Diamond's Den of Dice stood closed throughout the duration of the brightening, opening its doors as the suns began to dim against the horizon and the darkness came out to reign. Nestled along a side alley of the Royal Concourse, Diamond's Den was no less elegant in its structure than most along the avenue: With walls of white marble shot through with lines of gray-blue, it stood two stories in height with all floors in use for the games that were played in the cover of the darkening. While Diamond's was known first by reputation, the establishment was well taken care, the exterior well-manicured with a bronze sign fixed to the wall proclaiming the business for what it was, a gambling and drinking establishment of the wealthy:
Diamond's Den of Dice Entry Fee: Thirty Crowns
A thick-shouldered man of other non-descript features and garb sat outside the building collecting the fees, a shortsword belted at his waist, nicked and scratched in such a way that it gave evidence to its use; those who tried to gain entry by force were often turned back blooded.
The ground floor was easily the busiest in the entire building for it was thick with round tables crowded with narrow, cushioned chairs. Sconces of dark gray glass lined the wall to dim the flare of the candles spluttering within them and to lessen the shadows that danced upon cards held by the betters. The smoke of pipes often hung thick in the air with few windows to allow for its escape. The floor was wooden but dark red carpets accented with gold dappled the room here and there, faded but still giving off an aura of rich elegance. A bar lined the back of the room, a structure of dark wood manned by a man of darker skin. Domé Ta-hir strode the length of the bar with a thick and muscled presence that, combined with his silence, made for an intimidating view. Still, he served his customers with a quickness and an efficiency that allowed for his curt, dismissive manner.
A variety of betting games were executed on this lower floor, some playing cards, others toying with dice and still others playing at games of chance with whatever items they pulled from their pockets; nobles were left to their own devices so long as they paid their entry fee. A second sign had been fastened into the wall, the letters large and thick, hard to miss: Minimum Wagers: Fifty Crowns or Equivalent Value. It was a rule often bent and broken, but it served to remind the patronage that they were a source of money and money often flowed freely here.
The second level was less frequented, if only because of the thick, velvet rope that stretched across the stairs to the left of the doorway. Diamond's personal favorites, usually the richest of his customers and the most free with their money, were given entrance to the plush den that occupied the upper story. Thickly cushioned chairs and settees of a deep crimson shade were arranged in such a fashion that the patrons could recline around low-standing tables of rich mahogany while dining from crystal glasses imported from New Coldmoon. Here the real games of chance were played, the real money won or lost. But it was an exclusive gathering and none issued an invite by Diamond Howards himself were allowed entrance here.
Bar List
Beverages
Served in the Common Room
Carmelya's Ecstacy Champagne ... 6 crowns per glass / 80 crowns per bottle
Charismean White ... 4 crowns per glass / 40 crowns per bottle
Charismean Red ... 4 crowns per glass / 40 crowns per bottle
Daltina Zinfandel ... 3 crowns per glass / 35 crowns per bottle
Enamoria Chardonney ... 5 crowns per glass / 55 crowns per bottle
Enamoria Viognier ... 6 crowns per glass / 70 crowns per bottle
Eventide Pinot Gris ... 6 crowns per glass / 75 crowns per bottle
Gentleman's Pleasure Ale ... 2 crowns per glass / 20 crowns per pitcher
Placidian Single Malt ... 3 crowns per glass / 30 crowns per pitcher
Only Served in Diamond's Exclusive Den
Charismian Red Vintage ... 12 crowns per glass / 115 crowns per bottle
Donvana Spice ... 10 crowns per glass / 100 crowns per bottle
La Quista Pearl White ... 13 crowns per glass / 120 crowns per bottle
Larkson Semillon ... 10 crowns per glass / 105 crowns per bottle
Placidian Gold Whiskey ... 11 crowns per glass / 110 crowns per bottle
Pleur d'Déesse Champagne ... 15 crowns per glass / 140 crowns per bottle
Reine Rose Sparkling Red ... 14 crowns per glass / 130 crowns per glass
Vistigious Master Brew Ale ... 10 crowns per glass / 100 crowns per pitcher
Pipeweed
Cether Root ... 5 crowns per ounce
Broadfoot Green ... 6 crowns per ounce
Sweet Solace [Special Brew] ... 10 crowns per ounce
Sherian Black Leaf ... 3 crowns per ounce
Name: Xavier "Diamond" Howards
Job: Co-Owner / Bookie
Race: Medonian Human
Physical Description: An older gentleman with a pot-belly and the tendency to wear elaborate (often over-the-top) clothing favoring shades of bright reds and oranges (and cutting a garish figure in the process). He has barely a hair a top his head, which he tries to cover with a brown tupeé that will slide off in hotter temperatures. He has squinty brown eyes and thick, drooping jowls. He sweats, often, which results in stains at the pits of his cheaply fancy clothing. Fifty-eight ordinances old.
Personality:
History: The son of a merchant and his wife, Xavier Howards always had a curiosity for the seedier side of a life...primarily gambling. His gambling fascination came into blossom at the tender age of thirteen when his father allowed him to sit in and occasionally play when he and his friends gathered for drinks and cards. But these few times were little enough for Xavier and he began frequenting the dregs of Cheapside, finding cheap thrills in the various establishments he took to. Xavier flaunted his success with women, food, and jewels...jewels that were often fake but there were few on cheapside to argue it and Xavier often found himself the target of physical violence. These same "jewels" earned him the nickname Diamond in cheapside; it followed him to the Grand District. And thus he decided to open his own place in the Grand District with a clientele less given to obvious violence. A confirmed bachelor, Xavier nonetheless has a few bastards running around that he humors with the occasional freebie, usually to impress the ladies with.
Training: Master Jewel Appraisal; Professional Deception; Elite Business Acumen
Other: Speaks with a lisp
Name: Domé Ta-hir
Job: Bartender and Bouncer
Race: Arakmatian Human
Physical Description: A heavy-set man made purely of muscle rather than fat, with wide-set shoulders and a narrower waist. He's got dark, chocolate brown skin and long brown hair he wears free around his shoulders. The whites of his eyes stand out against his skin and the deep brown-black of his eyes. He wears average clothing, generally a plain black shirt and dark pants. Twenty-three ordinances in age, his arms are scarred from past confrontations. He has a tattoo of a green snake that coils around his neck, the head resting on his right cheek. A tall man and imposing to look upon.
Personality: A quiet man not given to philosophical discussions. He lives by the fist and the muscle and takes no great interest in those who try and ply their intellect on him. Curt with a disinterested air to him, he remains employed because he is good at what he does, not because he draws back customers.
History: Domé grew up the uneducated boy of a man who raised camels in the Arakmatian Desert. He never knew his mother for she died giving birth to him. When his father was killed in a sandstorm crossing the desert, Domé a lad of fifteen, he left the harsh environment for the south, giving the cities a try as he came to them and finding little of interest in them at all...until he came to Daltina and met Xavier Howards. Hired solely for his huge exterior, Domé easily fell into the role of muscled quiet man and though he might not be entirely content doing as he is, it is far better than aimlessly wandering.
Training: Elite Unarmed; Basic Cudgel
Other: Speaks common with a heavy accent; usually drops a word here and there
Linear Mode
