Gianna is an Imperial cook working in the kitchens of Castle Dour in Solitude. She is a huge fan of the Gourmet, the mysterious celebrity chef of the Empire – which becomes rather awkward when the ‘Gourmet’ who shows up is really you.
Where to find them
In the kitchen of the Emperor’s Tower at Castle Dour, and only during the Dark Brotherhood questline. She is removed from the game after the quest ends.
Quests
To Kill an Empire – after the real Gourmet is dealt with at the Nightgate Inn, Astrid sends you to impersonate him at the Emperor’s dinner. Gianna first mistakes you for yet another delivery, then gushes when you reveal your ‘identity’ and comments on your race, since she always pictured the Gourmet differently. She insists you put on a chef’s hat before cooking, then asks which ingredients to add to the Potage le Magnifique. Your choices don’t matter – vampire dust, a giant’s toe or a sweetroll all get a polite, confused nod – though she does hesitate when you slip in the jarrin root.
She carries the stew up to the dining hall, where the ‘Emperor’ takes the first taste. If the meal is poisoned, the guards turn on you both and Gianna is usually cut down. If it is not poisoned, or the guards focus only on you, she can survive.
Personality & relationships
Gianna is a bundle of nerves and fan-girl enthusiasm. She dreams of having her cookbook signed, mutters pep talks to herself, and treats every bizarre ingredient choice as a stroke of genius from the master.
Good to know
If you are playing a vampire, the conversation can stall at the point where she comments on your race. Curing yourself fixes it.
Quick facts
- Race: Imperial
- Gender: Female
- Level: 4
- Class: Lumberjack
- Status: Essential
- Found in: Solitude
- Base ID: 0004BCC3
Also in Solitude
Giraud Gemane, Gisli, Greta, Gulum-Ei, Heimvar, Illdi, Inge Six Fingers, Irnskar Ironhand, Jala, Jaree-Ra, Jawanan, Jordis the Sword-Maiden.
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.