Aistadd

Aistadd (Othian: аістаԁ aistað, Darnian: еiстад eistad) are a type of Naganian communal bath where customers pay for entrance. They have their origin in southeastern Nagain, and are thus particularly popular in the federal subjects of Otha, Darnau, Iledor, Gemen, and Ponu. They have declined in popularity in recent years due to the increase in private bathrooms. Traditionally, they have been mixed sex, but since the opening of the country, sex segregation has become the norm. Mixed sex aistadd were banned as indecent in Otha, while they continue in some other federal subjects.

Layout

The entrance is typically covered by a curtain, which leads into the antechamber/changing room (ômvau). Patrons are greeted by an attendant as they enter, who demands payment. The first few feet of flooring are typically wood, while past that the flooring consists of the traditional Naganian sedge mat. Patrons are expected to remove their shoes just past the threshold, before stepping onto the sedge mat. They then disrobe and place their effects in a basket or locker. Some aistadd provide secure lockers with a key kept by the patron, usually on a string meant to be worn on the wrist or neck. Nudity is mandatory, though patrons are allowed a small drying towel, which they can use to provide a small amount of modesty while moving between areas.
After the changing room, patrons enter the washing room (carvan), which typically has an array of faucets. The floor in the washing area is usually stone or tile. Patrons thoroughly wash themselves, typically with soap and a sponge (historically natural Naganian black sponge), which are often sold at the aistadd, rinse themselves, and then dry themselves enough that they are no longer dripping. Some patrons will also exfoliate with pumice during washing. Washing is typically a short affair, after which patrons move to the actual bath (aistadd).
The bathing area is separated from the changing and washing areas by a sliding door to keep the heat in. The flooring, like the washing area, is usually stone or tile. The room hosts two or three bathtubs at different temperatures. Wooden slabs are provided for sitting outside the water. A variety of refreshments are typically offered in the bath. The boiler may be in a separate room or inside the bathing room.
After bathing, patrons return to the washing area. They may rinse themselves at the faucets, though this is up to personal preference. Mirrors are provided for people to groom themselves, apply makeup, etc. After drying themselves sufficiently, the patrons put their clothes back on and leave the establishment.
The premises are staffed by attendants. Bathing attendants were historically slaves, and are easily distinguished from the patrons by their wearing of a loincloth (amiodyth, traditionally worn by slaves and seen as a sign of servitude). In sex segregated aistadd, attendants may be the same or opposite sex. Many of these attendants provide additional services by selling sex after hours. In modern times, as the attendants are now free and work for wages, a significant amount of their income comes from prostitution. The practice is legal, though prostitution may not be performed on the aistadd premises; thus many aistadd are attached to a brothel either next door or upstairs.