Speakeasy

Speakeasies are a type of entertainment venue found mostly in the People's Republic of Fleur that allow for the distribution of elicit materials and entertainment. 
== History ==
Proto-speakeasies began appearing in the early 170s CE when Fleurian regulations on opium distribution became stricter, forcing several opium dens to shutter or go underground. These secret opium clubs were hidden behind increasingly elaborate facades, eventually morphing into private clubs for engaging in behavior not sanctioned by the state. During the Winter Revolution in 175 and the Fleurian Civil War of 177, speakeasies became widespread as a way for people to indulge during the uncertain times. Now, functioning as distributors of alcohol, opium, and other substances, they began also to incorporate entertainment, especially through singers. After the founding of the People's Republic of Fleur in 179 CE, the speakeasy trend briefly stopped, as many regulations had not yet been put into place by the new government.
As the PRF expanded into the late 1st century, so to did the list of regulated substances. When alcohol and opium production was nationalized, an underground market began around said substances, leading to organized crime becoming rampant. A new interest in the early 2nd century in moving these goods led to the massive spread of new speakeasies throughout the PRF owned by major crime families. In 276 the Cultural Purity Act banned many foreign made goods and productions, most notably, cameras and film. The only motion picture theater in the PRF, located in Corteux, was closed by the government and the reels there seized and destroyed. A new demand for foreign cinema flooded the country, especially as the industry grew in neighboring nations. Around this time, speakeasies began showing foreign films in secret, becoming one of their major focuses moving forward.
By 299 CE, a speakeasy exists in every town in the PRF, mostly showing films accompanied by live jazz bands. These venues often serve non-state produced alcohol, have unrestricted drug access, and allow for personal displays of wealth. Speakeasies are more popular now than ever. 
== Descriptions ==
Most speakeasies in the PRF include: regular film screenings, a bar, live music or other entertainment, an opium room, and sometimes a kitchen for serving food. They are often literally underground, mostly in abandoned or forgotten basements. A famous speakeasy in Zidonia utilizes both the ruins of the original city preserved beneath the modern buildings as well as a early 1st century Guineveraeum for its operations. Some utilize the catacombs under demolished churches. A select few operate above ground, though these are typically run by high level organized crime families, especially in the capitol.
Category:Peoples Republic of Fleur
Category:Locations
Category:Year 299