The Underground
The Underground is an exclusive night club for the social elite of Khadan. Known for its extravagant entertainment and setting, The Underground is a place for secrets, debauchery, social climbing, as well as a status symbol. Guests are expected to dress well (cocktail attire) and conduct themselves professionally while on the main cub floor. Membership is heavily restricted and it's difficult to get in without having been thoroughly vetted as a patron. Most patrons hire a Host for the evening, who is an attractive person meant to socialize with the guests. If enough rapport is gained and the Host is looking for work, the guest may hire the Host for sexual services. This is a discreet process but well known to the club's members.
As the name states, this club is located underground. When first purchased by Algar Harte, it was a rusted warehouse with red-tinted windows that hid a bunker made by someone who thought the apocalypse was coming. The money poured into the bunker caused substantial debt to the woman who made it, and upon her passing, it was repossessed in order to pay off the debts.
The Underground comprises of three floors:
- The first level is the main club, where most patrons gather in plush booths or around tall tables to drink and talk. There are some tables in the back hidden behind privacy curtains and are typically reserved for guests who wish to be openly sexual while they enjoy the club's atmosphere, though illicit meetings have known to happen in these booths as well.
- The second level is a floor dedicated to "guest rooms". While some patrons overindulge and stay the night to recover, this is mostly for Hosts to use for prostitution. Any money made in this fashion left exclusively to the Host who earned it. This is also a place for other illicit activities such as drug use and gambling. There are strict rules to the use of these rooms, and there are security patrols that walk through the halls often in case of emergency.
- The third level is the smallest and serves as Jaris Voltaire's private office and apartment. Though not his main home, Jaris may spend weeks at a time at The Underground if his business is closer to the club. Only Jaris, Algar, and the club's chef (Thaddeus) have access to this floor.
History
Though The Underground was created and originally owned by Algar Harte, he lost it in a long, high-stakes game to Jaris Voltaire. While under Algar's ownership, the club was much less strict about conduct and was ultimately much less safe for both the Hosts and guests. Algar has used this club (and the activities therein) to blackmail government officials, business rivals, law enforcement, and members of local organized crime. Most patrons agree that while The Underground's hay-day was under Algar's management, the club is currently much better for all involved.
There is a child that lives in The Underground: Saji. She has her own room that is inaccessible to guests and most of the Hosts. Her parents "sold" her to Jaris in order to pay off their debts. While Jaris did hand over money in exchange for her, she is treated as his daughter. Algar, too, spends a lot of time with Saji. She looks up to one of the Hosts, Cross Nilssen, and the cook, Thaddeus. The four of them ensure Saji has a comfortable, stable life and that she is protected at all times.
