From the introduction: Purveyors of the liquid arts and inspirers of the liver, bartenders lend a sympathetic ear and a full glass to those in need of such things. All bartenders are center points of the community and most are incorrigible gossips, offering rumors and information to any adventurers willing to buy a drink, but a rare few seek to elevate drinkmaking to an artform. Such bards create concoctions that are strong and sweet, bitter and bold, and all things in between. Expert bartenders are masters of mixology and connoisseurs of everything alcoholic.