The Open Grove
= Lavender Beds - Plot 21, Ward 26 - Balmung =
= Take a Seat =
Lavender Beds - Plot 21, Ward 26 - Balmung
We bid you welcome to the Open Grove, an intimate and relaxed cafe setting for adult roleplayers. Deep in the Shroud, this place is said to open its doors to the public on rare, bounteous occasions with invitations flitting to just where they need to be.Rich or poor, noble or common, all are equal beneath the boughs of this gentle place, and its servants are keen to welcome you home for a time.So, come. Relax. Find sanctuary, if only for a moment.
Today's Syncshell: OpenGrovePassword: ThisIsOG!!
= Rest Awhile =
-18+ - Para/Multi para - One-on-One/Small Groups - 8-11 PM ET-
Small Scale VenueLavender Beds - Plot 21, Ward 26 - Balmung
The Open Grove is an SFW, but 18+ cafe event aimed at heavy RPers. You can expect delicate, intimate conversation with a focus on engaging the people who choose to come by.Service elements are de-emphasized, and the staff that will be serving you will aim to be quite interested in... Well, you.The event is held at the Veiled Star, which is a brothel to some, and a sanctuary to most, so long as you have either an invitation or appointment. While this will be mentioned again in the rules section, this is not an NSFW event. The people serving you will (in most cases) be sex workers, but they will be taking no clients or otherwise engaging with people in such a way.This is a moment to flex character, and the more conversational, curious aspect of courtesan work. For some, this is the sole element that they're looking for, and we like to think they're great at it. Come with that expectation, and you'll be satisfied.They're ever eager to hear your story- and to serve some delightful treats along the way.
Please note, that while tips are accepted, this is otherwise a no-gil event.
= A Moment of your Time =
We hope it's not too overbearing, but we would have you follow a few small expectations;
1) This is a brothel, but we will not be acting like it. There will be no services available for purchase, and no NSFW acts or dress in both public and private chats. This is a strict rule to preserve the status of the event, and we politely ask that you respect this.
2) Due to the nature of the setting, the event will be strictly 18+. This goes for both characters and players. While the former rule is there for a reason, we will not be hiding the obvious; it is a part of our characters as something we want to explore, and we hope that you grasp the nuance as much as we do. Respect the safety of all people involved.
3) No minions, please. I'm not sure why they count against the number of people that can be in a house either.
4) Be kind, which should go without saying. Argumentative characters, or people who are otherwise rude and abusive to staff on an IC or OOC basis, will be removed at the owner's discretion. There will be zero tolerance. We are in this together, so do your part in allowing us to craft an environment comfortable for everyone.
5) Avoid lore-breaking characters. While we respect your interest in writing something away from the norm, we will note that odder characters may well be treated as oddities. We won't bar you at the door for playing a dragon, or an Ascian (for example) but do expect the healthy skepticism inherent to the setting. Approach with something we can work with, and all our experiences will be greater for it.
Be forewarned, that breaking these rules comes on pain of OOC blacklisting from all future Veiled Star events, and/or unceremonious removal on an IC basis.Let's work together to keep this a fun, and interesting evening for everyone involved.
= You're Welcome to It =
Have something you want to ask us? Fair enough.You're welcome to turn your questions to .ventii or Siroh'a Relanah@Balmung.Are you interested in hiring us for your event, or otherwise discussing a partnership? I would recommend you fill out this form. The Veiled Star hosts a small, but lovely list of partners that we co-opt with each week, and we might just be happy to add you to the roster or otherwise assist you in staffing a specific event.Be warned that our structure is unique in that our independent storylines and interests come first. We all run our own events, and have our own interests. Mileage may vary, and our participation will always be a democratic process.
= Indulge=
- Coffee -
The Star hosts a few delightfully simple coffees, served either hot or iced. Gelmorra's Wonder is a dark blend, with a bold, earthy taste with faint notes of cocoa. The Harvest Dance is a delightfully smooth medium roast formed of a creamy body, and a faint acidity. Lastly, our Shroud's Autumn is a full-bodied, but paradoxically light blend that hits a medium tone, and errs toward a smooth-- almost sweet --finish.
-----
-----
Marocchino
The first, and largely most beloved of the house specials is a decadent drink that makes one think of distant lands full of forbidden pleasures. A rich brewing of our Gelmorra's Wonder is blessed with a dusting of kukuru powder and crowned with cream in a way that is sure to ease your cravings. Of course, we prefer to enrich the drink with hot chocolate in earnest, in a way that sure to satisfy any indulgent desire.
-----
Espresso con Panna
A bold, forthright blast of our invigorating Harvest Dance is dolloped with cream to present a surprisingly delightful, eminently palatable drink. A sip is as electrifying as the smoldering eyes of our popular hosts. Traditionally, this is served akin to an espresso, but we of the Star prefer it as more of a latte. Call us sinners; it would surely be accurate in more ways than one.
-----
Affogato
The only thing keeping us from calling this a dessert is sheer willpower. Sweet, vanilla ice cream is deposited in a cup and then drowned with a delicious espresso of your choice, rescued only by a sweet honeycomb. The heat of the coffee naturally melts and mixes with the frozen cream, creating a soothing 'drink' not to be forgotten. Optionally served with a coffee biscuit. We won't judge you too harshly if you dunk it.
- Tea -
Our expansive list of teas, both local and imported, are selected for their gentle, simple taste and the sort of sweetness that mirrors a warm hug. Both black and green teas are available, along with a specialty chamomile and certain floral blends. Admittedly, it's an expansive pantry. We have a taste for the stuff, and so, if you're looking for something specific, you need only ask.
-----
-----
Ishgardian Tea
In recent years, it's not as rare to see the Ishgardian tea-making tradition outside of its borders, but the Star views the practice with a curious pride given our close ties with a few Ishgardian houses. Made with affection, and a staggering about of naturally sweet yak's milk, the process for making this tea uses only Coerthan Tea Leaves-- famed for their mild taste, and miniscule size --which leads to the delightfully smooth, creamy profile that defines this northern classic.
-----
Mulled Tea
They said that only the insane would use tea native to the Shroud for anything other than tanning leather.Being insane has its perks.Nutmeg, a stick of cinnamon, and cloves marry the dulcet tones of local, late-harvest buckwheat honey in this unique, but local delight. While the citrus involved may be a bit of a cheat, we like to think a small infusion of Mun-tuy makes up for the continental indiscretion.
-----
Courtesan's Embrace
A wonderful house specialty, this soft, creamy tea is derived from both tea and milk, worked into a frothy state by way of decanting the mixture back and forth between two vessels. Served with a wonderful, bubbly head and enriched with the taste of condensed milk, this drink is a favorite of our sweet-toothed staff for a reason.
- Wine, Imports, & Other Delights -
Sourced primarily from the Shroud, the Star celebrates the small group of Gridanian vinters that produce a variety of sweet, dry wines rich in fruity accent and delicate profiles. However, our cellar also plays host to a selection of Coerthan, Lominsan and even Doman wines by way of import, and if you have a request, we'd be happy to take a look.
-----
-----
Gridanian Cider
The Black Shroud is famed for is sensuously shaped, ripe apples and earthy spices. This apple cider is elevated with the finest local spices, sugar, and cinnamon. This drink is said to have many health benefits, but careful with this one! She packs some sass into that glass.That, and the sugar probably does away with the whole... 'Health' thing.
-----
Coerthan Ice Wine
A rare, beautiful, and usually expensive wine, these rare vintages are a house favorite due to their almost syrupy profile. Made only from grapes that have condensed their sugars under very certain climates, ice wines traditionally take no less than ten times the grapes to produce a single bottle relative to regular wines, and as such, this liquid gold is worth every theoretical gil. As a dessert unto itself, you'll find nothing but the people can compare in sweetness.
-----
Mulled Wine
Similar in spirit to the mulled tea, but entirely apart in profile, this house-made Mulled Wine is sourced from our favourite vinter. To this base of a Shroud-sourced red, we add our own selection of cloves, anise, cinnamon, and (uniquely) vanilla bean. Designed to satisfy even the most exotic tastes and bring to mind dark-lit parlors filled with the mysterious and the entrancing, this hot delight can even be served with an additional shot of a Lominsan rum.We hate the cold that much.
- Food -
The core of our food selection is down to goods native to the region. As such, our primary offering is that of the Hunter's Board, a daily selection of fine meats, sausage, cheeses, and pickled vegetables arrayed out with an accompaniment of sweet Gridanian honey. Think of this as a more rustic charcuterie, with a focus on a rotating, bite-sized fare.
-----
-----
Bruschetta
Our twist on the classic, the bruschetta is made up of a fresh baked bread, toasted, and topped with a selection of cherry tomatoes more often associated with the traditional Keeper Miq'abobs. Add shreds of sharp cheese, Mun-tuy infused olive oil, and the expected garlic rub, for a sharp, small taste for someone looking for a savory bite. Frankly, you'll probably need something to contrast the drinks.
-----
Coffee Biscuit
"A buttery biscuit with a subtle coffee flavor". Yeah. That. It's a cookie. Let's not waste words in saying it's anything else. Small, crisp, and warm, these delights (served in threes) are intended to snap between your teeth, giving way to oozing chocolate and that sassy caffeinated infusion.This is no way to cut the decadence of an affogato, but there are few better ways to make it soar.
-----
Shroud Crumpet
An Ul'dahn favorite enhanced with local tastes, the Star's crumpets maintain that soft, gently browned texture that simply begs to be slathered in sweet honey and myriad jams, while using Gridanian walnut flour to let that taste stand on its own.Served with one's own choice of honey, butter, and-or jams, we recommend the crumpet for just about any guest.Our recommendation, though? A smear of a fresh, soft cheese on top.