[LOCATION] The Palace of Diversions (Docks)

[Fox]

The ‘Palace’ of Diversions, was a throwback to when Imperia had been a much grander city. It sat in its own grounds, with long driveway, steps leading up to double oak doors and a fine set of ionic columns decorating its grand façade. Unfortunately it was on the edge of what was now known as the Docks District, looking sadly over the rest of the city, and for quite some time it had been used as just another warehouse. The fine internal walls had been demolished, the carpets long gone, with only the sweeping staircase remaining.

But a few eras ago, work had taken place there. The gardens had been covered with turf, the front of the building cleaned, windows repaired and inside rooms rebuilt. It would never match its grand past again, and the renovators had not even tried to do so. But it now lived once more, and at night lights shone from the windows. The double doors stood open, and large burly men in tight suits welcomed visitors.

Both by word of mouth and by printed flyers, the people of Imperia knew that this establishment was open. The Palace provided a bar, gambling facilities and a house of pleasure which matched, so the flyers boasted, any other in Imperia and bested most. Entrance fees were charged, five crowns per person, and no one of rowdy nature would be allowed entrance. This was, for the Docks, strictly up market aimed at attracting merchants, captains and others with coin.

As long as one was not either drunk and rowdy or obviously very poor, the bouncers at the front doors would let you in once the requisite coin had been deposited. They were rather big men and carried on their belts rather big studded clubs, but despite this they were actually quite friendly in manner and very polite.

Once inside the size of the place was what took ones attention. The downstairs had largely been kept open, and on ones left hand there was a large bar area, with plush seats and tables, and areas where semi naked dancers of all races gyrated to the music of the small band which played mostly traditional Arakmatian songs. It was a style of music well suited to gyrating, although whether than was intentional, who knew?

To the right side were the gambling tables, where a variety of games were taking place under the watchful gaze of the croupiers. There was roulette, being played on a very fine wheel, there was blackjack, dice games, and of course tables for those serious gamblers who played each other for high stakes, and whom would leave their table fee before they left with their winnings. All in all, ample opportunity to make or lose a fortune.

And finally, in front of the entrance, set back some twenty foot was a grand staircase, the last internal remnant of the grandeur that this house had once had. It swept up to the next floor, but across its base was a scarlet rope between two poles and a further two burly men stood guard alongside it. In front of them was a small desk, at which was an attractive human woman in her mid thirties, who had a book open before her. One needed to make an appointment before going upstairs, because upstairs all manner of entertainments were to be had, and those who sampled them had no wish for crowds. Or at least most of them did not, and for those that did it could be arranged for an additional fee.

Regardless of which direction one went, one would be greeted by a member of staff. Whether it was the katta barman, cleaning glasses at the bar and attentively awaiting customers, or the manager of the gambling area, keen to lead visitors to the appropriate game and explain its rules if need be. Or finally the Madam, who took appointments and preferences at the base of the stairs. All were there to serve their customers to the best of their abilities. As long as they had coin, that was, and a willingness to spend it.
Both behind the bar, and alongside the main entrance there was a discrete sign which read.

‘Staff needed, good pay, full training given.’

Originally written by Katzchar Telvic