Chef Sali's page

Thursday afternoon arrives. Your carefully crafted comfort food meals are laid out before Chef Sali in the Kitchen, and consist of the following:

Comfort Food by Chefs Tessara, Vincent, Bahram, and Mimi
1 - Spinach and Mushroom Puff
2 - Creamy Macaroni and Cheese in Sourdough Bread Bowl
3 - Beef Pot Roast with Earthy Vegetables

Comfort Food by Chefs Kehlysch, Phillip, Ashley, and Dinte
1 - Stewed Hare with Root Vegetables and Herbed Dumplings
2 - Deep-Fried Catfish with Corn-on-the-Cob and Spiced Butter
3 - Apple Cream Custard Pie
All served with either Sweet Tea or Unsweet Tea (guest's choice) to drink.

Several of your fellow chefs seem to be holding their breaths in anticipation as a stoic-looking Chef Sali tastes each dish. Her eyes widen a bit, then close, as she takes more bites of the Mac-in-Bowl than of any other dish, but there is still no comment. Finally, she sips some water and wipes her mouth precisely with a napkin, then stands.

"Well done. These meals should please our guests."

She looks over at Bahram and Tessara.

"Chef Bahram, Chef Tessara, a dish of bread and cheesy pasta would not normally be what I consider 'my kind of food' ... but you have crafted a surprisingly addictive dish. I'm impressed."

She turns to Kehlysch.

"Chef Kehlysch, I have an idea for a way to improve the tenderness of your catfish dish, if you will allow me to assist you as you prepare."

She glances around the Kitchen.

"Alright, it's time for final preparations, including the small tasting samples of each course to inform the guests' menu choices. Chef Tessara and Chef Dinte, if you are each willing, I would suggest that you two be the ones handing out the samples of your respective team's meals before dinner in the grand entry hall, and talking up your team's menu selections. Chef Ashley, you can do your usual tea ceremonies thing, if you'd like. Let's go!"

Everyone snaps into action and the evening begins...

In answer to both Mimi and Kehlysch,

"As for rare ingredients for next week, Lord Schmultzfeather says the sky's the limit, so long as the ingredients get ordered today. So, yes, Kehlysch, your most excellent dire shark is a valid option. Just make sure whatever you choose will actually taste delicious and will not repulse our guests into avoiding tasting it. For example, I would not recommend using any part of a troglodyte, no matter how delicious that part might actually be."

Vincent and Bahram, please comment briefly on your character's activities on the two days off before posting your responses to this new challenge. Anyone else who wishes to add more to their off-day descriptions may do so as well. Thanks!

On Wednesday morning, the eight of you report to the Kitchen for your second week of work. A new tool, helpful for your particular specialty, rests on your workstation. Chef Sali paces before you.

"Alright, Chefs, we have our themes and guidelines for the next two weeks.
Listen up:
This week the theme is "Comfort Food."
The idea is to serve common, traditional, home-style dishes that happen to be uncommonly delicious.
Next week the theme is "Exotic Delights."
The idea is to serve foreign-themed delicacies the guests have probably never tasted before.
You can plan for both weeks now, since it may take a bit longer for any exotic ingredients you order to arrive."

Chef Sali purses her lips and gestures first at the half of you on her right, and then the half of you on her left.

"For the purposes of the next two weeks, Chefs Tessara, Vincent, Bahram, and Mimi will work together as a team, and Chefs Kehlysch, Phillip, Ashley, and Dinte will do so as well. Each team will collaborate to prepare a single three-course meal for that week. There are no restrictions as to who contributes how much to each course, or what exactly each course contains, as long as all four of you on the team contribute something to the meal. When the guests arrive in the grand hall, they will taste samples of the two possible menus (one prepared by each team), and each guest will choose between them, selecting one of the two options for dinner. The team that creates the best three-course meal overall, in the opinion of Lord Schmultzfeather, will receive a bonus for the week."

Chef Sali scans the lot of you.

"As usual, I will be taste-testing your dishes before opening night each week. It is now Wednesday morning. I will taste-test your "Comfort Food" tomorrow at 4pm. You may send out any special ingredient orders for this week or next week today at noon. Opening weekend was a success. We expect that success to increase each week, and it's up to you. Impress us!"

Alright, guys, don't roll any checks yet, but discuss and plan with your team mates to design a three-course "Comfort Food" meal and a three-course "Exotic Delights" meal. You will have about a week of real-life-time to discuss and plan the meals with your team mates before you are asked to make the checks to craft them. (I will be out of town for a week starting Monday, and might not be able to post too much in that time.) As for what's traditional/home-style, probably Western-European-type dishes, and maybe British or even possibly American dishes. As for what's exotic, probably most anything else! You can use either real-world or Golarion-type terms/locations to get your ideas across to your teammates. The campaign setting is only Golarion-ish, and is left purposely vague and malleable. Assume you can obtain whatever ingredients you would like, no matter the distance. Lord Schmultzfeather is willing to pay for magic transport, if necessary. Enjoy!

Game on! :)

In response to Tessara's question,

"Yes, of course. You may use the Kitchen here as much as desired on your days off for your own personal use and to hone your craft, just as long as it doesn't interfere with restaurant business and you clean up any mess you make."

Chef Sali would indeed be found meditating and stretching in the restaurant each morning at dawn. She would accept tea and continue to train Ashley in proper breath control.

Ashley, you may purchase whatever your wages and leftover starting gold might allow.

"Well done. We've made it through opening week. You can be proud of yourselves."

Chef Sali sets a sack on the counter and pulls out eight small velvet coin pouches, which she tosses precisely to each of you. You notice your initials embroidered on the pouch in gold thread, and your generous weekly wage inside. Ashley's and Dinte's pouches are slightly more full than the others.

"Everyone is being asked to return next week. If any of you are not planning to return to work Wednesday morning, for whatever reason, please let me know tonight."

She looks around at the eight of you.

"You are now free to do as you would like, remaining at the tower, or not, until we meet again in the Kitchen Wednesday morning. Get some rest and enjoy yourselves."

Please post your character's general plans/actions over the next two days off, as well as any desired character conversation with any of your fellow chefs.

Reposting because I ninja'd Phillip...

"Chef Phillip, a word, if you please..."

"Chef Phillip, a word, if you please..."

When Tessara catches her up in the big smoothly hug, Chef Sali is surprised and kind of awkwardly pats Tessara on the arms in return.

"Um, no. No impaling. Alright, we'll try again with the public appearance bit tomorrow, but let me know beforehand if anyone's feeling woozy or faint. Good job with the food tonight. Now, get some rest. I'll see you here in the Kitchen tomorrow."

Chef Sali quickly scans the Kitchen and nods with satisfaction, then heads out the Kitchen door.

Please describe your character's actions, any conversation after Chef Sali leaves the Kitchen, and any roommate conversation this evening.

Also, everyone please roll three checks in this order:
Craft (Specialty)
Profession (Chef)
Charisma

These are a generalization to show how you do over the next three days/nights of this same challenge. These are considered to somewhat modify/enhance/adapt the previous rolls you already made for this challenge. No major gaffes unless you roll a one. No shockingly huge improvements unless you roll a twenty. Please feel free to describe your characters' actions and such over the next three days.

I will be taking a short trip out of town for the next two days, so I will most likely be moving us along in the story on Monday evening or shortly thereafter. Until then, please continue to RP, but don't expect too much from Chef Sali or Lord Schmultzfeather (or me).

Game on! :)

Chef Sali nods slowly at Tessara, then lets her eyes sweep around the rest of you and rest on Ashley.

"What about the rest of you? Can everyone else manage public appearances without passing out?"

Chef Sali cringes slightly, but puts on an even expression, and replies...

"As your supervisor, I am held responsible for your actions. Overall, I am quite pleased with how this opening night has gone. Now, we just have to do this three more times for a successful first weekend. Then, a couple days off to relax, and on to the next challenge."

She looks at Tessara intently.

"Shall I suggest that Lord Schmultzfeather cut out the public-appearance-by-the-chefs bit from upcoming evenings?"

Chef Sali nods firmly.

"Yes, Sir."

Chef Sali snaps to attention.

"Yes, Sir. Bit of an anxiety attack. She'll be fine."

"If Lord Schmultzfeather is done with you, then you're not expected upstairs again tonight. Did he announce the best course?"

Chef Sali looks a bit like a dear in headlights at Mimi's question.

"Uh..."

Chef Sali, upon hearing of Tessara's collapse, glances helplessly at Ashley, and then back at Tessara.

"What? You, too?"

She swears softly under her breath...

Heal check to make sure Tessara's alright: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Chef Sali steps over to examine and support Tessara.

Your group quickly escorts Tessara out of the restaurant and down to the Kitchen, where a pacing Chef Sali whips around to face you. Her look of tense anticipation turns quickly to one of horror as she sees the sobbing, red-faced Tessara.

"What happened?"

The evening runs smoothly.

Despite a few very minor hiccups, all goes well. Ashley works the definitely-well-heeled pre-dinner crowd, including Lord and Lady Schmultzfeather, and then all of you get your culinary creations out looking (and hopefully tasting) great.

Right after the dessert course is served, Chef Sali gathers you together in the center of the Kitchen.

"Alright, chefs, it's almost time for your public appearance. Hats on, and use the red rod to make sure your uniform is perfectly clean. Hat brims should cover ear-tops. All you have to do is walk out up there in order of dinner course and stand in a line in front of the little corner restaurant stage while Lord Schmultzfeather says whatever he's going to say. Bow if he calls your name, and then head back down to the Kitchen when he's done. Got that?"

Please roll a charisma check to gauge your overall poise in doing this. Please also feel free to describe.

After much preparation, 4pm Thursday arrives, and you all gather in the Kitchen for Chef Sali's taste testing of your Shelyn's Day Romance Banquet.

She is first presented with roasted chicken & wild rice soup and a musethrush-shaped honey bun, courtesy of Vincent and Tessara.

Then, Chef Sali receives a cheesy stuffed shell with tomato sauce and a tomato & herb salad, courtesy of Bahram and Mimi.

Next, Chef Sali is given a spicy steak & crisp vegetable marinade mixture and a chalice of steamed oysters in honey brandy butter sauce, courtesy of Phillip and Kehlysch.

Finally, Chef Sali is presented with a mild dark ale with a cream foam and swan-shaped ice cream in a crested pastry bowl drizzled with fudge and topped with a chocolate-dipped strawberry pair, courtesy of Ashley and Dinte.

Chef Sali's face remains maddeningly inscrutable as she takes several bites of each of the dishes in turn. It's hard to tell whether she is pleased or not.

Finally, after taste-testing each course, and acquiring a slight foam mustache, she nods, wipes her mouth on a cloth napkin, and stands.

"This will do. You all pass. Our guests should enjoy this banquet. Well done."

@Dinte & all - Sounds good! Keep it up! :)

In response to Tessara's question about the mysterious old man, Chef Sali replies,

"He has written a poem for consideration. It may be sung by a bard at the restaurant as part of the entertainment."

Please continue to discuss your plans for the upcoming Shelyn's Day Banquet with your fellow chefs. Don't roll any craft checks for the final dishes yet, but do collaborate to determine the specifics of each course, then describe the appearance, texture, and flavor of your dish in detail, once decided. You may also describe your preparations and other actions for Wednesday and Thursday, before Chef Sali taste tests your dishes at 4pm Thursday. Enjoy!

LOL, that was great, Oishi! Bonus XP for you! And, no, I don't mind you dotting in. I'll mark your character as 'previous' so he doesn't appear in the party on the characters tab, but I'll leave you as a current player, so you can follow the campaign. :)

Chef Sali nods at Mimi and steps over to a clipboard hanging on the wall near the door.

"You can write supply or ingredient request orders here. They will be picked up each day around noon and the supplies or ingredients should be delivered before noon the next day."

Chef Sali looks at Kehlysch.

"We do not currently have an herb garden ... something we may perhaps have to remedy soon ... but a variety of dried herbs are stored in the basement, and any fresh herbs desired can be ordered for tomorrow morning."

Chef Sali looks at Mimi.

"If you wish to go foraging in the forest, you may certainly do so. Take care, however. There have been some bear attacks in the not-so-distant past."

Chef Sali would sketch Mimi a very rough map of the area, if she is interested.

As far as Shelyn's Day traditions go, feel free to make things up! Common Valentine's Day symbols such as chocolates, hearts, and flowers are probably popular, as are, likely, symbols of Shelyn. Tessara especially, since Shelyn is your patron deity, feel free to run wild making stuff up, if you'd like!

Will get to the symbols/guest list question soon...a fussy baby calls...

Chef Sali looks at Bahram.

"There is no dedicated Sommelier here at the tower, but Chef Ashley should be able to fill the role admirably, should you desire his assistance. There is indeed a wine closet in the basement, along with brewing equipment."

In response to Ashley's comment, Chef Sali mentions,

"Ordering hops from a nearby brewery should not be a problem."

In response to Chef Bahram's offer to whip up some sample stuffed shells, Chef Sali gestures in deference to the others and to Bahram himself.

"As you would like."

"Of course."

---9am Wednesday---

You gather in the Kitchen, wearing your new uniforms and name tags, standing at your assigned stations, and surrounding Chef Sali, who stands at the island in the center.

"Alright, Chefs. As you probably know, this weekend is Shelyn's Day, which means half the world goes nuts with hearts and flowers and lovey-dovey stuff."

Her voice is dismissive, but her expression becomes intense.

"However, every year, those individuals, or rather, those couples, turn out in droves seeking exquisite food to complement the kindling or re-kindling of romance in their lives. And, who better to provide them with that amazing experience than us, at the grand opening of our new restaurant!"

A passion burns in Chef Sali's eyes.

"The theme for this first weekend is romance. There will be a fixed four-course menu. Each evening, Thursday through Sunday, we will be serving a dozen most-fortunate couples. Each guest will be served four of these plates in turn."

Chef Sali holds up an ivory heart-shaped plate with slightly raised edges, and a wavy ridge down the center, dividing it roughly in half.

"Each one of you will be responsible for filling half of a plate for each guest, and you'll need to coordinate with the chef filling the other half of the plate to ensure that the flavors, textures, and visuals for that particular course are complimentary. The first course will consist of some form of soup and bread. The second, vegetables and cheese. The third, surf and turf. The fourth, drink and dessert. And remember, the theme is romance. Make of that what you will."

Chef Sali suddenly glances at Ashley, and then Vincent.

"Of course, the soup or drink portions of a course may be poured into a small bowl or cup placed on the plate ... but the expectation is that they will be served on the plate."

She sets the heart-shaped plate on the island in front of her.

"Additionally, Lord and Lady Schmultzfeather will be among the couples we serve on opening night. Lord Schmultzfeather has assured me that there will be a hefty bonus in this week's payment for the pair of chefs who prepare what they consider to be the most romantic and delicious course of the meal."

Chef Sali gestures around at the lot of you.

"You will find yourself conveniently stationed next to your partner for this project. You have today and tomorrow to plan and prepare. I will be taste-testing one of each of your dishes tomorrow at 4pm. We start serving the first dozen couples tomorrow evening at 5:30pm. Are there any questions?"

Feel free to ask questions and to start discussing your plans for the meal with your station partner (Tessara/Vincent, Mimi/Bahram, Kehlysch/Phillip, Ashley/Dinte). Please do NOT make any craft checks for these dishes yet.

Game on! :)

Chef Sali, still seated on the mat on the floor in the restaurant, finishing her tea, the colors of the dawn sky surrounding her, nods slowly at Ashley.

"That is quite a story indeed. It leaves one wondering how the infant-turned-young-adult would know his own story ... but, perhaps that is a story for another day."

She sets her empty teacup on the tray and stands in a single graceful motion, stretching her arms toward the ceiling, before lowering them to her sides.

"Thank you for sharing your story and your tea. I hope you will join me here again."

Chef Sali offers a small but sincere smile, before her mouth quirks to the side, and she gives Ashley a pointed look.

"Sometimes I even find it worthwhile to spend time with those I obviously consider my inferiors."

She rolls up the two mats, and carries them out with her, one under each arm.

"I will see you in the Kitchen at 9am, Chef Ashley."

"I do not wish to force your secrets from you. I am, however, interested in learning what you are willing to share. Perhaps, if I knew the source, I could better assist in finding, if not a remedy, at least an aid for you."

She resumes her seated starting position and picks her cup of tea back up off the tray.

"You have probably done enough for the first lesson. If you wish for more, you may meet me here any day, just after dawn."

She takes a sip of her tea.

"So ... a short story?"

"I am not opposed to knowledge of the truth."

Profession (Yoga Instructor)...who knew?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Chef Sali nods and begins to teach Ashley the basics of breath control, proper inhalation and exhalation, and timing these so as best to accomplish a desired task, such as stair climbing.

He seems to get the basic idea.

After a while, she asks...

"If I may be so bold as to ask ... what do you believe is the source of your affliction, if not a physical infirmity?"

"And that, Chef Ashley, is one of the reasons I asked you to meet me here today."

Chef Sali takes another sip of the tea and comments...

"Most excellent. Thank you."

...before setting it back on the tray, for the time being.

"Have you ever studied the art of breath control? It's amazing how something as basic as breathing, something we do constantly that affects every aspect of our lives, is often given so little attention or thought. Learning how to control one's air supply, instead of letting it control you, can greatly improve quality of life, and even prevent collapses such as the one you suffered yesterday."

Chef Sali nods, gazing out at the view.

"I've recently taken to coming here each morning to meditate and stretch. I find it centers me."

She looks at Ashley.

"Your dramatic attempt at distraction yesterday was unnecessary. I was not going to attack or fire Chef Bahram."

She brings the teacup to her lips and takes a sip.

Chef Sali smiles at Ashley's offer of tea and carefully takes the cup he has prepared for her.

"Thank you."

She nod-bows in return, which is no easy feat when holding a cup of tea and seated as she is, but the result is graceful.

"I trust you found your accommodations comfortable and are more rested now than you were yesterday?"

When Ashley arrives in the restaurant upstairs shortly after dawn, he is met with the sight of a beautiful sunrise sky over the valley, and Chef Sali seated on a mat on the floor in the center of the room.

Her bare feet are together and pulled close to her body, her knees out to the sides and almost flat to the floor, her back straight, and her expression serene.

She smiles slightly when he approaches.

"Good morning, Chef Ashley. Welcome."

She gestures to an empty mat on the floor beside her.

When Kehlysch inquires about diving for ingredients, Chef Sali (not Chef Mimi) looks surprised.

"Well, you'll probably want to wait until after our planning meeting tomorrow morning in order to have an idea of what you'll want to acquire. And, if you want to spend the rest of tomorrow diving, you may, as long as that lets you be prepared for the restaurant opening Thursday evening. However, we have a fair supply of ingredients downstairs already, and what we don't have, you can order tomorrow morning and they should arrive by Thursday morning, if not before. Lord Schmultzfeather is willing to pay for the finest ingredients. The only things that might take longer to acquire would be highly exotic things like your favored dire shark, and I'd be seriously impressed if you could just go off and hunt down one of those monsters on your own tomorrow."

Chef Sali gives a slight smirk.

"So, although you may go if you choose to, it shouldn't be necessary."

To Mimi, Chef Sali responds,

"Yes. We will move forward from here, and you will each be held responsible for your own actions."

A slightly odd expression crosses Chef Sali's face, but it is quickly gone.
Instead, she refocuses on Mimi with a slight smile.

"Chef Mimi, I wanted to mention ... I was most impressed and intrigued by your stuffed squash. The flavor was delicious, and unlike any I have tasted before. I consider myself a specialist in foods that refresh and foster a healthy body and mind. Some might even say I do so at the expense of flavor."

The barest hint of a scowl appears, but she moves past it quickly.

"At any rate, I wanted to commend you for creating such a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish. You said it was your twist on a Shoanti recipe?"

Standing in the Kitchen with Mimi and Tessara, Chef Sali's eyebrows shoot up at Tessara's words about making magical bread.

"Well, that would be quite a delicacy, indeed."

She purses her lips in thought about where would be best to set up the alchemy kit

"Your room would be fine, as long as you have enough space, and it doesn't make a mess. The large table in the living room would also be fine, but you might not want to leave it out there when you're not using it. Alternately, one of the side counters in the Kitchen is a possibility, especially if it's messy work. Although, if you use it in the Kitchen, you might want to lock it in your Kitchen storage drawer when it's not in use. One would hope that all the employees and servants of Lord Schmultzfeather could be trusted not to disturb it, but that isn't a certainty. If you want to leave it set up, your room would be the most secure place. Only the three of us ladies would have a key."

Chef Sali seems to consider her words.

"So, really, it's your choice. Your room would be the most secure but least spacious, and harder to clean. The living room table would be spacious, but less secure, and also harder to clean. A side Kitchen counter would be reasonably spacious and easy to clean, but less secure, unless you locked it in your drawer between uses."

When Chef Sali, Mimi, and Tessara arrive in the Kitchen, and find themselves temporarily alone, Chef Sali would address Mimi.

"Chef Mimi, I understand your concern about working with Chef Bahram. What he did was inappropriate for this Kitchen. Remember, however, that different cultures and different working environments have different expectations, and his little prank might have been considered amusing to others he worked with in the past. Therefore, I would ask that you forgive Chef Bahram his indiscretion, refrain from further insulting him, and allow him the opportunity to prove himself a worthy co-worker. He understands now the expectations for this Kitchen, and I have every hope that he will live up to them. As his work station partner, you can keep an eye on him to ensure that he does so. However, I would ask that you treat him in a respectful, professional manner in order to maintain a peaceful working environment. Will you be able to do this, Chef Mimi?"

After Mimi responds (hopefully in the affirmative, but we'll see when Mimi posts), Chef Sali would turn to Tessara.

"Chef Tessara, you had a question for me. What would you like to know?"

Chef Sali hesitates for a moment, then nods.

"Yes, of course, Chef Tessara. Follow me."

Chef Sali heads up to the third floor, presumably followed by Mimi and Tessara.

Bahram, yes, consider all basic tools, supplies, and ingredients provided.

Dinte, Phillip, Vincent, Bahram, and Kehlysch, feel free to post more conversation with each other or actions your characters would take this evening.

After quickly checking out his room and speaking briefly with Vincent, Bahram returned to the living room, then went for a walk upstairs to talk with chef Sali.

After Bahram responds to her questions, Chef Sali replies,

"Thank you, Chef Bahram. Your assurances are what I needed to hear. Just live up to them, and you will have a fine, long career here. Let us return to the others."

Chef Sali and Bahram return to the second floor living room just as Phillip leaves his bedroom to head for the basement, and Mimi and Tessara step out of their room to head toward the Kitchen. Kehlysch, Vincent, and Dinte might be here in the living room as well, depending on what their characters are currently up to. Ashley is not here because he has fallen asleep.

Bahram clears his throat and speaks up to those who happen to be gathered here. See his final comments in the post above, starting with "Excuse me..."

Chef Sali nods and adds.

"A fresh start indeed. There will be no more pranks, and all of us will work together peacefully, in order to make this restaurant truly world-class."

She looks at Mimi.

"Chef Mimi, if you will, please walk with me for a moment."

Chef Sali responds to Vincent's question before he checks out his room.

"If you'd like to bring a guest or two here to visit with you on your days off, that would be fine. Just make sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially any children. You will be responsible for their behavior and safety."

"Also, if you would prefer to return to your home on your days off instead of staying here, that will be fine as well. Mondays and Tuesdays are your own to do with as you please, and the tower will be here for you as much or as little as you would like."

I'm posting this now so that it's here whenever Bahram is free to respond.
However, there is no rush, and please feel free to continue roommate conversation posts and anything else your characters might do this evening.

After Bahram has a chance to check out his room (and possibly speak more with Vincent), he returns to the main living room and finds Chef Sali waiting for him, as she said she would.

"Chef Bahram, please walk with me."

Chef Sali heads up the stairs with Bahram.

"Chef Bahram, I am confused. Your words upstairs in the Kitchen made it seem like you were trying to steal the drawer key. However, I had just invited you to take the drawer key, so that could hardly be considered stealing. Therefore, I fail to see the purpose of your actions. What good would obtaining an extra drawer key do? Unless it was intended as some kind of a strange joke."

She passes the third floor landing and continues upward, her lips pursed and brow furrowed.

"If that is the case, then I need to warn you that such forms of humor are unwelcome in this Kitchen. I work very hard to ensure that everything is in proper order, and I don't appreciate being told that something is out of place, unless I have, in fact, made a mistake."

Her expression reveals that she finds this potentiality unlikely.

"Additionally, your joke has put me in a difficult position, and yourself as well. At least half of your co-workers think I should be firing you now. When you return to work with them, I will likely hold a slightly-less authoritative position in their eyes, and some may very much resent your continued presence. I strongly recommend apologizing to those who were offended, even if you do not understand why it caused them offense. Having a peaceful working relationship with your coworkers will go a long way toward making everyone's lives more enjoyable, including your own."

Chef Sali heads into the restaurant, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"If, however, your actions were, in fact, meant to result in stealing something ..."

Surprisingly, her expression softens instead of hardens. She sweeps a hand around to demonstrate the luxury (and the view) surrounding you.

"Chef Bahram, look around you. You've made it. Perhaps you come from a life in which you've felt you had to steal just to get by. If that's the case, then I completely understand. I've been there. I know what it's like. But you can put all that behind you now. Lord Schmultzfeather intends to pay you a very generous wage for as long as you can work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. So, at this point, it is seriously in your own best interest to work hard, create delicious food, and avoid causing trouble. Okay?"

She looks at you earnestly before breathing in and resuming some of her former air of authority.

"Chef Bahram, I would prefer an honest explanation of why you pretended the drawer key wasn't there. However, if that is too difficult, I will instead accept your assurance that no further theft, deception, or disruptive joking will be a part of your continued employment here. If you cannot provide me either of these, or if you make the promise and then break it, then I'm afraid your time of employment here will have been very short indeed."

Chef Sali looks at you seriously.

"So, what have you to say for yourself, Chef Bahram?"

Chef Sali's brow furrows at Ashley's response, and a pained look crosses her face. She opens her mouth as if to respond, but then simply purses her lips.

Chef Sali exhales audibly at Ashley's questions, but then puts on a professional smile.

"It seems, by repetition, that you are unwilling to wait until our discussion tomorrow morning for answers. Very well. First, I believe you will find what equipment you need for distillation and brewing among the areas in the basement, and in the cabinets of the Kitchen. You simply didn't inquire out the location while we were there. If, however, I am mistaken, and there is something important missing, then, I sincerely apologize, and you can place an order for the equipment tomorrow morning, but you'll likely have to make do with what we have for the first weekend. Next, I am sorry that the idea of preparing drinks for a dozen tables at a time seems to be a distasteful form of mass production to you. I would not have imagined this to be the case, considering you went out of your way to apply for a restaurant position. However, in addition to mass production, we have ideas for ways in which your flair for the dramatic might be put to good use, including either pre-dinner visits with guests in the grand entry hall, or traveling table-to-table with a drinks-and-dessert cart towards the end of the meal. The specifics can be further discussed once the theme of the first weekend is revealed ... tomorrow."

"Chef Tessara, as long as you can start tomorrow morning at 9am and have something good ready by the following day at 5pm, I'm not concerned. You may work all night, if you wish, as long as you're also working during restaurant hours."

"Chef Kehlysch, you may retrieve your things now."

When Vincent returns to the group from the privy, Chef Sali speaks up.

"Alright, you'll be spending plenty time in the Kitchen later. Follow me."

Chef Sali heads out of the Kitchen and down to the second floor landing, a bit slower than before, for Ashley's sake. She heads through the door there. Following her, you find yourself in a comfortably appointed living area. Just inside the door, four plush couches with satin pillows surround a low coffee table. Beyond the sitting area is a clean, rectangular pine table surrounded by ten chairs. You can see the dumbwaiter opening beyond the table.

Seven more doors surround this circular living area. Chef Sali points to each door in turn as she speaks.

"That one's the privy. That one's the bathing chamber, although, with the red rod upstairs, you might not use it much. That bedroom will be shared by Chef Vincent and Chef Bahram. That bedroom will be shared by Chef Phillip and Chef Dinte. That bedroom will be shared by Chef Ashley and Chef Kehlysch. That bedroom will be shared by Chef Mimi and Chef Tessara. And, that room's mine, when I'm not staying in my room at the Villa."

Chef Sali looks around the living room, considering her words carefully.

"Please make yourselves at home here, and, let's all try to get along. Should your work prove satisfactory, this will be your home for the foreseeable future. You're free to use the Kitchen upstairs as desired."

A slight smirk crosses Chef Sali's face.

"Presumably you can handle cooking for yourselves. Although, if you want to work out a schedule of cooking brunch for each other, feel free. I would recommend making that a hearty meal, since you might not have a lot of opportunity to sit down and eat at other points in the day. Generally, you'll likely eat brunch as desired, spend the afternoon preparing in the kitchen, work the restaurant throughout the evening, and get to sleep late at night, possibly sleeping in a bit in the morning."

Chef Sali stares off toward a wall while describing this.

"If things go as currently planned, each Wednesday will be a preparation day, the restaurant will be open for dinner each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and you'll have Mondays and Tuesdays off."

Chef Sali suddenly tenses.

"The grand opening is this Thursday ... the day after tomorrow. So, we'll have a lot of preparing to do tomorrow. But, I'll fill you in on those details in the Kitchen tomorrow morning. For now, check out your rooms, make yourselves comfortable, and then perhaps get yourselves used to the Kitchen. You'll find uniforms and name tags in your rooms that are meant to be worn Wednesdays through Sundays. If you leave dirty laundry in the big cloth bag hung there by the door, it will be picked up each noon, and returned clean by the following noon. Although, actually, with that red rod available, we probably won't need much laundry done, but it's an available service, if desired. However, If you make a mess in the Kitchen, you're expected to clean up after yourself."

She gives you a hard, firm look.

"I'll meet you all in the Kitchen at 9am tomorrow morning to begin planning and preparations. You should arrive on time and in uniform. Until then, your time is your own. Again, welcome the tower."

She turns to Ashley, Bahram, and Mimi in turn.

"Chef Ashley, I would speak with you, but I believe, for now, you could use some rest. I would ask you to meet me upstairs in the restaurant shortly after dawn. I trust you can manage to be rested and to climb two flights of stairs by then?"

"Chef Bahram, I will wait here to give you a chance to examine your room. However, I would ask that you walk with me for a bit afterwards."

"Chef Mimi, I will return to address your concerns after I have spoken with Chef Bahram. Please feel free to examine your room and either relax or cook in the meantime."

She turns once more to address the entire group.

"As for the rest of you, I may see you around later, but in case I don't, are there any further questions at this point?"

When Bahram returns to the group, Chef Sali speaks up.

"Chef Bahram, you may take your drawer key from the counter. I did intend for you to have it in your possession."

Chef Sali looks a bit confused, but proceeds in a clear, firm tone.

"We will speak privately after the tour concludes, Chef Bahram. Certain things need to be made clear."

When Bahram disappears into the privy, Chef Sali takes another deep breath and speaks calmly and firmly.

"My apologies for the disruption, ladies and gentlemen. I will be speaking to Chef Bahram privately in order to make sure he understands that such jokes are disruptive, and not appreciated in this Kitchen."

A quirk of disapproval crosses her face, but is quickly replaced with a more serene expression, though a bit forced.

"In answer to your question about a medic, Chef Mimi, I myself am trained in the healing arts. I have examined Chef Ashley here enough to determine that he will be fine."

She gives Ashley a supposedly sympathetic pat on the shoulder (though he winces slightly at the firm grasp) and a hard look. (...or else.)

"After he has caught his breath here for a few minutes, he can rest downstairs in his quarters, as can you all, should you desire, since our tour will be continuing and concluding there next."

She speaks this firmly. It is not a matter of question.

"As for your other concerns, Chef Mimi and Chef Ashley, I will be happy to address those with you individually, after our tour has concluded."

EDIT:
Ninja'd by Ashley! Let's presume most of Sali's comments come before Ashley's post. However, we can presume Ashley spoke before her last line.

Chef Sali exhales deeply, a breath of both relief and forced composure. Breathing in again, she speaks.

"Fine. Go. Through that door over there."

She points and waits for him to enter the privy, then exhales again and scans the lot of you, looking for any more trouble or minor emergencies.

More to come later today, but feel free to add character comments and reactions now.
Vincent, you probably know Bahram was lying and Ashley was sincerely out of breath, though he might have played it up a bit to distract Chef Sali for Bahram's sake.
Bahram, if you do anything other than remain in the privy a reasonable amount of time then return to the group, let us know soon.

Chef Sali helps Ashley drink the water brought by Philip.

"Alright, calm down, everyone, he'll be fine."

She mutters softly...

She continues to purposely look at Ashley (not Bahram) as she speaks up, addressing Bahram.

"Chef Bahram, have you managed to locate your drawer key yet?"

She adds under her breath...