The Soup Kitchen - Refurbished & Under New Management

((Info taken & updated from the original setting write-up here.))

The Location

The soup kitchen is located in an old church of the Night God in western Bavan. Once a community center back in the olden days, the area is now largely abandoned and reclaimed by the forest. There is a new (as of July 2022) chain-link fence around the perimeter with signs reading “DANGER; FOG-CURSED AREA”.

The church consists of a large main sanctuary with the pews and altar, made of hewn stone. There were once many delicate stained glass windows, but many of the panes have been replaced with plain glass (at the same time that the chain-link fence was erected). The church has a gothic look to it, but isn’t very large. The walls have also been cleaned of any remnants of ancient graffiti. Gargoyle-like statues, many of them broken in some way, adorn the corners of the building, which is decorated with images of the moon and stars. The doors are huge and made of thick wood, also carved with intricate iconography of the Night God. However, time has eroded many of these carvings, and a light coating of green moss covers part of the doors. These doors are (almost always) locked from the inside, making entrance only possible from the kitchen.

To the right of the stone church is an addition made of more modern materials; wood and brick. These also show signs of age, wear, and tear. This addition contains the kitchen, storage, bathrooms, and what likely served as the priests’ quarters. The trees and bushes growing next to the addition have grown up and over it, twisting together and forming a water-tight roof.

The bedroom is cozy and resembles those found inside monasteries, with a full bed tucked away in the corner. There is also a wardrobe, a night stand, a window for ventilation, and a small wood-burning stove for heat. The bedroom has its own bathroom with an old (but functional!) toilet, a sink, and a claw-footed tub. There is no hot water, but the stoves can be used to warm up water for hot baths. The other bathroom, closer to the main church area, only has a toilet and a sink.

To enter the soup kitchen itself, one must go through the kitchen door. The kitchen is old, with a larger stove and a gas range and running water that had been retrofitted in. There is a large wooden table where the pots are placed for serving. One can then proceed into the sanctuary to eat.

The inside of the church has a high, vaulted ceiling, made of strong wooden beams and solid stone. The pews are made of very old wood, and seem to actually be carved from single trunks of huge trees. Many of them were damaged and defaced with graffiti, but the four classmates have been working together to clean them up. The altar is simple, carved from stone with a crescent-moon shaped indentation. Mother-of-pearl inlaid stars around it, some of them missing, seem to imply that there was once a moon inlay as well. The largest stained glass window, depicting a scene of the Night God and the Day God subduing the Fog God, is located behind the altar. It faces west and the setting sun creates a brilliant show of light through the window.

There are many lanterns and candles placed about, casting a warm glow. There are many hand-made Christian crosses and various forms of makeshift Catholic iconography and holy objects. The pews are filled with old blankets and pillows.

The basement has also been cleaned out and opened up, and is used for storage of water, first aid, blankets, and other supplies. There are several freezers and refrigerators full of human corpses and parts, maintained by dry ice and electricity. The electricity goes off sometimes, but never long enough for the meat to spoil. Part of the basement is marked off with plastic tarps hanging from the ceiling, and this area is used for dry aging of carcasses.

The Food

Simply made comfort food, cooked from recipes that are easy enough for any volunteer to follow and prepare. Food will typically rotate and depend on who is volunteering at any time. However, there will always be a meat stew of some kind, as well as a stew of vegetables that can be mixed in to make a more filling meal without taking too much.

Aside from the vegetable stew, all are made with meat of various origin - not just human, but things like beef, pork, chicken, or fish can be had, and it's all served with a side of rice to make a complete meal. While no one can get seconds of meat to make sure they don't run out, seconds are allowed of the vegetable stew and rice.

Day-old bread from local bakeries is served with the soup and is varied in presentation. There's everything from boules and rolls to hot dog buns and sliced white bread. All of it is perfect for sopping up those last few bites.

Water, coffee, tea, and fruit juice (the type varies) are available along with each meal.

The kitchen now has a considerable supply of mismatched bowls, cups, and utensils, though people are still welcome to bring their own.

Hours & Rules
A carefully and professionally printed sign hangs on the kitchen door: HOURS: Monday thru Friday, 5pm to 11pm. Inside, above the serving line, a larger, matching sign details the rules of the kitchen:


1) Please only eat what you need, so there is enough for everyone. We accept donations in both food and money during the normal open hours. If you have a donation and are unable to come during operating hours, please message Dr. Norman Osborn (243.720.373.632) to make arrangements.
2) Try not to make any trouble; people are here because they need help, and fighting among ourselves won't be helping anyone. Breaking this rule will get you kicked out, no exceptions.
3) Be kind to one another! There's no better help for a monster than a fellow monster!
4) If you break a dish or cup, please notify a volunteer so that it can be replaced.
5) The sanctuary may be used if you need a place to stay for the night.
6) Please contact Norman if you have any questions, concerns, or wish to volunteer.