Café de Nuit

cure wrote:since Ghastrians can't tell by taste that a given food has started to rot, and might pose a health risk, a lot of food that would be thrown out in any other land makes it onto the table in Ghastria; consequently there may be fairly elevated instances of food poisoning, of which a visiting FoS member might be a victim . . . .

Certainly, this could be interesting as a plot device for the netbook. I'm not sure if it's something we should allow to go too far, however: if it's as hard to judge food's freshness as you're suggesting, that makes it sound like food has no smell, not just no taste. If that were the case, we'd wind up with all sorts of awkward questions by extension, like "Can a dog in Ghastria only track a rabbit if it isn't planning to eat it?" or "How can the ghouls sniff out where my character's hiding? I was born here, so I shouldn't smell like food!" or even "Are Ghastrians naturally immune to halitosis unless it's a Flavor Day?"

Rather, it'd be easier to rule that food's lack of flavor is something that only applies when it's placed in someone's mouth, not when it's sitting on the dinner table. That would be slightly meaner (because people can still smell what they're missing out on ), and vastly simpler to deal with.

How would a creature that regularly steals the senses of others as a means of pleasure react if it were somehow dumped on Ghastria and found itself unable to leave?

Say, an Illithid, as portrayed in Heroes of Horror; a hugely intellectual being that derives its only pleasure from the mind of beings under its control. If forced to endure Ghastria, with its dearth of pleasant sensations, would it go (more) insane? Would it try all sorts of deviltry to get to the source of the situation?

Just a thought ...

One thing to remember is that anyone born in Ghastria after it entered the dread domains has no idea that food is even supposed to have a taste. They may have a real hard time adapting to foods that have a taste. Even bread would be flavorful to them and it might be the equivalent of somebody who isn't used to spicy food inadvertently eating 5 alarm chili. This may cause them problems after they leave Ghastria, they may even think they are being poisoned the first time they try ordinary food.[/img]

brilliantlight wrote:One thing to remember is that anyone born in Ghastria after it entered the dread domains has no idea that food is even supposed to have a taste. They may have a real hard time adapting to foods that have a taste. Even bread would be flavorful to them and it might be the equivalent of somebody who isn't used to spicy food inadvertently eating 5 alarm chili. This may cause them problems after they leave Ghastria, they may even think they are being poisoned the first time they try ordinary food.[/img]

Well- don't they have a chance to eat flavorful food during the periods when the Marquis has his joie de vivre returned to him?

Here's a weird question: Is it just consumables that lack flavor in Ghastria, or is it everything? If you break your nose severely in Ghastria, would you be unable to taste your own blood in the back of your throat? If you're sailing into the domain, can you tell you've crossed the border because the seawater stops tasting salty? Is looking in a mirror the only way to tell if you need to brush your teeth?

ewancummins wrote:

brilliantlight wrote:One thing to remember is that anyone born in Ghastria after it entered the dread domains has no idea that food is even supposed to have a taste. They may have a real hard time adapting to foods that have a taste. Even bread would be flavorful to them and it might be the equivalent of somebody who isn't used to spicy food inadvertently eating 5 alarm chili. This may cause them problems after they leave Ghastria, they may even think they are being poisoned the first time they try ordinary food.[/img]

Well- don't they have a chance to eat flavorful food during the periods when the Marquis has his joie de vivre returned to him?

Would the Marquis even invite lower and middle class rifraff? He doesn't need to pretend to be a champion of the people like he did under King Oderic. Unless it is a pretty woman or something why invite them? It says he invites strangers to his parties not locals. The locals must know people keep dying at these parties and either not go or be extremely nervous and thus depressing at these parties.

Logistically speaking, it's unlikely that Stezen could monopolize every bit of flavor-bearing food that's harvested during his "up" phases. It's not like the Ghastrians are growing their crops inside a Vegas casino or South African diamond mine: even if he tries to claim it all for himself and his parties, a portion of every tasty crop is going to get tucked into some peasant's sock or fall off the back of the wagon. Plus, there are bound to be plenty of foods that don't live up to his standards, like bruised apples or wormy turnips, that the lower classes would be allowed to salvage.

Rotipher of the FoS wrote:Logistically speaking, it's unlikely that Stezen could monopolize every bit of flavor-bearing food that's harvested during his "up" phases. It's not like the Ghastrians are growing their crops inside a Vegas casino or South African diamond mine: even if he tries to claim it all for himself and his parties, a portion of every tasty crop is going to get tucked into some peasant's sock or fall off the back of the wagon. Plus, there are bound to be plenty of foods that don't live up to his standards, like bruised apples or wormy turnips, that the lower classes would be allowed to salvage.

If they are used to tasteless food they might not even desire it. Their tastebuds are so used to tasteless food they are likely to be overwhelmed by anything that has a taste.

Heh heh. How's this for a future SoS Survey sidebar...?


The "Eh" Of Cooking: A Ghastrian Recipe Book

Vegetables

1) Wash, peel, and dice

2) Boil until mushy

3) Serve with glass of water


Meats

1) Trim off all fat so grease won't get everywhere

2) Roast on skewer until brown

3) Serve with glass of water and napkin


Breads

1) Mix flour and water in large bowl

2) Form into round lumps

3) Bake until brown on outside

4) Slice and serve with glass of water

Rotipher of the FoS wrote:Heh heh. How's this for a future SoS Survey sidebar...?


The "Eh" Of Cooking: A Ghastrian Recipe Book

Yes!

I'm telling you- Ghastrian hardtack- it's like rock in its hardness, and much like wood pulp in taste- but it ships and stores well. It can also be used as sling ammunition, and that's not all!

At the Second Battle of Ipswick, Ghastrians were again faced with an invading horde of pirates from Blaustein. The Ghastrians had run out of shot for their field piece early in the fighting, and things were getting desperate for the defenders. The timely arrival of a ration wagon saved the day, when the Ghastrian cannoneers [peasants with miminal training] loaded their cannon with hard biscuits and fired on the charging pirates, killing most of them in a single blast. Up Ghastria!

On the other hand, Ghastrian distilled spirits are absolutely the best mixers in the land. You can't even taste the burn!

What about beasties?



http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_ ... _PG119.jpg



http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_ ... 5_PG31.jpg


Carrion crawlers, ghouls, and ghasts would all fit well in Ghastria, I think. As for other monsters...I dunno. I wouldn't want to overload a small island domain with a gazillion types of horrible beasties, or humans living there starts to seem strange. Besides, a few thematic monsters can enhance a domain, but too many, and it loses focus. Just my humble opinion, of course. With three eating/hunger/decay themed beasties, maybe something art or emotion oriented would be a nice addition? Any suggestions?

I'd probably aim for a "Most Dangerous Game" scenario-given the food issue, something would be needed for Ghastria to become a resort. So why not take in the criminals of other domains for a "slight fee", and keep them imprisoned, only to have the ones not sating the darklord's appetites being hunted by the jaded aristocrats of the other domains?

Sareau wrote:I'd probably aim for a "Most Dangerous Game" scenario-given the food issue, something would be needed for Ghastria to become a resort. So why not take in the criminals of other domains for a "slight fee", and keep them imprisoned, only to have the ones not sating the darklord's appetites being hunted by the jaded aristocrats of the other domains?

Sounds good to me. Make sure to include a huge Cossack with a knout.

ewancummins wrote:What about beasties?

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_ ... _PG119.jpg

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_ ... 5_PG31.jpg

Carrion crawlers, ghouls, and ghasts would all fit well in Ghastria, I think. As for other monsters...I dunno. I wouldn't want to overload a small island domain with a gazillion types of horrible beasties, or humans living there starts to seem strange. Besides, a few thematic monsters can enhance a domain, but too many, and it loses focus. Just my humble opinion, of course. With three eating/hunger/decay themed beasties, maybe something art or emotion oriented would be a nice addition? Any suggestions?

I agree, a few monsters, with the usual "things in the water".

Joël