Due to the theme of the JAMboree this year, it’s not surprising there seems to be more than a few extra food stands in the mix of stalls, or dragons touting the regional canned jellies and preserves that are native to the Plateau. If there was such a thing as too much food, this might qualify as such.
However for those in the know, food can be just as entertaining as it is delicious. It’s time for the fourth annual Mistral Meals, and it’s not long after opening on the first day of the JAMboree that a clearing off of the main path of the more terrestrial bound stalls finds itself invaded by dragons eager to try their claws at potentially devious culinary challenges.
The main feature of the clearing is a massive stone slab, easily large enough for several of the larger breeds to work around it, but also with suitable areas carved out along the edges to not leave out the smaller. Along the edge of the clearing stands a variety of tents, stocked with food based on the smells wafting out of them, and an assortment of ovens, firepits, and even some strange looking Lightning tech (more Arcane-inclined dragons in the group notice that there seems to be a fair number of anti-fire enchantments surrounding the bamboo).
Several dragons are going in and out of the tents, making sure inventory is up-to-date, but there is a sole figure that seems to be less busy: a brown tundra planted firmly in front of a tent labeled “SECRET INGREDIENTS! KEEP OUT!” and seems to be licking himself like a cat?
“Geez, Gourmet, can't you give me some priva-" He starts when he glances up, clearly not expecting to see a cluster of newcomers to be staring at him curiously. Up close it's now obvious the reason for the impromptu grooming session is that there appears to be a fair amount of jam smeared into his fur.
"Ah, is it that time already?” He asks, clearing his throat as he tries to use his paws instead to quickly get some of the more obvious globs under control (unfortunately that does is get his claws all gummed up instead). Sheepishly he looks around for a potential distraction and spotting a few familiar faces in the crowd he waves them onward to the slab so they can stake out a working space. “You know the drill; today’s challenge should be going up soon!”
For the newcomers lingering hesitantly (whether because they're unsure to make of the Tundra's unfortunately sticky state or because they're not sure the specifics of the event) he gives them a wide grin. “And for you lot, welcome to Mistral Meals! If you came here for food, we’ve got plenty. If you’re expecting us to serve you...you might be in the wrong place. Mistral Jamboree is the one time of year my co-workers and I get to take off from our duties as chefs and get to see what the rest of Soreinth can do!" He pauses for a moment here, "Personally I love making stuff for crowds but as you can see, Tundras shedding their winter coats make for pretty unsanitary kitchen hazards so I'm stuck on guard duty again this year."
“Moving on, for the gist of this competition every day our host, Gourmet, will present three secret ingredients as chosen by the chefs of Wayfarer's Rest. As participants, you will use the ingredients to make any dish you can think of. Wind Flight is all about the creativity so don't be afraid to pull out all the stops! The chef that chose that day's ingredients will then take a gander and award you with a prize.” Another pause, "Unless we're busy trying to take a crack at the recipe the Windsinger left behind. I don't think it would surprise anyone that those of us with more culinary inclinations are really interested in that treasure."
“In addition, I’m sure you’re well aware by now, but we’re not having a Jamboree this year but a JAMboree. As a result each challenge will include at least one, if not more, ingredients that are related to jam, jelly, preserves...so on and so forth. Don’t feel compelled that you have to stick with this theme for main dish; we’re just looking that you utilize the assigned ingredients.”
"Well then," he says as he sits back on his haunches and claps his paws together, immediately cringing as the jelly on them sort of squelches together, "That should cover the run-down. Chop chop if you expect to get an entry in before sunset!"
The Game
Welcome to Mistral Meals! This challenge is for all users out there who enjoy food and cooking, whether they have real life skills in the kitchen or not!
For those of you who have participated in this event in previous years, it’s business as usual beyond the change for this year’s theme (and one bonus feature mentioned in the list below). For those of you joining us for the first time, keep reading for a rundown of how the contest works and the more specific rules.
Every day I will post three Flight Rising food items in the challenge post. It will then be up to you to write up a post that has one of your dragons attempting to create a dish that will impress that day's judge. I will then use a RNG which will determine how well you do and what prize you win as a result. On top of that, each entry will earn a raffle ticket for a drawing at the end of the Jamboree, so be sure to come back every day for higher chances at the goodies in the prize post!
Note regarding challenge updates: Since I (theoretically) should be asleep when rollover occurs, challenges will be updated when I wake up. This should be around 05:00FRT, but this could vary. As a result, don't feel pressured to get your entries in before rollover. So long as they are posted before I change the challenge post they will count as valid!
Rules
- Only one entry per user, per day. Feel free to respond to judging posts or other contestants, but you only get one shot at a daily prize.
- You must use at least one of your dragons in your turn, though you don’t have to use the same one all week.
- You must use all three of the posted ingredients, but you are allowed and encouraged to use other ingredients (whether they exist as in-game items or not). Assume that every potential ingredient and/or cooking device is available for your dragons to use (some of the more advanced gadgetry has been nabbed from Lightning).
- Entries are encouraged to be written as role-play, but I'll also accept recipe format, just so long as it is written in-character/associated with one of your dragons.
- Technically there is no word length minimum or maximum. Write whatever is most comfortable for you, so long as all three challenge ingredients are used.
- The chefs at Wayfarer's Rest are super excited about this super cryptic recipe a fellow Wind dragon claims came from the Windsinger himself, so they're a mite distracted and other dragons from the clan are periodically popping in to make sure contestants aren't being overlooked. If you want a "wandering dragon" to judge your entry other than that day's judge, include "Wildcard" and I will pick one at random.
- PLEASE BE PATIENT! Doing customized RP responses for judging is one of the reasons I love running this event, but I do work a 9-5 weekday job. Falling behind happens every year, but rest assured I will get to everyone in order. If a new challenge is posted and you haven't received a response to your previous entry, don't worry and go ahead and reply to the new one! Prizes will be handed out in order no matter what challenge is currently active.
- Try not to ping me unless you need to get my attention for a question or to be put on the daily pinglist. I don't mind if you do, but I will be working my way through the thread a post at a time to hand out prizes and this will be easier to keep track of more pressing issues. You can also feel free to PM me as well if you have any questions or concerns.
