplies or will I need to prepare my own?"
"If I may, m'am. I need to retrieve my pack from the main room, below. I am most eager to begin preparing my station."
Chef Sali, will the number of choices available in each course be up to us or is there a standard amount?