Black Raven's Hideaway

Type: Recreational
Site: North West Dungarstel
Size: 8000ft²
Population or Inhabitants: 1-2k
Condition: Old but Clean
Terrain: City
Links: Dungarstel

Description
Black Raven's Hideaway, while officially designated as a tavern, conceals within its shadowy confines an array of illicit activities that remain an open secret to the denizens of the city. The establishment boasts wooden walls, supported by imposing stone pillars, adorned with an eclectic tapestry of weapons, flickering lights, and enigmatic tapestries that decorate the dimly lit interior. This three-story labyrinth of indulgence hides a multitude of sins behind its walls.

The ground floor of the tavern is a bustling hub of raucous conversation and cheap libations. Patrons seeking budget-friendly rums and tonics gather here, filling every available seat. The air is often charged with the excitement of axe-throwing contests taking place at the rear of the first floor, though tempers have been known to flare, resulting in fatal outcomes. The bartenders, a stern and uncompromising lot, are quick to expel unruly guests when they've had their fill.

Venturing up the creaking stairs to the second level reveals a macabre spectacle; an arena ringed with stands, where down-and-out warriors compete for prizes, their desperate struggles providing entertainment for the patrons. Those on this floor are offered a more refined selection of mixed drinks and ales, served by courteous bartenders. Access to the second level is restricted, reserved for those who have earned their place as trusted regulars, while troublemakers remain confined to the lower floor.

The exclusive third level caters to the upper echelons of society, offering comfortable cushioned seating, exquisite wines, and even the coveted Ichor, which some indulge in as a potent drug. At this level, the bartenders are enchanting women who engage in playful banter with their guests. Each of these levels encompasses a balcony overlooking the bustling streets below, creating a three-floor spectacle within the building.

Two grand staircases on either side provide access to the different floors, while a discrete rear staircase is reserved for employees and those seeking the third floor's extravagances. Altercations frequently culminate in patrons being thrown over the railings, particularly on the second floor.

Known to most, each of these floors also harbors a hidden brothel, accessible to patrons with the simple act of ordering a drink and making a request. The allure intensifies with each ascending floor, with an increasingly enchanting cadre of individuals. While predominantly composed of women, a select few cater to the desires of male clientele.

Black Raven's Hideaway harbors another secret beneath its already layered façade unknown to most; a thriving black market. Accessible only through the bewitching Ichor Meridith, this enchanted drink imbues the drinker with the ability to transmute marked walls. Those seeking the black market must then inquire for "Jules." They are discreetly led to the brothel area, where a seemingly ordinary stone wall bears an elusive, chalk-like glowing door. Unseen by those who haven't imbibed the Ichor Meridith, the door reveals a non-physical knob that, when turned, grants passage to the clandestine marketplace.

Within this clandestine realm exists an assortment of magical artifacts, rare materials, and enigmatic trinkets. Alongside these treasures, the market offers exotic meats, elusive fleeces, and other scarce resources. For those willing to pay the price in madness, forbidden knowledge also finds a buyer here. Strikingly, the black market seems to exist outside conventional space and time, hidden by a potent illusion from prying eyes, including those of the High Council. Yet, whispers persist that some council members are among the market's clandestine clientele.

Black Raven's Hideaway is a place where shadows hold more secrets than the eye can perceive, an intricate web of indulgence, intrigue, and danger. In the bleak life of the continent, it remains a unique and compelling haven for those who dare to venture within its enigmatic walls.