The Ivory Orchid Tavern (I-vore-ee-Or-kid-Tav-urn)
Whispers in Unity
The Ivory Orchid Tavern:
- Name: The Ivory Orchid
- Motto: "Haven in Diversity. Unity in Equality"
- Crest: A large marble white orchid with Bloodsbane protruding out the side, acting as a thorn. In the centre of the orchid is Glynrel, faintly illuminating each petal.
- Symbolism: Equality, Unity, and Diversity.
- Recognition: 1674 NE
- Contribution: The Ivory Orchid offers entertainment and hospitality to native elves, travellers, and foreign elves.
- Location: Filarion Plaza, C'avarnia.
- The Staff Members: L'aithe Mitavain, Mytha Torva, Hayze Tythal, Armadetta Singreta, Otis Harlin, Esthai Jihn, Nylla Necta, Mortas, and Virai Tai.
Structure
There is a structure to the Ivory Orchid Tavern with each staff member taking a bartending role. Everyone within the establishment knows how to make what is offered on their menu, and the two heads will only intervene if the tavern is bustling. Bartenders as below:
- L'aithe Mitavain: She is the head of the tavern and is in charge of its financial properties and the overall upkeep of the establishment. Tall in height at 6ft, 2 inches. L'aithe treasures her friends and the establishment, continually finding ways to improve it. She ensures the establishment is safe for all to use, remaining updated with all health and safety protocols. She is very handy with a broadsword and knows how to use one efficiently.
- Mytha Torva: She is the deputy head of the tavern, in charge of bartender progression and training. Mytha appreciates bartenders who want to progress and believes every one of the bartenders can reach their full potential if nudged in the right direction. While she doesn't like violence, she was once a part of the Caelorian Incline; therefore, she knows how to wield dual short swords efficiently.
- Hayze Tythal: She is a bartender with years of experience, making her well-known throughout all the lands of Aethel Caeloria. She is often the elfa instructing elves to leave if they become disorderly. Hayze is highly efficient with dual daggers and learns to protect herself with Mytha Torva a few times after work. While she did undergo national service, she spent it within the Glazed Temple.
- Otis Harlin: He is a bartender and a practising bard. While he tends to keep to himself most of the time to get things done, he will occasionally socialise outside of work when he isn't working on his projects. Not many people know, but Otis loves playing the lute and singing, appearing as a bard more than a bartender to the regulars. Otis is incredibly efficient with a spear and is considered an elf of great warfare, having completed his spear training faster than any other elf within the kingdom.
- Armadetta Singreta: She is the head chef of the tavern with years of experience behind her. She also has a vast knowledge of other elven race delicacies, which she uses to her advantage to please customers. She's managed to combine a few of these delicacies and create new Caelorian consumables. Armadetta is constantly experimenting with both foods and brews to keep the menu fresh and exciting for tavern guests. She doesn't like violence but will use kitchen utensils to protect herself if necessary.
- Esthai Jihn: She is a bartender and talented at connecting with elves, making travellers want to enter. Esthai is known for her sarcasm and comedic personality. She always manages to find a way to make people laugh, even with small comments about random things and is a great conversationalist. Furthermore, she tends to look out for everyone and keep everyone in line when customers become violent, packing a mean punch with her fists. She isn't afraid to place herself in front of danger to protect customers and her fellow work colleagues, and many know of her firm and assertive personality. She won't take any disrespect.
- Nylla Necta: She is a bartender, very knowledgeable, and spends as much time as she can studying within Incrementum or a quiet corner within the tavern. She is highly talented at providing information for everything offered on the menu, even going into great detail if requested. She is adept with throwing knives hitting her target after training with the Howlite Clan. Nylla is a few years older than Otis but is still considered young by her peers.
- Mortas: He is one of the lesser-known bartenders because he doesn't speak; however, he is incredibly insightful for his young age. He experienced an early trauma during his elflinghood, which scarred him for life and rendered him unwilling to converse with anyone. His activities outside of work are unknown. Mortas is more robust than most but will not use violence to resolve issues. He is more of a pacifist than most and often refuses to wield a sword as it brings back painful memories, so he engages in prayer more often than not.
- Virai Tai: She is the newest bartender of the Ivory Orchid Tavern. Her sense of humour keeps bringing travellers back because she is so well at engaging in conversation. As a friend, she supports anyone who needs it and has lots of life experience. Virai is a big lover of music and appreciates the fine work that goes into it. She is highly talented at using the 4-foot shield she kept from her time with the Caelorian Incline.
Culture
Due to the Ivory Orchid being the primary establishment elves from foreign kingdoms go to during special occasions, it makes the culture inside vastly diverse, which is a refreshing change for the bartenders inside as they get the chance to learn of other kingdoms and their traditions in a relaxing environment.
The lands of Aethel Caeloria generally possess a culture of stability, resilience and authentic beliefs. The native high elves are the epitome of beauty and grace with distinct faces. Their mesmerising cheekbones are what separates them from the rest of the world as faint rays of light emit from underneath, alerting them to both distant and immediate danger. Their psyche is both orphic and logical, which creates a near-perfect balance. They come across as highly empathetic but can sometimes lack sympathy, making them both emotional, occasionally cold, and passionate beings. High elves are often opposed to other races and tend to keep themselves isolated to preserve themselves and all they hold dear; however, those who serve within the Ivory Orchid Tavern welcome travellers and want to get to know their lifestyles better.
Public Agenda
The Ivory Orchid's primary goal is to ensure its customers receive the highest standard of service and satisfaction from all who serve behind its counter in a safe, welcoming, and relaxing environment.
Assets
Rumours are spread of this great tavern far and wide, making it an organisation that elves want to be employed in, especially native elves knowing how well the staff are treated. Supposedly its reputation precedes it for something. Everyone prepares themselves as the tavern is undoubtedly a great evening to indulge in. Judging by the laughter, cheering, and overall enjoyment of everyone inside the tavern, it's usually the young elven folk singing to their heart's content. Barely any seats are left in the tavern, and elves end up standing to enjoy the night's entertainment. The assets of the Ivory Orchid are few but no less extravagant.
- The Tavern Architecture: The Ivory Orchid bears a royal appearance. It possesses white and grey marbled stone furniture, cleaned regularly by the bartenders. There are also smoothly carved chestnut brown chairs in the tavern close to the bar. From the outside, it looks beautiful and well-maintained. Large and small stones and marble details make up most of the building's exterior. It's hard to see through the small, chestnut curtained windows, but the warm noises from within can be felt outside. It's as enchanting on the inside as it is on the out. You're welcomed by a pleasant atmosphere and cheerful singing as you enter the tavern through the heavily used wooden doors. Stone beams support the upper floor with banners of the Aethel Caelorian Sigil attached. The walls overflow with royal cloak ribbons from those who have fallen in battle as a memorial of their service to the kingdom. The tavern itself is almost always bustling. The locals and Varcanai Guard are the local clientele with passing travellers and traders here and there, which is a good sign for the establishment. Several long tables are occupied by what seems to be one large group of gamblers. The smaller tables are also inhabited by elves who seem close to the owner, though they happily welcome others to sit in their company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company. Everyone from within is friendly and respects the bartenders for their excellent service.
- Accommodation: The Ivory Orchid is the most prominent entertainment establishment within the Filarion Plaza, offering ten luxurious rooms with a balcony, hot and cold beverages, a vast selection of elven delicacies, and a calm place to relax with accompanying music. There are two floors to the tavern with accommodation being on the upper floor. Travellers from different kingdoms also visit the tavern when passing through to taste their delicacies. Varcanai Guards are often found in the Ivory Orchid, respecting their rules and keeping others in check while having a good time.
- Shrubbery: Directly outside the tavern are flower pots for aesthetic purposes. L'aithe loves nature and does what she can to make the outside look appealing. Most of the plants outside the tavern are white orchids, daisies, or camellias. Hanging above the heavy wooden doors are petite white orchids, giving the orchid a fairy tale appearance.
- Glynrel and Bloodsbane: In 1674 NE, House M'ithai appreciated the Ivory Orchid so much that, as a form of deep trust, they requested permission to keep their sacred heirloom within the tavern. With King Jujinal Aalarelai's permission, Glynrel became a vital part of the tavern's crest. In 100 VO, after the War of Faiths, House Tythal requested King Dihavanor Aalarelai that as a form of deep trust, Bloodsbane is kept within the tavern. Bloodsbane became a vital part of the tavern's crest with the King's permission. The two heirlooms are held within, making it a highly revered, historical, and significant establishment for all to admire and appreciate.
- Management: L'aithe Mitavain and Mytha Torva are the management. They ensure all of their customers are satisfied and that their bartenders are always safe while working. For the elves who live within the kingdom and become too drunk to walk home alone, they enlist the assistance of the Varcanai Guard to walk them home. No matter who enters their doors, they have a duty of care and will ensure all guests are protected to the best of their ability.
- The Bartenders: The bartenders handle their guests with honour and respect yet still welcome incoming guests with a smile. Bartenders have some form of experience, and even those with little experience are trained by both the head and deputy of the tavern to ensure they feel proficient and confident in their role. All of the bartenders within are the faces of the organisation, leaving most of their customers with a smile, going above and beyond for all regardless of city status. The bartenders welcome the other races, making their establishment highly reputable and noteworthy.
- Entertainment: The entertainment of the tavern often comes from Otis, who sings with his lute, wooing the elfa's and creating masterpieces for all elves to sing along to. If Otis cannot sing, the card game, Mendax, is allowed to occur, which is the only gambling game permitted throughout all the lands. Mytha Torva allows entertainment from foreign bards to sing and entertain within the tavern as long as they abide by the capital's rules. Elves from Silencium can sometimes provide entertainment within the tavern, giving the customers a taste of Aethel Caelorian history through classical compositions and comedic humour.
- Mendax: This is the only gambling card game available throughout the lands of Aethel Caeloria and it is played within the tavern's walls. This is a big source of income, especially during special occasions as half of the winnings of the elves go towards the tavern as a good gesture. It's not mandatory, but it is recommended.
- The Varcanai Guard: Varcanai Guards are allocated to the Ivory Orchid during and without special occasions. When a special occasion or an event takes place within the kingdom, allowing visitors in, six guards will be instructed to oversee the area's safety. Two will be placed outside while four remain inside dressed as customers. However, two will stand outside the front doors during regular hours and be called inside if the bartenders require forceful assistance.
- Cipes: Crispy fried chicken flavoured leaves with 'Cado' sauce.
- Wvenc: Miniature pork and Saylar toasties with Kale and corn on the side.
- Dairi: A light pastry traipsed with Saylar and Cado sauce and corn on the side. Pork slices on the side. A bowl of freshly carved leaf and twig-like chips accompanied Saylar and Cado sauce.
- S'ymphrai: A set of four large steamed buns filled with Kale, pork and kaida sauce. Drizzled around the buns is 'Saylar.'
- Feelar: Crispy baked leaf-shaped crisps in a golden wreath accompanied with corn, peas and Kale twisting around it. On the side, a thick, crunchy bread shaped like the Starlight Veil with Calaveir (white pastry leaves) branching out. Each leaf is filled with pork.
- Tinthar: Three thick bread trees resembling Nithavaer, Rayai and Nydon with Calaveir leaves and Cado sauce. Surrounding the trees is Kale and Lettuce.
- Usai: A transparent soup with starlight glimmers circling its edges and light, crunchy bread on the side; Pari.
- Nutrai: A hazelnut beverage with sugar-coated fluffy whipped cream.
- Linav: A toffee beverage with flavoured cream mist seeping from the top.
- Sinaturai: A banana beverage accompanied by a hot thick vanilla mist. Sugar-coated edges on the cup and banana slices are floating from within.
- Luste: A chocolate orange flavoured beverage with mint pastry branches attached to the cup edges and sweet Calaveir pastries on the side.
- Canthil: A strawberry smoothie with whipped cream on top and mint leaves poking out.
- Hytod: A flavour burst of strawberry, kiwi, and banana in a smoothie with a side of starlight infused shortbread.
- Florvil: An orange smoothie with light-infused prism ice and puffy milky bread on the side.
- Yintoi: A cherry smoothie with whipped cream and vanilla sauce. Two sweet Calaveir tree pastries on the side.
- Caelorian Dithavil: This beverage is brewed only for royalty, bearing a rich and bitter taste. The red wine tastes like smoked strawberries, which offer a fiery sensation at the back of the throat.
- Calaveir: Sugar-coated light pastries taking the appearance of white leaves, twigs, branches and trees. The pies can be infused with different flavours, including (but not limited to) vanilla, hazelnut, toffee, chocolate and peppermint. Light puffy milky bread rolls with no flavour on the side (infused flavour can be injected).
- Niya: A vanilla mist-filled bowl with Calaveir tree bark stemming around the inside of the bowl and small light puffed starlight filled pastries hanging from several branches.
- Hartria: A strawberry tart with a sugar-coated base and vanilla icing on its crust. Many white miniature Calaveir twigs surround the pastry, and peppermint leaves weave in and out of the twigs.
- Coravani: Lemon cookies with Saeyer (raspberry) infused silver sauce in the centre. The cookies are crunchy with a crispy outer layer. They are served warm and with chocolate sauce on the side.
- Cado: Garlic Mayonnaise.
- Kaida: Soy
- Saeyer: BBQ
History
1675 NE:
- House M'ithai's Fealty
- House M'ithai swears fealty to Aethel Caeloria
- The Gift of Glynrel
- Glynrel is offered as a gift to King Jujinal Aalarelai
- The Ivory Orchid's Founding
- Aethel Caeloria builds a symbolic tavern
- Glynrel Rehomed
- King Jujinal Aalarelai and House M'ithai agreed that the Ivory Orchid would best protect the artefact.
- House Tythal's Fealty
- House Tythal swears fealty to Aethel Caeloria
- The Gift of Bloodsbane
- Bloodsbane is offered as a gift to King Dihavanor Aalarelai
- The Clash of Star and Stone
- Glynrel's Light
- Battle of The Blue Mountain
- Bloodsbane's Ferocity
- The Day of Stratanum (Natural Event)
- The Inconsolable Forlorn
- Bloodsbane Rehomed
- King Dihavanor Aalarelai and House Tythal agreed that the Ivory Orchid would best protect the artefact.
- The Merc's Strike
Demography and Population
Inside the Ivory Orchid Tavern is six bartenders. During busy times, there are four additional Varcanai Guards who dress as customers to keep the environment safe and well-controlled; however, during regular hours, two Varcanai Guards are allocated outside the entrance for generalised protection purposes.
Territories
Due to the Ivory Orchid Tavern standing inside C'avarnia, they have no territory to claim nor occupy. They are safely protected by the Varcanai Guard.
Military
The Varcanai Guard protects the Ivory Orchid during regular hours and special occasions where travellers are more likely to flood the establishment. When the Aalarelai bloodline is seen within the tavern, they, too, ensure the peace is kept among native elves and foreign ones.
Religion
Religion isn't widely practised throughout Aethel Caeloria; however, the Virtuous Order does worship their God, Nelaeryn to a minimal extent. Minimal being abiding by his teachings, appreciating all he has given to the high elves, and thanking him every day for the life he has given them. Some may light a candle or lay flowers at his shrine, Nelaeryn Y’vaphasai.
Foreign Relations
The Great Kingdom of Qeruma:
Qeruma is Aethel Caeloria's greatest ally, bringing more wares and traditions to the kingdom and making them the first to do so in all history. L'aithe Mitavain travels a lot, so often transports common beverages and delicacies back and forth.
Agriculture & Industry
Everything on the menu of the Ivory Orchid Tavern comes from the plants, seafood, and livestock of House Tythal and House M'ithai. Without their agriculture, the tavern's menu would be minimal.
Trade & Transport
Trade:
L'aithe Mitavain contends to traders ensuring the tavern gets its fair share from product bulks. This, in turn, provides more finance to the kingdom, allowing L'aithe to improve the tavern with the additional profits made. She is considered challenging to negotiate with, never being taken advantage of. Her negotiating skills are sharp, and she is aware of all the tricks in the book, which she uses to her advantage.
Transport:
Transport mainly consists of horseback riding and wagon management. Horses are used for long-distance destinations. On the other hand, wagons are used with horses to carry heavier items such as barrels of alcohol or crates of food.
Education
Education within employment is conducted by L'aithe Mitavain and Mytha Torva, who are the heads of the tavern. Once a new bartender comes into the fold, they are trained by the leaders and instructed to shadow their new work-colleagues, who show them the ropes reassuringly and encouragingly.
Infrastructure
The Ivory Orchid Tavern Accommodation:
There are ten luxurious rooms within the Ivory Orchid on the upper floor. They all possess the same assets, but some are placed differently. Each room has a fireplace, a double semi-circle bed with a lace canopy, a wien side drawer and large chest, a chair with a feather stuffed cushion, a large white rug in the centre of the room, two banners of the Sigil of Aalarelai hanging above the vanity table, and a balcony. The tavern has a communal lavatory at the end of the upper floor.
Other Infrastructures:
- Internal Architecture: It possesses white and grey marble furniture with smoothly carved chestnut brown chairs. Large and small stones and marble details make up most of the building's exterior. Small chestnut curtained windows. A rounded fire pit made of carved stone in the centre with a metal wire mesh covering. The floor is made of smooth wien wood throughout the tavern and is sometimes partially covered with fur throws. The two heavy wooden doors with accompanying banners of the Sigil of Aalarelai hanging on each. Stone beams support the upper floor with banners of House Aalarelai, House Tythal, and House M'ithai Sigil attached to each.
- The Wine Cellar: Due to it being underground, it possesses elaborate beautiful arched stone support pillars beneath the building. There are spiral wooden stairs that lead into the kitchen. This underground space for wine storage is filled with large wooden barrels of different beverages, as well as sacks of grain and vegetables.
- The Counter: The smooth wien counter of the tavern is tall at 42-inches and 21-inches wide, with leather-covered stools placed in front of it. Behind the counter is an array of well-presented glasses on shelves with different beverages on them. These shelves surround the crest neatly and aesthetically.
- The Kitchen: Formerly a pantry and later converted into a kitchen. Behind the counter, the doors to the kitchen are on the left and right-hand sides. The head chef has a large open fire and spit braziers for large cooking nights. The banquets offered during special occasions meant the area was occupied with a team of high elves. This team consisted of five-ten elves under the supervision and management of Armadetta Singreta. The kitchen is average in size and always releases a delicious aroma into the air. The Wine Cellar can be accessed through this room. This room is also where staff members take breaks when not on shift, arriving, or departing.
- The Crest: In the centre of the wall behind the counter is the large crest of the Ivory Orchid granted by two former kings of the kingdom and the two sworn houses. The crest is 60-inches wide by 40 inches tall. The petals of the crest are made of shiny ivory-coloured curved metal with the sacred heirloom of House M'ithai in the centre of it, Glynrel. Protruding out the side of the crest is the sacred heirloom of House Tythal, Bloodsbane. This is the most defining feature of the tavern.
- The Walls: Attached to the tavern walls are silky white ribbons from fallen Varcanai Guards, Aegean blue velvet ribbons from fallen Caelorian Incline soldiers, and grey velvet ribbons from fallen Howlite Clan keepers. Some of the walls had silver framed portraits drawn from elflings and professional artists. These are a form of remembrance for their dedicated service to Aethel Caeloria.
- Chandelier: Illuminating the entire tavern is an upside-down axed oak tree with tiny but long diamond-shaped crystals hanging from the branches radiating in the sun and moonlight. Dozens of sprawling branches of the chandelier aesthetically spread around the tavern, lighting up every inch of the establishment.
- The Fire Pit: In the centre of the tavern is a large rounded fire pit with black metal wire mesh that only staff members can access to place cut-up logs in and set alight.
- Tables: Surrounding the tavern walls are long, short, rounded, and rectangular tables. The rectangular ones are often used for dining, whereas the rounded ones are commonly used to play Mendax. There are many chairs around these tables, which are securely stitched with leather tops. On each table is a menu of the tavern.
- Corner Chairs: Within the corners of the tavern are small wooden seating areas with securely fastened blankets draped over them for comfort and small square tables. These are usually areas where elves want to read, perform songs, entertain, or relax.
Divine Origins
All origins of myths throughout Aethel Caeloria were written and rumoured during and after the War of Faiths in 233 NE. Once the Forsaken were defeated, tales of kingly returns emerged from beneath the surface and lived on through the many generations giving the elves of the kingdom something to be hopeful for should anything apocalyptic ever return to plague their lands and lives.
"Haven in Diversity. Unity in Equality"
The Ivory Orchid Tavern is the only respected establishment within C'avarnia offering luxurious accommodation and beverages, a place to play Mendax, and somewhere to socialise throughout the day and night. Glynrel of House M'ithai and Bloodsbane of House Tythal form parts of the large crest of the Ivory Orchid located above the tavern's front counter.
The Staff Members:
Mendax:
Mendax is a card game that tests how good elves are at lying, even if they have a winning or losing hand. The competition aims to trick your opponent’s into picking up your losing cards. The pack should only contain one Ace, two of each; K, Q, J, and the two Jokers. A minimum of three to seven elves can play this game. Players can see their own hands as soon as the round starts. The game is all about luck and the ability to read other players. If they have no good cards, they can either keep placing saer in the middle of the table and lie as a bluff or they can fold all their cards and save their saer. Lying entices other players and they must figure out who is lying in secret to decide their next move. This can be a very addictive game, with many elves liking the thrill, focus, and suspense.
- The Head of the Tavern: L'aithe Mitavain
- The Deputy Head: Mytha Torva
- The Head Chef: Armadetta Singreta
- Bartender: Hayze Tythal
- Bartender and Bard: Otis Harlin
- Bartender: Esthai Jihn
- Bartender and Bard: Nylla Necta
- Bartender: Mortas
- Practising Bartender: Virai Tai.
1674 NE - N/A
Alternative Names
The Ivories
Formation Type
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Orchids, High Elves
Currency
The Currency of the Kingdom:
The primary currency is known as 'Avirial' (A-veer-real). Avirial is a thin saer (silver) or wien (wooden) coin with a small avial gemstone embedded into the centre. Tree-like indentations are branching out towards the edges of the coin, giving it the significance of the kingdom's sacred monument, The Starlight Veil. Unlike many other domains, Aethel Caeloria mainly specialises in exchanging gemstones. The rarer the rock, the more valuable it is. If someone possesses a specialised avial gemstone, they are considered wealthy.
Many items throughout the kingdom are expensive, but affordable stalls are also available. Most traders will take gemstones if Avirial coins are not something other elves possess. Still, Varcanian traders are highly trained in negotiation and getting the best price for their items, often making compromise challenging but not impossible.
Two Types of Coin:
- Avirial: These are the standard coins, either saer or wien and have a small avial gemstone in the centre.
- Raw Avial: These are rare coins with smooth saer and wien materials on the coin with a slightly larger avial gemstone in the centre. The raw avial gemstone is Aethel Caeloria's most sacred stone as it holds the light of the stars within the very centre, making it incredibly valuable and sought for. It is also highly destructive with a blinding light. It is the firmest belief of purity for the high elves, making it exceptionally unique and desirable among traders and the kingdom.
Major Exports
Thousands of traders from many kingdoms yearn for Caelorian Dithavil; a red wine brewed only for the royal Aalarelai bloodline. Many traders try to bribe L'aithe Mitavain and Mytha Torva to sell them some, but they outright refuse. When they cannot get their way with the heads of the tavern, traders will resort to asking the bartenders who give the same response.
There have been cases where elves have been caught trying to steal the red wine and have been forcefully removed from the premises for breaking the kingdom's rules. Due to this, the Caelorian Dithavil has been secured away from sight and can only be accessed by the heads of the tavern.
Major Imports
Imports for food and drink come from House M'ithai, House Tythal, and very rarely, Qeruma. Imports from Qeruma are a little more expensive but no less doable.
Legislative Body
The primary legislative body throughout Aethel Caeloria is the Elders of Claritas. The reigning sovereign, Elders of Claritas, and the Virtuous Order deal and resolve any crimes within the kingdom. All minor offences are passed through the Virtuous Order within the Haven of Solaris initially; then, the High Priest/Priestess reports their findings onto the Elders of Claritas who pass judgement. For any average/heinous crimes, it goes straight to the Elders of Claritas and the reigning King who pass judgement through Freedom's Pass.
Judicial Body
The Elders of Claritas and the Haven of Solaris ensure the laws are well interpreted throughout the lands of Aethel Caeloria.
Executive Body
The Varcanai Guard ensure the laws are maintained throughout the lands of Aethel Caeloria.
Parent Organization
Neighboring Nations
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