text ✨ innterest check

[airdnd]

Type: text
Sender ID: airdnd (Sumina Heartleaf)
To: public
Subject: some customer research, mayhap...
Warnings: possible menacing by a third party

Hail, fellow riftfarers:

I write today with a few... wonderings, you might call them. As a few of you may know, my occupation prior to my arrival was that of an innkeeper, so I've found myself rather curious about the state of the hospitality industry here.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from those of you who have rather taken to a life at sea since arriving here, and who have formed crews and the like. If you've a moment to write back, I would appreciate it so very much and would be happy to answer any questions you may have in turn!

• How often do you come ashore to rest at inns or taverns?
  
• What amenities would you most like to see in at an inn?
  
• What sort of food or drink do you find yourself seeking most when you're ashore?
  
• What type of entertainment would you be most interested in during your stay?

I realize I'm adding to a rather plentiful collection of questionnaires and inquiries here... or... innquiries?

No, I rather regret writing that.

Anyroad... well, I suppose that's partly what this network is all for, hm?

Thank you for your time,
S.H.

P.S. This is much more of a personal inquiry than a professional one, but... for those of who you have come to care for warrior cats... what are some things that you've found to be very successful with building trust with them...?

Comments

text; un: satorumon

[unliminal]

spending a month working at an inn wasn't enough research???
i can answer all those questions anyway ∑d(°∀°d)

[ A Menace™ has appeared... ]

[airdnd]

[ Here he comes... ]

I'd like for my understanding to be more personal and in-depth!

But please, be my guest. Answer the questions.

[unliminal]

[ At least he'll make more of an honest effort with this than his...love poem... ]

Q:How often do you come ashore to rest at inns or taverns?
A: never i live with you lol

Q: What amenities would you most like to see in at an inn?
A: karaoke bar or arcade (with DDR)

Q: What sort of food or drink do you find yourself seeking most when you're ashore?
A: ice cream cake

Q: What type of entertainment would you be most interested in during your stay?
A: depends, are YOU providing the entertainment?

[airdnd]

[ oh. he actually answered, even if his responses are a bit short!! ]

A: never i live with you lol
> Yes, but whenever you've gone away on quests... have you been sleeping on the ship? If there was an inn available, would you have considered staying there?

A: karaoke bar or arcade (with DDR)
> what is "DDR"?

A: ice cream cake
> Hmm. I imagine this would be very difficult to come by at sea, yes. I don't think I've ever made ice cream cake...

A: depends, are YOU providing the entertainment?
> Not necessarily... I could play the piano from time to time at least, but that would also require procuring the instrument in the first place. They can be expensive...

text; un: catsgothistongue

[catsgothistongue]

[For what it's worth Sumina, Ranma thought the pun was funny. Funny as in the pity laugh sort of deal, not a full-on belly laugh.]

When you ask, do you mean inns or taverns here in this world, or from back where we came?

[airdnd]

[ She's so glad she doesn't have to physically watch everyone cringe at her pun... ]

You could answer for both, if you so choose! Actually, do you find yourself feeling nostalgic about the inns or taverns where you're from? Are they much different from the ones here?

[catsgothistongue]

Me and Pop never really had enough money to stay at inns legally, and the taverns back home have laws forbidding people my age from entering. So I'll just answer for places here.

Q. How often do you come ashore to rest at inns or taverns?
A. Not a lot. Whenever I'm traveling, I usually rest in tents or outside. Have visited a couple of the taverns in this world from time to time, though it's only for what they advertise on the board and not for their food. I also stopped by Tifa's bar when it first opened business, should really go back there sometime.

Q. What amenities would you most like to see in at an inn?
A. Karaoke machine.

Q. What sort of food or drink do you find yourself seeking most when you're ashore?
A. Whatever they got that I can afford, I'm not choosey.

Q. What type of entertainment would you be most interested in during your stay?
A. Books, pools table, TV.

[One of these things isn't like the other, cause it doesn't exist for the time being.]

text | un: astudyinviolet

[astudyinviolet]

I think we risk causing confusion if we both end our messages with S.H.

[ He has no comment to add about the actual survey, but that caught his attention immediately. Add Shikanoin Heizou and there's another S.H. ]

[airdnd]

[ Oh... S.H.it. He's right. ]

Ah... Mister Sherlock, yes?

I suppose I could sign my name in full... That would avoid confusion!

[ or better yet don't sign your text posts like a dweeb ]

[astudyinviolet]

Yes, Sherlock Holmes.

I could do the same. I was not aware this could be a problem until this moment.

text; id: flamekthunder

[flamekthunder]

[Well...okay he can help.]

• Frequently if I'm out on a job.
  
• As long as it has the basics I don't really care for much else. But having amenities for pets would help.
  
• Standard. Make whatever is easiest for you. Being unique isn't bad, either, so long as you have a few common dishes.
  
• Not necessary. As long as the rooms are soundproof enough so that it blocks out the noise.

[...Wow that is so very not helpful—but hey, she wanted opinions and perhaps considering people who prefer quiet should also be important!!]

[airdnd]

[ Straight to the point. Sumina appreciates it all the same; and in her experience, those who value and find quiet during their stay may end up being the most loyal customers. A girl can hope... ]

It seems you quite value a true sense of respite and quiet during a stay. Understandable. Has it been hard to come by such a place, here?

And amenities for pets! That's quite unexpected, though I can imagine how important that can be for those who travel with animal companions. I've only just recently become such a person, myself, so I'm admittedly lacking in that expertise.

What sort of amenities would your pets benefit from?

[flamekthunder]

It varies, mostly due to the tenants and how much is allowed. Most inns have a tavern attached or nearby, so there are more drunken bouts than not. I don't mind general revelry, but if you were to ask my personal opinion, after working all I'd want to do is rest. If the room can block out most of the noise, then I don't really care what else is happening.

[After all, he knows it's unreasonable to expect a place to be more on the quiet side, especially in this kind of world where all walks of life happen. Which is why if the room can allow him a place of reprieve, then it really doesn't matter if there is a full blown party happening on the floor below. Still...]

If there were such an inn that was mostly quiet, however, I'd likely choose it over anywhere else. I've found some, but they are few and far between, both in number and in vacancy.

As for pets, supposing one is only there for a few days at most, then having an enclosed area for them to run around and be able to safely stay behind while I'm out is ideal. Having food and water supplies would be good, however I believe the owner should be bringing their own supplies, so that should be more for emergencies or in the event someone forgot.

The soundproofing mentioned earlier would help mitigate any noise issues as well, but that should be accounted for.

Video | yuezun

[yuezun]

This venerable one is Captain of the Phantom Moon.

When we come ashore, it is not usually with the need or desire to rest at inns or taverns. This venerable one can recall only one time docking with the intent to experience an inn - when the God-Beasts visited Avaleci in the first month of this year. There was a resort at the top of the mountain on the frozen side of the island.

If this venerable one did intend to take time at such an establishment, he supposes he would want to have the very best luxuries available. Large, soft beds. Heavy curtains with fine embroidery to block out sound and help direct the flow of air. Thick carpets on stone floors. Baths fit for a king with a dozen servants to help with the bathing and grooming. [Says the guy with perfectly straight hair down past his ass.] Another dozen servants to attend in the general chambers, bringing food and drink, books, play music, and provide other entertainments as necessary.

Food should be... interesting. With many choices and a variety that sees no end.

video

[airdnd]

[ Well... It would feel strange not to continue the conversation in his chosen medium, especially as he calls himself "this venerable one..." Oh, dear. And so Sumina responds with video in kind, with the added benefit of not having to spend time carefully typing on her shellphone.

The half-elven woman who appears in the video seems to have a rather mild, friendly disposition, and she answers with the practiced ease of someone who has surely greeted and perhaps even hosted a very select few guests with similarly luxurious tastes (and fielded their complaints). ]

Most honored to receive your thoughts on this, ah, venerable one. Captain.

An inn must be a true respite for you, then, for how you seek such luxuries during your stay, Your Grace. A marked difference from those simply looking for a place to put up their feet at night, but that's not to speak ill of it.

[ Just... a different sort of guest, to be sure! ]

Regardless, perhaps everyone can agree that food should be varied and interesting. I cannot imagine that there can be much variety when one is out at sea, after all... And what of your entertainment? Do you prefer music that is more... classical in nature, or something more lively...?

Re: video

[yuezun]

'Captain' is fine. 'Moon Supreme' is also appropriate.

[Even the casual and very personal use of 'Daqiang' was better than 'venerable one'. It translated weird when someone else used it to try and address him. He only knew it was attempted because his shellphone made it sound like old/respected - as if it couldn't figure out which meaning the user intended.]

This venerable one has many bedrooms to choose from if all he wants is a place to put up his feet at night. He was provided with an apartment in Nogard upon his arrival and still retains that. He has his own room on his ship. He is welcome in his betrothed's garden barge when he wishes an different sea-view. A friend in the Hideaway has given him permission to visit at any time and a room would surely be provided there. Should he want spend his time sleeping on the back of the God-Beast Eltrut, the God-Beast has many hidden alcoves just as comfortable as any bed.

If this venerable one is to spend money on a place that promises to be more preferable than what is already available, then that place must meet the promise of being more preferable. A bed and food is simply not enough reason.

[Said in the same placidly neutral and bored tone he usually spoke with. No judgement behind any of the words. A simple truth of the situation and his reasoning conveyed. If she was not able - or interested - in absolute luxury as an experience, then it was not a business he was likely to patron. But others might be more willing.]

Perhaps you should not be looking to ask after those who have access to ships and free lodging on their God-Beast of choice... in a general sense. If you are looking to build on a specific God-Beast that is not controlled by an armada that provides apartments to their newly arrived members, such as Antam, then asking what those who want out of their lodging on such a location would prefer should a ship berth and the ability to teleport not be available.

[He lifted his right hand, showing off a ring in a common enough style.]

Many purchase Rings of Returning specifically to prevent the need to spend money on travel and lodging in the long term.

[A pause as he tilted his head in consideration.]

A place to catch respite with food and entertainment will draw one in, however. This venerable one frequents many such places.

text; un: foolprove

[foolprove]

any place needs:

good food, good coffee, good alcohol, good vibes.

😎

[airdnd]

Well... of course! I cannot argue with that.

But I was hoping for a little more... specificity. Or do the specifics matter less to you than whether or not each of those elements is present? Is there any one that you value more over the others? How would you rank their importance?

[ SORRY REN... SHE'S IN GIRLBOSS MODE. There is no fun to be had... ]

text; un: satorumon

[unliminal]

no alcohol
it tastes like shit

[ Okay, fun police. ]

text | un: cakebuffet

[cakebuffet]

I come ashore pretty often! Maybe every couple of weeks? Being out on the high seas is fun and all, but sometimes you want to be on solid ground.

Food is definitely the most important thing in these kinds of places! That's always what I remember most after staying somewhere, especially if a place has something unique to them! A signature drink or dessert, something like that. It makes them stand out!

[airdnd]

That was my hypothesis as well. Save, of course, for the few who really have taken to a seafarer's life.

A signature, you say... I wholeheartedly agree.

[ At home, they had family recipes for signature dishes and drinks... but perhaps this is an opportunity for her to come up with her own. ]

As you've mentioned that food is what you remember most about your stay somewhere, could you describe a memorable dish you've had?

[cakebuffet]

Ooh, that one's easy! Stuffed crepes!

[Ann is ready to contribute to this survey with great enthusiasm.]

You could make your own signature fillings, since no two places do them exactly the same! Oh, and you should definitely have sushi. With how easy it is to get fresh seafood here, it would be a shame not to offer it. You could have a signature sushi roll, too!

text;

[activatingcombatmode]

Nice?! I've got this.

• The Seventh Heaven is on Eltrut's shore at lease once a week, sometimes more. It's nice to grab a room sometimes instead of sleeping on a ship for days on end.

• Honestly? A hot bath.

• And really good food is a must for me. Preferably beef. Anything that walks on land and is edible. I'm sick of fish. I'm so sick of fish. And I like good beer!! No beer battered fish.

• I'm usually too bushed to watch the bards at other taverns, and I go straight to bed once it gets too late. But you know what? I love talking with other people. Listening to stories from the other people travelling is always a good time. That's entertainment to me.

[airdnd]

[ Oh!! Though it goes unseen, this response brings such a broad smile to Sumina's lips. Seems like this person might be exactly her target audience!! Someone from the Seventh Heaven... 🔍 ]

So, in summary, anything we can do to contrast your experience of being at sea would be appreciated?

That seems like a fine strategy to me!

A bard could provide a suitable ambiance with which to chat with others, no? Or even have their own stories to tell. Still, there is something to be said for learning these stories through organic conversation... In which case, providing the perfect environment to foster those connections would be key!

[ This is the most boring way to describe needing a cozy vibe. ]

[activatingcombatmode]

That's right! Anything that helps me forget that my boots are waterlogged! Real!

And you know what? Think about this... What about an open story night? Kind of like open mic night. But with people telling their own tales.