Rip your apron off, let out a viking warcry and roundhouse kick him through a window.
...Or at least grumpily imagine doing that while pretending to hear him out & grumbling something rude under your breath.

Boop dat snoot!

>>949132
Tell Ganache in no uncertain terms that you are growing restless, and that you should have been done with your training by now.
If he could simply explain what the problem is, then you could start working on improving.
Otherwise, you're going to have to leave. You have better things to do than waste your time on a dead end.

>>949155

Offer supple bo>>949155
yeah okay.
>waste BOTH your time on a dead end

1/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:45 No. 951621 ID: 9dad72
File 157636710639.jpg - (48.86KB , 776x650 , IMG_20191214_184001_476.jpg )

It's quiet, and Ganache is looking at you with an unreadable expression. You can't stand it.
"Look," you say, and his ears tilt forward with interest. "Whatever you're going to say, I know. Can we skip the bullshit and get to the part where you fire me?"

You feel your face flushing with anger and embarrassment. Ganache clears his throat gently.
"I have no intentions of firing you," he says, and that somehow pisses you off even more.
"Why the fuck not?" you spit back, and he actually smiles. He looks through the paper on his clipboard.
"Because you're an excellent worker."

You squint, your mouth working to form words, but you're silent.

2/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:45 No. 951622 ID: 9dad72
File 157636715153.jpg - (57.29KB , 1000x650 , IMG_20191214_183957_434.jpg )

"We've typed you incorrectly - that's the issue. And I take full responsibility for that."
"I... don't get it." You pause, rub your hand on the back of your neck. Ganache is a placid as ever.
"You've been shadowing me this past month, but you're not benefiting from the training because our types are completely different. So I'm assigning you to a new shadow, and encouraging you to explore your own method of engaging guests."

So, you're not fired. Your mind is racing - your first thought is that you hope this means you'll wash less dishes.
"So I'm okay," you say, your anger gone. Ganache gives a soft laugh.
"You're okay. I'm sorry it took so long for me to see that. Now, if I can get you to select a new partner," he trails off, grabbing a laminated sheet off the bar next to him and handing it to you.

3/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:46 No. 951623 ID: 9dad72
File 157636718770.jpg - (42.70KB , 748x555 , IMG_20191214_184005_482.jpg )

You take it, and see three familiar faces. These are all coworkers of yours, naturally, though you don't know them very well - you've been part of kitchen staff when you're not with Ganache - so you'd be lost if it weren't for the profiles listed beside each one. You suppose these are the only ones available to train you right now.

You take a long look. Now would be a good time for questions, you guess.

Who do you have your eye on?

4/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:50 No. 951624 ID: 9dad72
File 157636744202.png - (43.59KB , 569x843 , Img-1576367312973.png )

BANNOCK

He/It

Sly. Cheeky. Dark. Perfect for a quiet evening of chilling conversation.

Favorite Things: The Metaphysical, Taxidermy, Medical

Card: Death

5/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:51 No. 951625 ID: 9dad72
File 157636747920.jpg - (33.35KB , 1278x1280 , IMG_20191214_183946_934.jpg )

MANCHET

He/Him

Intelligent. Aloof. Generous. Quick of hand and tongue.

Favorite Things: History, Art, Music, Fine Liquor

Card: The Magician

6/6 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)15:52 No. 951626 ID: 9dad72
File 157636752734.jpg - (20.37KB , 924x949 , IMG_20191214_183953_809.jpg )

DOLLY

She/Her

Brash. Exciting. Dangerous. She'll sweep you off your feet (literally).

Favorite Things: Fitness, Partying, Horror, Meat

Card: Justice

Bannock seems both dangerous and interesting. What does do here?

Dolly would be my second choice.

Dolly seems interesting

>>951624
Hmm, taxidermi/medical interests and card of death(I know the Death card just means drastic change) implies this fellow is undead. Or a demon? Horns imply more along the lines of demon, but there are types of horned undead too.

>>951625
...a scarecrow? Boogeyman? The silhouette implies some kind of bag head with makeshift hair.
Magician can imply magic, or it can just imply action and motivation. Moon card would make more sense for a boogeyman tbh, but maybe the cards are just thematic rather than strictly tarot meanings.

>>951626
Hmm, I think she's some kind of slasher-themed monster, from the blocky/muscley silhouette and interests. That or Silent Hill. Justice card can fit either way, though it leans more towards Silent Hill...

It's hard for me to choose, to be honest. They all seem pretty neat, for different reasons. Hmm, Manchet and Bannock are types of bread, but I couldn't find a food reference for Dolly aside from, like... a cart.

I'm gonna go with Dolly because JUSTICE.

Dolly.

I'm just curious about what GEODE does. Is it nefarious? Are they killers? Or is it something more benign?

1/2 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)18:12 No. 951638 ID: 9dad72
File 157637593092.jpg - (25.60KB , 1000x650 , IMG_20191214_205745_184.jpg )

>what does he do here?

Well, he's a host, but that's all you know. They're all hosts. And so are you - or at least, you're in training to be one.

>I'm just curious about what GEODE does. Is it nefarious? 

GEODE is a combination cafe and night club. During the day they offer light, tearoom style fare and a more low key atmosphere. At night, they open the bar and private rooms, and stay open until close to dawn.

It has a number of staff positions: Host, Waiter, Kitchen Staff, Head of House and Bartender are a couple you're familiar with. You've been waiting and washing dishes while training, but you hear the real money is in hosting, if you have the drive for it.

A host's job is to entertain and serve guests, in a nutshell. You're told it's based on the Japanese model of host clubs, but you're not super familiar with the origins. You just know that you're expected to flirt with guests and keep them drinking, eating, and having a good time. The more they spend, the more the house makes, the more 'commission' you get.

2/2 Monster 2019/12/14(Sat)18:12 No. 951639 ID: 9dad72
File 157637594985.jpg - (20.06KB , 575x588 , IMG_20191214_210523_511.jpg )

>implies this fellow is undead. Or a demon?

Well, technically, you're all demons.

That's your common tongue name anyway. What other not-demons call you, and sometimes also-demons. General consensus is that demonkind as a whole doesn't mind the name. You -are- from underground. And a lot of you have horns.

You think it's kind of dumb, but what do you know.

That clears up a lot. Thank you.

Still saying Dolly, and I cannot say it isn't due to a love for big monster ladies.

We don't have to vote again do we?

Bannok. We wanted someone chill like Ganache, but Ganache isn’t quite clicking with us. Hopefully Bannok can deliver that casual feeling without trying to analyze us from every angle. That’s what killed it between us and Ganache.

>>951698
Yeah, Bannock seems like the best fit for us personality wise.

1/5 Monster/Straum 2020/07/18(Sat)09:59 No. 972653 ID: f63434
File 159509155024.jpg - (49.94KB , 1000x650 , IMG_20200718_121119_977.jpg )

You take a long look over the three profiles, then tap your finger on Dolly's photo.
"How about Dolly?" you ask. "What's she like? You think we'd work together okay?"
Ganache laughs softly.
"Yes, I think you would. You're both, mm," he hums, pausing, "You have strong personalities."
"Strong how?"
"You're a bit rude."
"Thanks," you mutter, but you're liking the idea of working with Dolly more and more.

"So where should I report?" You ask.
"She's helping set up for night shift. I'll send her up to meet you." Ganache says, standing, taking the laminated sheet away from you and tucking it amongst his papers again. "Good luck, Split. I have every confidence in you."

And with that, he's gone, his boots clicking across the floor as he rounds the bar and disappears into the back of the house. You're left standing alone for a minute or two, but it's not long before you're joined by Dolly. And boy, does she make an entrance.

2/5 Monster/Straum 2020/07/18(Sat)10:00 No. 972654 ID: f63434
File 159509160477.jpg - (42.49KB , 818x598 , IMG_20200718_121125_696.jpg )

"So you're Split!" she says, flashing a wide smile as she strides over. You notice that she's about the same height as you - not something you're used to.

You try not to stare at her muscles.

"That's me," you say, returning her grin with your own. You offer a handshake. "You must be Dolly."
She laughs, and her grip is like iron around your fingers.
"Sure enough. You can call me D if you want."
"Yeah, where's the name Dolly from anyway? I thought we all had to have a food alias?"

Dolly gives a long roll of her eyes, her thick black lashes stark against the whites.
"Dolly bars," she says flatly. "It's not like 'Split' is a food either."
"Banana split," you snip back, and venture a shitty smile. She waves you off.
"So we both have dumbass names. Let's get ready - it's Friday and you'll get eaten alive wearing that apron."

3/5 Monster/Straum 2020/07/18(Sat)10:01 No. 972656 ID: f63434
File 159509170581.jpg - (175.56KB , 1000x800 , IMG_20200718_121130_637.jpg )

You follow Dolly back into the dressing rooms. They're lively this time of day, and you scoot past a number of demons in varying states of undress. You recognize some of them from your time working on wait staff and greet a few. You get some hurried congratulations on switching roles, some partially clothed hugs; you're honestly loving it. Then Dolly waves you over to her locker.

"You got anything to change into?" She asks.

Oh shit. What are you going to wear?

"Probably," You say, stalling for time. Dolly stares at you. Shit. Guess it's time to see what you have.

4/5 Monster/Straum 2020/07/18(Sat)10:02 No. 972658 ID: f63434
File 159509177033.jpg - (61.20KB , 1000x985 , IMG_20200718_121134_720.jpg )

Please help my boy put some CLOTHES on!

I'm taking suggestions for new outfits and inventory; inventory both on Split's person and his LOCKER. Locker items will come up LATER.

If you want to use the base to draw an outfit, or describe one, both are great! If I get a few responses I'll either pick my fave or combine elements.

NOT ALLOWED:
weapons
drugs
visible genitals
houndstooth print

Just throwing this out there, too: I'm a trans man and there will be many trans people in this quest. I don't want to see any bullshit about pronouns, presentation, etc. Be cool or leave.

Thanks for waiting for (checks) seven months! :);;; It's great to be updating!

Keep the loose button-down, add an undone necktie - maybe one with devil skulls on it. Carry a puce business suit jacket over your shoulder, but never be seen wearing it (not even draped over your shoulders). (The suit is on-person inventory, not part of the outfit; makes you look cool holding onto it in profile, and acts as an emergency blanket or headrest.) Sharp business pants sell the idea that you're not a waiter. We're going for a casual, but "real" look; we want to fill the void in the hearts of those who have no drinking buddies with which to shoot the shit.

Locker inventory includes a unique set of scotch glasses, freezable whiskey rocks (even if we prefer ice, ourselves), a cloth for holding ice, and one of those long spoons for shattering and stirring it. We want to specialize in the "sipping hard liquor" crowd. (The house provides the spirits, I imagine.) Also, party poppers, in the event of a drunken celebration, and a remote for whatever TV this place has. That's what drinking buddies who "know a place" are for, right?

So the first thing to consider is how we want to present ourselves.
What's this place like? Is it themed or is it more general? Do we prioritize formality or being "cute?"
My instincts are telling me to swing as close to professional as possible - slacks, a button-up shirt and vest/overshirt, decent, formal footwear, etc - but this all hinges on what the establishment is like.

1/4 Monster 2020/10/19(Mon)07:04 No. 978947 ID: f63434
File 160311624079.png - (177.04KB , 1000x800 , shirt.png )

You crack open your locker and take a look at your options. They're meager right now, because you fully anticipated being fired for not doing well at work, but you're confident you can pull something off with what you've got.

>What's this place like? Is it themed or is it more general? Do we prioritize formality or being "cute?"

The only theme that persists inside Geode are the references to crystals and minerals all over, but that's just the decor. You've seen hosts wearing the usual club attire, largely, with a few exceptions, and make the easy choice to keep your look low-key until you find your footing. Kinda business casual, you know?

You quickly change into a black dress shirt, top few buttons open. You check your shoes for scuffs and they're in good shape; you dust them off a bit. They'll do. You do a little preening, moving your hair forward, then back over your shoulder. You check for smudges and food in your teeth.
You catch Dolly giving you a sideways grin while she freshens up at the mirror, and you look to her for approval; she gives you a thumbs up, before going back to rooting in her makeup bag.

2/4 Monster 2020/10/19(Mon)07:04 No. 978948 ID: f63434
File 160311628516.png - (49.00KB , 770x758 , dollypose.png )

Her own style seems very clean and professional, if you ignore how high the cut of her dress is. You could argue that a high cut makes her MORE professional, for this exact profession.

3/4 Monster 2020/10/19(Mon)07:05 No. 978949 ID: f63434
File 160311635838.png - (58.11KB , 724x606 , splitpose.png )

While you're in your locker, you take a look at what else you have kicking around. You've got your own set of whiskey glasses and stones tucked in the back (a sign-on gift you got to pick when you were hired), a TV remote you swiped so you were able to change the channels as you worked, a few magazines, anddd that's about it. Again, you didn't anticipate hanging around.

You reason that it's your first night, so you want to keep your hands free and follow Dolly's lead, but you do tuck the remote in your back pocket.

4/4 Monster 2020/10/19(Mon)07:06 No. 978950 ID: f63434
File 160311639167.png - (38.54KB , 574x474 , splituguu.png )

"Ready?" Dolly asks, and she's suddenly beside you. You jump a little.
"Hey, yeah. Think so."
"Have you checked your app yet?"

Oh shit. You fumble for your phone.

"Nnnnot yet..." You manage to wheeze out, furiously tapping on the screen, and D laughs.
"You're kind of a mess huh?" Dolly hums. "That's all right. You're with Big D now - she's going to take real good care of you."
D grips your shoulder, smiling. You offer your own withering smile back.

>>978950

Well? Check it then.

>>978950
Check the app.
Also, try not to spill your spaghetti everywhere from the pretty demon lady paying attention to you. Especially don't think about her big, strong hands.

1/3 Monster 2020/11/02(Mon)09:41 No. 980255 ID: f63434
File 160433888141.png - (64.81KB , 1000x800 , spagget.png )

>Also, try not to spill your spaghetti everywhere from the pretty demon lady paying attention to you.

2/3 Monster 2020/11/02(Mon)09:41 No. 980256 ID: f63434
File 160433891554.png - (59.54KB , 1000x800 , applayout01.png )

You open the app and login quickly.

It hums to life and shows you a sleek interface with your tiny photo in the corner. Standard stuff visually, but the system connects to every table in the house. It displays a map for the interior of the club, and a bright yellow dot where each patron is sitting, with a purple dot representing hosts. There are a few people logged in already as clients, and you can see your fellow host's indicators roaming around the space.

3/3 Monster 2020/11/02(Mon)09:42 No. 980257 ID: f63434
File 160433894087.png - (121.34KB , 1000x800 , drinkornodrink.png )

You turn to glance at Dolly. "All right, I'm in. Do you have any clients lined up?" you ask, and she smiles at you.
"We're kind of shadowing each other today," Dolly says, tucking her own phone in her pocket. "So we're going a little rogue. I'm going to let you pick out clients, and then we'll go visit them together. Sound good?"
There is an option to display each client's information with likes/dislikes, interests, turn-offs, etc by clicking on their yellow dot. You're already pulling up profiles one by one.
"Sure," you say, feeling a nervous jangle in your stomach. You swallow, kicking yourself and initiating some much needed internal pep talk. Come on man, this isn't like you. Get your shit together.
You're excited to actually be using the app for hosting, at least - there's a similar app for wait staff, but you mostly share stationary consoles in the back to pick up food orders and such, so this is your first time navigating it this way since getting training on it.
"It doesn't look like we've got any solo clients right now," Dolly hums, looking over your shoulder. "You know what that means."
Your mind churns over for a moment, and you make a noise of question.
She clasps your shoulder again, pulling you in to her side and pointing a finger at your sternum.
"Split, you've got host privilege now - we're gonna get some drinks and start off the night right."

>Oh Hell Yeah
>Oh Hell No

Oh HELL yes, get a fancyboy drink and start mingling with your guests my dude

>>980257
oh geez oh no oh god she's super cute and sexy and you're a total scrub you can't afford to fuck this up don't be weird don't be weird don't be weird

That sounds awesome, but I have to wonder if this might be some sort of test. I'm probably just being paranoid, but there's no harm in asking.
If it's not some hidden test of character and you can actually share some drinks with Dolly without embarrassing yourself, the absolutely Hell Yeah.

1/3 Straum 2020/11/13(Fri)08:40 No. 980913 ID: f63434
File 160528560859.png - (127.70KB , 1000x800 , dollyleadsplit.png )

>Oh Hell Yeah

"Oh hell yeah," you exhale - you somehow completely forgot hosts can drink with clients. Moderation is encouraged to a point, because a night can go longer than you think and making an ass of yourself loses clients, but you're not a huge drinker. You don't foresee any problems. And you could sure use some liquid courage.

"That's my boy!" Dolly says, thumping your chest for emphasis. "Ganache is behind the bar tonight because he's keeping an eye on you, let's go get him to mix us up something." 
"You sure that's a good idea? I'm trying to make a good impression here. Wait, he's watching me?"
"You're not the first, so don't get cocky - he just has to have a hand in literally everything, or he'll die or something I guess. Come on, it'll be fine!"

Dolly drags you out into the dim lighting of the club before you have a chance to ask questions again, and it's just as well. You ain't gonna learn anything hanging out in the back. 

2/3 Straum 2020/11/13(Fri)08:40 No. 980914 ID: f63434
File 160528565205.png - (151.84KB , 1000x800 , ganachegreeting.png )

The heavy, dull thud of the bass is centered on the dance floor, so the surrounding areas aren't too loud - there are some soft dividers between the lounge and the open space to dampen the noise, dark curtains coming down from the ceiling and draping just so, but providing a clear entrance to the floor. You can see some lazy spotlights circling inside the curtains, but the floor is clear right now. The night has only just started.

The first lounge area runs up against the bar, and that's where you head first. You can see a group of people at a table attended by a host, already laughing and chatting, and stride past them with Dolly at your side. 
Ganache is behind the bar like she said; you try not to look surprised. He's leaning on the counter, the surface pristine and the shelves behind him already stocked. 

"I thought I might see you," he says, and his tone is light. It relaxes you immediately, and you manage a genuine smile.
"Just following orders," you say, gesturing to Dolly, who gives a hearty laugh and slides onto a bar stool. You follow her lead.
"That's right. Just getting the greenhorn liquored up before he shakes out of his shoes."

3/3 Straum 2020/11/13(Fri)08:41 No. 980915 ID: f63434
File 160528567331.png - (201.96KB , 1000x800 , atthebar.png )

Your smile twists, turning playful, and you lean on the bar next to her. You might not get another chance to have a frank conversation with Dolly or Ganache tonight, so you take a second to think. 

This is all happening pretty quickly - you came in expecting to work behind the scenes again and here you are, drinking on the clock, about to entertain guests directly. This was the plan since you started, but you weren't sure it would work out. You have a lot of questions to ask, but aren't sure this is the time for it. 

>>980914
oh my god ganache is so attractive;;; oh my god oh no oh dear, I love him A LOT... LIKE A *LOT* A LOT..... MMM

>>980915
let's get some casual convo going about techniques to entertain guests, since we don't know a whole lot about hosting yet, or the concept of host clubs...!

like, what can you talk to clients about? is anything off-limits? is there something you *should* talk about??

and, since you're new: what are some common mistakes new hosts tend to make? or what's the worst thing dolly/ganache have seen happen between a host and client?

sip that drink slowly! let it boost your confidence, but don't get sloppy--you're right, we don't want to make a bad impression, on either of these cool hot coworkers of ours 8')

>>980915
"So, you guys come here often? Heh. Bar humor."

1/2 Straum 2020/12/27(Sun)08:49 No. 984331 ID: f63434
File 160908774572.png - (163.40KB , 1000x800 , splitwhomp.png )

Ganache is already mixing you both something on Dolly's order - a shot, some mixer, a juice - you're not sure what it is, but, she's your higher-up. You want to look cool and accept it.
You wouldn't trust it if it wasn't Ganache - he's a real stickler for law and order around here. You've seen him get involved in disputes in the bar, and the way he politely shames people into behaving themselves is admirable.

"So," you say, filling the brief silence, "you guys come here often?"

Your crooked smile doesn't do much to win them over. Ganache's ears flatten, then right themselves again while he works. Dolly gives you a sympathetic stare. You laugh it off.

"Sorry," you mumble, and run your hand through your hair. "Do I get a do-over?"
"You do." Ganache says blandly, and Dolly makes a skeptical noise. You laugh, sigh heavily, and lean back in your bar stool. 

"Is it cool if I admit how nervous I am? Will I lose my cool guy mystique?" You ask, and Dolly laughs, loud and hoarse.
"So you're a cool guy, huh?" She asks, fixing her steely gaze on you. "Says who?"
You puff up a bit, bristling.
"Says me," you shoot back, and she laughs again, accepting her drink from Ganache and pushing yours over to you. 
"Okay tough guy. What's your angle?"
You catch the glass as it slides in your direction.
"Like, with clients?"
"No, your skincare routine. Yeah, with clients!" Dolly snaps, in good humor. She downs her drink in one swallow, placing it back down on the counter with a definitive clack. "You've shadowed Ganache, right?"
"Yeah," you say, glancing at him behind the bar. He meets your eyes and seems to smile. "I don't think it quite clicked for me."
"Which is why you're with me now, right?"
"Right." You sip your drink, intent on nursing it for now.
"Good thing. We're here to make some noise, Split - we're gonna start this weekend off right. You better get your questions out now."
You nod, the fire from Dolly infectious.
"Okay," you start, rotating your glass thoughtfully. "What about you? I've read your profile, but how do you like to work?"
Dolly smiles.
"I like to drop in on groups and see how they take me," she says. "Otherwise, I like to take appointments from clients who already know me. Plenty of clients who like the company of a classy girl. I get great feedback."
"What kind of feedback?" You ask, and she leans back a bit.
"I've got big muscles and big teeth - what's there not to like? Humans love that. Makes them feel small."

2/2 Straum 2020/12/27(Sun)08:49 No. 984332 ID: f63434
File 160908776973.png - (365.80KB , 1000x800 , ganachedollydual.png )

You consider this quietly for a moment. Looking between Ganache and Dolly, you take in their differences.

When you shadowed Ganache, it was a lot of gentle speaking and soft conversation over drinks. Basically therapy. 
With Dolly, you get the feeling it's going to be different - she has an air of professionalism and a good nature so far, but the way she moves and looks at you and the patrons, it's like there's something... else.

"Okay," You say, leaning back. "So I've been through training and shadowing, and it's been fine, but I'm dying to hear some hot tips from the pros. Anything I should know before going out there?"

The two of your companions look at each other. Dolly speaks first.
"It's different when you're alone," she says, pushing her glass back to Ganache, who takes it behind the bar. "It can feel isolated sometimes. But we've got your back. Anything gets weird, go ask for an assist in the app. My best advice is to push yourself a little farther than you're comfortable."
"I mean, my comfort zone is pretty wide," you say, and she laughs quieter now. 
"You're going to find something to push you every day. Don't skimp on your boundaries, but do push them."

Huh. Surprisingly sage advice.

You nod at the practical answer.

So when do we start?

I mean, I'm pretty open minded. As long as someone isn't, like, trying to pee on me or something, I'm good.

and pee is a definite maybe and not a hard no.

"I was thinking of trying to be a drinking buddy first and a lover second, but I'd be down to clown if the client really wants it. Not sure if I want to be known as someone who's particularly into freaky stuff, though; I was hoping to have a more grounded reputation if that makes sense? Like, obviously, I can't be as subtle as Ganache, but I want to be someone a guy or gal can shoot the shit with? So I'm wondering, how do I find a balance between pushing my boundaries and minding my character? Or will they just naturally balance out?"