Katya's Bathhouse
Katya's bathhouse is the main source of income for the Rapids Syndicate during the off season, when the river is frozen too solidly for their divers to smuggle anything through the Wards. Katya also uses it as her base of operations and a place to meet with allies.
The mostly water-affinity staff are rounded out with a few whose gift is fire-related, who manage the bathhouse's complex heating system, fed not by wood but by the gases that rise from the ground near the bend of the river where it was constructed, similar to the Flare Syndicate's foundry. Katya brokered a deal with the Flare to have members of their syndicate construct and use the gas heating system in exchange for her smugglers bringing in their starsilver from the mine outside Rime's wards.
Only fire-aligned gifteds can safely manage the gas-fueled heating, but it is efficient and cuts overhead costs, making Katya's operation even more profitable.
Architecture
The Bathhouse has three parts, concentrically moving inward.
Inside the outermost ring are a series of taps and basins, the use of which can be purchased cheaply, by acquiring a bathhouse token with one circle stamped on it. This is the most commonly used service, with many people who prefer to pay a small amount for temporary access to hot water than to heat it themselves and pay more for fuel costs, or used by those who live in rented spaces where they have no direct access to any water heating system.
The second ring is composed of curtained off alcoves, accessible with a token with two circles stamped on it. This space is managed by attendants who hand the guests a set of towels and a pail of warm water. It is popular with those who can afford the extra luxury, and access to this level is often used by the Rapids as payment in kind for services.
The third level is a series of large tubs and sunken pools, and a private enclosed large bath that is used by Katya as a meeting location for making deals and alliances with other Syndicates or individuals. She considers it a fairly secure location since there is no way anyone coming into this level could smuggle in any weapons, as all clothing and belongings are left in lockers in an anteroom before accessing the third ring.
Founding Date
395
Type
Bathhouse
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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