The Bards And The Bees

Due to the strict limitations enforced by many cities in order to regulate population growth, if there's one business that thrives and serves the needs of the people, it's brothels. And among them one company has taken the mantle and reigns supreme, The Bards And The Bees. Founded by Lady Lucille de la Foray in the year 148 AM in Caer Wearyn, one of the first larger settlements established post-Culling, The Bards And The Bees (or B.A.B. for short) was the first establishment created to control the insatiable urges and amounting frustrations of the citizens. In a few short years the business grew considerably and the clientele started containing ever wealthier individuals, which only inflated the flow of funds to the venture. Nary a decade went by and subsidiaries and branches started popping up in other larger cities as well, and over time the reach of B.A.B. grew such that most settlements realm-wide hosted at least one of their establishments.

"Marital problems, loneliness, primal urges or an aching heart; our clients come from all walks of life with a plethora of sorrows, and nothing soothes quite like our sweet, soft and tender cure-for-all, isn't that right girls? Just make sure we're properly compensated."

— Lady Lucille de la Foray, at the start of each day, circa 155 AM

Purpose / Function

The purpose of brothels hardly needs explaining, but perhaps the cause behind the need for them calls for more extensive explanations. Although settlements managed to rebuild themselves reasonably well after the Culling ended, expanding existing borders is always a difficult and often a dangerous task. Add to that the desire to avoid overpopulating cities in order to both maintain internal order and to avoid providing the external threats additional incentive to attack a veritable smorgasbord. Thus, most cities and towns began to practice a hard and enforced limit of two or three living offspring per adult, with exceptions only permitted with a city magister approved application. It didn't take long for such orders to start birthing problems however, as urges could only be kept in check for so long. Accidental pregnancies were getting out of hand, and because going against the law was viewed as a highly stigmatizing act this also led to secretive and often unhealthy methods of abortions. The problem persisted until a solution presented itself in the form of brothels; a way for people to ease their lustful impulses in a controlled environment. At first the courtesans were forced to undergo surgical abortions, then brothels moved to either doctoring their employees in a way that prevented pregnancies permanently or simply hiring women who were already known for being unable to become pregnant. But the so called Golden Age of Fornication didn't truly start before Lady Lucille de la Foray, the daughter of the then ruler of Caer Wearyn, introduced the Chaste Chains to the profession. These magically enhanced fine and often decorative chains, typically worn as bracelets, necklaces or waist adornments, worked as an effective never before seen form of contraception and prevented unwanted pregnancies with nigh on certainty. However, so closely guarded were the secret workings of the chain, that they would only function within the premises of the brothel and only for those employed by the business. As Lady Lucille herself put it; "It wouldn't very well do for our business if wives and mistresses were suddenly able to do our work for us, free of charge." As much as it was a public service and not necessarily too expensive at that, it wasn't charity.

It should be noted, that though infidelity was still generally frowned upon, the services of courtesans were viewed exempt from public stigma. In fact their services were considered as mundane a part of everyday life as going to the barber or stopping by the pub for an ale or two. It could also be noted that since the brothels became an integral part of people's lives, the general happiness and mental well-being has increased and divorce rates have plummeted.

Architecture

The base of operations for The early B.A.B. changed rapidly as its reputation, and those of its employees, grew and more space was needed. However no matter what building they ever occupied, the décor of their facade remained the same and a part of their brand. The windows were always adorned with external curtains of black and yellow coloring and a beehive-like pattern, a placard always hanging by the door with the company logo and the upper floors always housed either a balcony per room or a joint balcony. Although not a part of the inanimate fixtures of the building, the balconies often served as platforms for the courtesans to entice passers-by which proved an effective method of advertisement. Most often the brothels chose brick houses to build their operation in and no matter how small, they always had at least two stories; the bottom floor serving as a lounge area with the bedrooms located in the floors above. The roof tiles were often either painted black, or for those entrepreneurs with a desire for more flair the tiles too were color-coded to resemble the same pattern as on the curtains.

Founding Date

148 AM

Alternative Names

B.A.B. for short

Type

Brothel / Whorehouse