Pearl

The Pearl is a famous, old brothel located in the Artisan District of New Valore. The brothel has a seedy past, but is currently one of the most respected establishments of its kind, welcoming the mighty and wealthy of the city.

As Aodhian culture holds no stigma towards casual encounters or sex work, visiting the Pearl is simply another way to spend a nice night out.

## Building

The Pearl is a beautiful building, made with a white marble facade like so many other buildings within the wealthier districts. The walls of the Pearl are additionally treated with a high gloss shine, giving it an opalescent look befitting of the name. It is a decent sized building on a busy street within the District, sure to turn eyes when seen for the first time. An eye-catching yet tasteful sign proclaiming “Pearl” hangs above the massive wooden doors, and a few opalescent steps lead up to the entrance.

The inside of the Pearl is similarly glossy, with opalescent white used for much of the furnishing. Fabrics are burgundy and gold, creating an overall luxurious and decadent feel for all of the rooms. The artwork on display is from contemporary artisans, and depicts mostly befittingly erotic themes, although the work chosen for the main hall is on the tasteful side.

### **Layout**

When entering the Pearl, one steps into the large room serving as the main hall. Here one would find the bar table, service counter, guestbook, cashier and several tables for enjoying drinks or snacks. More private alcoves go around the edges of this grand room, perfect for more private meetings or for handling business. The room has a small stage, often occupied by a visiting singer or dancer, or sometimes one of the Pearl’s own courtesans.

A sweeping, grand staircase, decorated with sea and pearl themed carvings in white marble, swirls over the edge of the main counter, and up to the second floor, where the private entertainment rooms are located.

From the main room, a hallway leads through a door downstairs, to the half-basement housing the Opium Den.

## Business

The Pearl has two main services: the brothel, and the opium den. The Pearl is open every day from 6PM to 4AM; overnight stays are possible with prior agreement. People under 18 are not admitted inside the Pearl.

### **The Brothel**

Staffed with courtesans to fill nearly every flavor of need for even the most Aodhian extravagance, the Pearl offers a safe place to work out sexual desires - to those who can afford it. Several themed rooms are available for reservation, with each carefully furnished for a complete experience. Courtesans may be requested by name or general description - every possible attempt will be made to fill the customer’s desires.

Besides the “classic” sex work, the brothel also offers massages, more discussion oriented “boyfriend/girlfriend experiences”, and any other even remotely adjacent pleasure. The brothel has full use of a sauna and several hot tubs. Some rooms are available to be rented overnight, rather like a hotel, but most are open only during business hours.

### **The Opium Den**

The Den is located on the basement floor of the Pearl, painstakingly ventilated to avoid giving the Brothel’s guests a free sample. It is a self-contained smoky oasis, where opium is the most common habit. The Den offers other vices too, drugs and alcohol alike, as long as the entertainment fee is properly paid.

## Work at the Pearl

Although the Pearl was not always a particularly good establishment, it is now known as one of the best in Aodh, both in terms of a place to visit, and a place to work. The safety and comfort of the workers is of paramount importance, with security in place to keep everyone playing nice.

The Pearl only employs people who are 18 or older in any position. Both full time and part time positions are available.

**Mistress**: Melisande

A gender neutral title for the person in charge of managing the business. Their job consists mostly of the upkeep, paperwork, hiring, firing, customer service, advertising and promotion. They also maintain the establishment’s blacklist.

**Courtesans**

The main staff, and the main attraction as well. The Pearl is known to employ some of the best courtesans in business, and prides itself on the professionalism of its workforce.

**Barkeeps/Chefs/Waiters**

The catering and drinks staff mans the main room downstairs, serving drinks and snacks to patrons. Although the Pearl isn’t exactly a restaurant, various Aodhian staples, like deep fried breaded cauliflower wings in hot sauce, are available.

**Dancers and other Entertainers**

Usually more of a temporary flavor, the Pearl often hires singers, dancers and other types of entertainers to perform in the main room to keep patrons entertained.

**Security**

Unsurprisingly, the Pearl has its own security force. Usually ex-Chevaliers, these equines are friendly towards patrons, but not afraid to throw out those who can’t play by the rules.

## History

The Pearl is one of the more famous and fittingly also one of the oldest brothels in New Valore. Founded during the reign of King Seraphine in the year 1190, The Pearl was long known as a somewhat seedy and unpleasant place located in the so called Rogue District, near the harbor. It catered to a rough clientele, and was considered cheap, dirty and generally not a place to be seen if you valued your reputation. The establishment went through many patrons and owners, but seemed unable (or the owners were unwilling) to improve the reputation of the place. Chevaliers would frequently visit the brothel to respond to disturbances.

Everything changed when Emin Lilith of House Soleil purchased the brothel. Somewhat unexpectedly, she made the effort to turn the place around, and within a few years, the Pearl had become worthy of its name, cleaned up its act, and become one of the most luxurious and expensive brothels in the city.

The original, hundreds of years old building was destroyed in autumn 1700 when a wyvern, Sola, broke out from under it, killing several people within the building. The Pearl was rebuilt in the Artisan District, and reopened to the public shortly after New Year 1701.