Tea Hosts Guild

For those with a creative bent but who can't cut it as an artist, the Tea Hosts Guild is a popular choice. Tea, after all, is not just a beverage--it is serenity in a mug, an expression of one's personality, even a companion of sorts on a cold, grey afternoon. Likewise, the Tea Houses of Valor are not just a place to buy a drink. They are meeting houses, workspaces, and community centers. They are a place to network, socialize, and maybe even fall in love. The Tea Hosts are the energetic, sensitive (overworked, unappreciated) beings who make all of that possible.

Career

Qualifications

Officially, the Tea Hosts Guild will take anyone. In practice, they tend to take those who are joining a guild later (and are thereby more immediately useful), and especially those who are attractive and reasonably fashionable. After all, the Tea Houses have a reputation to maintain. As for skill... they can find work for any degree of aptitude, or lack thereof.

Career Progression

The general progression is from cleanup to waitstaff to host to manager, but no one is guaranteed progress. There is also plenty of other work to be done--from designing the Tea House's interior to hammering out trade deals for new teas.

Other Benefits

In addition to constant access to all of the finest teas, Tea Hosts also have ample opportunity to network, getting to know everyone who frequents their House. Those who wish to transfer to another guild, pick up new skills, or negotiate for just about anything have ample opportunities.

Perception

Social Status

As the Tea Houses are a relatively new phenomenon, the social status of the Tea Hosts can be a bit ambiguous. It is seen as a very fashionable line of work, something highly desireable--but probably not for one's own children. The lasting success or decline of Tea Houses over time will likely determine whether the Tea Hosts continue to gain respect for their delicately crafted tea blends and their deft social skills, or if they are dismissed as trend-chasers and failed artists.

Operations

Materials

Tea blends (from the Guild basics to House Specialties to special occasion blends, whose recipies are to be guarded with the maker's life) and various additives, such as spice mixtures, cocoa powder from Shaodan, candied ginger, extracts, and spirits. At the larger Tea Houses, tea cakes, sandwiches, and even other beverages are served as well.

Workplace

The Tea Houses are carefully designed to be welcoming, cozy, familiar, and yet elegant as well. All have plentiful tables and chairs for their customers to linger, and the larger Tea Houses have various rooms to allow for varying levels of privacy, event spaces, and / or private gardens.

Known To

General Knowledge

Type

Culinary

Demand

Staple raised to luxury status

Prominent Tea Houses

• Fenhost's Tea House, Damerel Shire
• Cormorant's Tea House, Albion