Pilot Light

The finest inn in the Gaslight District of High Kesh. As its marketing claims, it is the finest inn to be found anywhere in Utania. Whether truly the best or not, it certainly is an extremely fine establishment. Like much of the Gaslight District, it is brightly lit inside and out with gas lanterns all through the night. Expensive gas heating and powered fans keep the interior comfortable in every kind of weather. The city's most skilled bards play pleasant music in the inn's lobby and bar, and some can even be paid a premium for in-room performances. The inn's kitchen makes gourmet meals that can be enjoyed in the regal dining room, or may even be brought up to one's room by servants.

The Pilot Light prides itself on innovating service and comfort. Many of its perks can only be found here, at least until it's lessors try to copy them. Still, no other establishment has yet copied its in-room hot baths or the option to communicate with inn staff without even leaving your room using a network of sending stones.

The secret to many of the Light's magical features is that it is owned and operated by the Fumarosa family. This family counts many talented wizards among its members. And while not all of the inn's features are magical in origin, such as the indoor plumbing, the Fumarosas will employ small illusions and tricks to make it seem as such. For example, anyone passing by the boiler room may catch a glimpse of a summoned dragon heating the water tanks with its fire breath, but this is merely a figment obscuring the mundane gas stoves. In the end, the real magic is the Fumarosas' talents for creativity in hospitality.

The Light House

The bar and gambling hall of the Pilot light is a large round room off of the lobby. The bar is a circular ring in the middle of the room beneath a vividly bright lantern. Arranged around the room are tables where patrons can play each other at cards or join one of the inn's many games of chance on offer. The dealers, hosts, and bartenders are experts of their crafts, and they work together to run the Light House like a machine. Like any casino, the purpose of this machine is to separate the city's wealthy and powerful from their gold. Unlike seedier gambling dens, the lights, decor, service, and entertainments leave the Light House's patrons grateful for the experience, no matter much many coins and favors they had to give up.

The Gas Oven

The sumptuous restaurant of the Pilot Light is renowned all over Darluna, and more than one nobleman has braved the Overland just to eat there. The meals served here are bespoke and made to order. There is no menu. One usually discusses their desired meal with the sous chefs early in the day, giving the kitchen's fleet of grocers time to procure the ingredients by that evening. Other meals of the day and room deliveries are prepared at the master chefs' discretion.

The Gas Oven employ's three master chefs, each anonymous and hidden from the guests. This adds to the air of magic and mystery that surrounds the Pilot Light. The real reason for obfuscation is that few would accept the truth: the master chefs are terrifying monsters.

Bibliarch: A small beholder who never grew lager that 3 feet across, Bibliarch was cast out by his conformist kin. He is the kitchen's sommelier and is a master of soups, stews, and roast meats. He has honed his eye beams into precision instruments of food preparation.

Inkwell: A large spidery creature with a smooth, featureless carapace of glossy black. Each of his spider legs end in small, human hands. His hands can taste the foods he touches with high acuity. He handles elaborate delicacies and salads.

Medulla: Appearing as an intellect devourer, Medulla possesses the memories and personality of the master chef he consumed. His original identity is a mystery to everyone, including Medulla. He can use his psychic abilities to make people ignore his presence. He is an unparalleled confectioner and baker.

The Torch

This lounge and performance space hosts acts from all over High Kesh and the surround regions. Unlike the sedate chamber music played throughout the Pilot Light, the Torch also hosts true shows. Enchantments play local music at all times, so you can always expect a distraction. However, in the evenings, the purpose of the Torch comes to life on stage. It has been the site of operas, plays, music, and feats of wonder.