A Warlock Alone, Island Empire solo game

The House upon the Strand

"Not at all dear, please follow me to your table." She glides along on slippered feet moving smoothly between the press of tables and the rail with a not unpleasant swaying of hips beneath her skirt. There is is but one row of tables along the porch and you'd guess one above as well. Banquettes line the house's wall while the tables have chairs at either end as well. No chairs are placed with a back to the view of the beach. As you walk the hostess asks, "Is this your first visit to the 'House upon the Strand?'" As you reply she stops at a table near the middle of the porch. The Port man motions Michael to the narrow banquette while he takes a chair. A stout serving man is replacing the other chair with one of appropriate proportions for Grond's bulk. The woman hands each of you a simple one page Bill of Fare printed on fine sand colored paper with sea-green ink as you take your seats. "Bethany will be along to take your order momentarily. I hope you'll enjoy your breakfast and become regulars at the House upon the Strand." She gives you all a pleasant smile and adds a pat on the shoulder for 'Gustav' and returns to her station.

OOC: Spot checks for Michael and Grond please.
 

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1d20+7,1d20+4-> ([2, 7], [19, 4])

Michael / Grond Spot


Michael happily contemplates te bill of fare in front of him while Grond casually glances around . Michael = 9, Grond = 23

"Do you recommend anything in particular" Michael asks the Harbor Master.
 

Breakfast on the Strand

Michael scans the menu, pastries, fresh fruit, breads, rice, some cheese, sausages, bacon, ham, smoked and cured fish, shrimp, egg dishes, some sea food. The wine list is short, but while most selections are of a moderate price range they are some of the best choices for the money. Coffees and teas as well as juices round out the menu. Gustav replies, "The sea shore delite omelet is nice, sea turtle and shore bird eggs, crab meat, beach grass, a hint of local caviar, sea salt and a pungent local green onion. It is one of the more exotic choices on the menu, but it does represent the chef's best attempt to capture the local flavors." Michael becomes aware that Grond is staring open mouthed at the beach. Looking up he sees that there are people on the shore, taking a closer look he realizes that they are sea nymphs. The women cavort naked on the beach and in the surf.
 

Conservations

Smiling at Grond's distraction Michael will comment "This mornings view is particulary delightful, is this common"...turning his attention back to orderding, Michael will set downt he menu and say "I shall take your advice and order the omlet"...continuing he says "I am so glad you brought me here, I fear it would have taken me ages to stumble across this charming place and from the smells coming from the kitchen i fear my waistline may hold a bit of a grudge against you"......Michael will then make small talk about what ever the man would like.
 

The House Upon the Strand

"Alas, the Sea Nymphs only frolic here for a few weeks twice a year. Your arrival was fortuitous as the season is nearly over. It is a rare treat, but in point of fact the chef here is quite good and you'll not find better fare anywhere on Tregere or indeed on neighboring islands I'll wager. They do a brisk business with or without the Nymphs. For reasons I'll never understand they choose to open only for breakfast and lunch 5 days a week. I'm sure they could pack the house at dinner as well should they choose. I think you'll find the Omelet to you liking." Soon Bethany arrives to take your order, and Gustav orders the Sea shore delite omelet with a couple of pastries, a spiced tea blend and the recommended local muscat wine. He confides that the wine isn't that great on its own, but it seems to come to life with the Omelet and is sweet enough to stand up to the pastries. Grond who has gotten over his initial shock soon orders impressive quantities of simple fare, bacon, eggs, toasted bread with butter and honey and coffee. The waitress, Bethany, turns to Michael. "And for you sir?"
 


Breakfast at the House upon the Strand

"Very good sir." The tea arrives in moments along with coffee for Grond. It is rich being perhaps half milk with a blend of spices and a little honey. Gustav chats about the history of the place a little. "This house was once the subject of a bitter dispute between daughters over who should inherit it. In the end the lawyers got all the money and they had to sell the place. A old artist bought it and rumor has it that he was enamored with his seasonal visitors," he gestures at the Sea Nymphs, "and just swam away with them. The place sat empty for some time before the current owner bought it. It was tied up in probate for years, because no one could prove that the artist was lost. Eventually, back taxes got to be high enough the place was taken by the government and sold again. We know little about her and she rarely leaves her second floor apartment. She remodeled the first floor as a restaurant and lives upstairs. Her staff here are the only ones we ever see. All very mysterious. There is much speculation of course, but few facts. In the three years the place has been open I've never seen her."

Soon the omelet arrives along with a glass of wine and refill on the tea. The omelet proves to be light and fluffy with a just a sprinkling of salty rose colored caviar on top. The onion is the strongest flavor, but not so strong as to overwhelm the crab and fish. The wine proves to be a little on the sweet side yet not unpleasant with the omelet, but it shows better when the warm pastries are presented. Grond attacks his food with gusto suggesting he finds it to his liking as well.
 

Conservations

"An interesting tale for sure, I belive thought the lady should be left in peace, specualtion is wonderful as long as it does not become malicious or destructive"..tasting the omlet Michael will comment on how good it is and how it mixes well with the beverages.
 

"Excellent, I'm glad you are pleased. I myself try not to engage in idle speculation, but there is of course talk." He attacks the food in ernest and soon a second glass of wine comes. Grond comments, "With food this good why leave the house?"
 

Conservation

"If we would not get in trouble or perhaps offend the propertirss and get banned from such excellent food, we would indeed ask for the receipies to see if Master GRumbar can come anywhere close to these dishes" Michael comments. "This is indeed excellent"..After a few moments Michael will comment "Not to rush things, but have you an idea of some properties, perhaps such as this establishment once was, that may be avaiable"
 

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