The Voice of Durem
"All cities are mad: but the madness is gallant. All cities are beautiful: but the beauty is grim..."
"In the country the darkness of night is friendly and familiar, but in a city, with its blaze of lights, it is unnatural, hostile and menacing. It is like a monstrous vulture that hovers, biding its time."
From an outsider's perspective, Durem is home to the wealthy, the powerful, and those who ought to be revered. The residents of the city are not so easily fooled by the regal Gothic architecture, steeped in history, and a picturesque skyline consisting of grand spires and imposing cathedrals, for within the walls that protect it, lies a grim truth...
Tucked away in the mid-west, it is one of the older cities on the main Gaian continent. Durem is host to advances in the arts, sciences and the occult. Though possessing a well-to-do, aristocratic quarter to the north, the majority of Durem is below the poverty line in modern times. This combination of trickling wealth, founding philosophies and growing crime has led to a volatile situation of mundane and arcane syndicates and forces operating throughout the slums of the city.
For OOC see here: OOC Box
For World Building see here: World Building Discussion Thread/Open House
The Nobles District
Is one of the smallest and least populated districts in the City of Durem. Built upon the remains of the original medieval fortifications that protected the walled town of Durem, the Nobles district rests quite literally above the rest of the city itself. Though the castle that once stood here has long since fallen, new walls both political and economic have risen up around the most prestigious district. This district is home to the wealthy, the elite, the heads of crime organizations, and the headquarters of corporations, lending an air of sophistication and power surrounds this area. Wide avenues and generous sidewalks make the Nobles district the place to be seen and to see, both by tourists and locals alike. Very few people who work in the Nobles District actually live there, the towns populations dropping significantly as the workers in the dozen or so high class boutiques return to their homes in Downtown Durem. Night falls like a cloak over the district, empty streets and shops, devoid of the nocturnal reverie that one would find in many of Durem's districts. Well spaced street lights guard the rare late night jogger or dog owner as they explore the dark and deserted side streets of Durems seat of power.
Those few who can afford to live in the district inhabit palatial mansions placed side by side with government buildings and large guild houses. The privileged guard their privacy and possessions jealously. Whole blocks are protected with a private gates designed to restrict access to anyone but the home owners themselves, some streets are blocked off to allow pedestrian traffic only, and rare is the house that does not sport its own impressive privacy fence.
Places of Interest
• The Victorian Was one of the most high level and prestigious hotels located In Durem consisting of a rectangular white building that reached upwards over most other buildings to give its patrons in the higher suites quite a view towering over the city. The building may have modern furnishings but it looks like its stuck in the Victorian era on the outside. It was known to be overly priced in all aspects and not many people were known to stay in the hotel making it a bit creepy walking on an empty floor by yourself listening to the silence.
• PMC Headquarters COMING SOON. PLACEHOLDER
The Merchants District
A place where there seems to be a constant source of goods coming and going- this is where most of the festivals and events are held. The housing is not as grand as the Noble's District, but they are still noteworthy. A place of many sounds and sights, the Merchant's District is filled with restaurants, department stores, and a massive shopping mall. In other words, if you can't find it here, chances are that it can't be found... unless one goes elsewhere in the city.Places of Interest
• The Arm & Hammer Tucked into the corner of the district, the shop specializes in the forging and fabrication of weapons both mundane and ornate. Both weapons and armors are available, but in both cases the shop is known specifically for its metalwork. Leathers and woodworking are available but generally somewhat lackluster compared to other specialty shops; but the ornate and unusually durable metals are renowned for their craftsmanship.
• Daratan Ceramics Situated just off a main thoroughfare in the district, the storefront is brightly painted in a variety of springtime pastels and resembles a 40s era candy store, with large windows and glass cases filled with wares. Ceramic and stone jewelry, trinkets and various styles and shapes of pottery are available for immediate purchase; however, one wall of the shop is dedicated to rough shelving and storage of unfinished ceramic products for customers to decorate themselves. Behind the store, with access to an alley, is an open masonry yard. In addition to some piles of rough stone covered by tarps, a large brick baking kiln is the focus of the small area. The small masonry is capable of fulfilling both private and civil contracts.
• The Magician Lucillien Dark's Enchanting Magical Emporium The shop's title covers a large, illustriously painted sign with deep royal blue letters and gold trim, hanging over a very assuming shop front in Durem's merchant district. Two large windows run from just a foot or so above the sidewalk up to about twelve feet off the ground. In the shop windows are dozens on dozens of small trinkets and charms of varying size and shape and color, and even a few assorted weapons. The scent of herbs, fresh paint, and sometimes fresh wood seeps through the shop's wooden door, placed neatly between both windows, and out onto the street.
Upon entering the shop most magical creatures would feel a sort of buzz, either do to some sort of enchantment on the shop itself or the amount of magic filling it. Directly across from the entrance is a wooden counter, behind which is a door leading into a workshop. At either side of the door leading to the main counter are glass displays, in which are literally hundreds of items, half of which are labeled, the other half of which stand in ambient curiosity. Above each waist level display are further racks, design schematics, staffs, rods, and several other items either covered in odd runes, painted designs, or gentle glowing hues. From the ceiling hangs hundreds more trinkets and charms, some dangling within reach, other just barely below the rafters. Each a different color than the one beside it, and a different shape - all ranging from designs both common place and others that are entirely abstract. There are no posted hours of operation, but the lights inside the shop are always on and ready to welcome a guest.
• Bravot Library Modeled after the classical European castle exterior of the fifteenth century in grey and red stone façade, also has a six story apartment building adjacent to it's branch office that was converted in order to allow those who come from sunless realms to have time to accumulate to the more natural surroundings of Durem Proper. Inside it's all exotic wood paneling and quiet contemplation of the mind. The Library open door policy is quite odd within the City of Durem as they seem to allow all sorts of strays and ruffians to enter these magnificent halls, but even so there are always stories of homeless going missing within the stacks. Obviously the Library itself denies such accusations as slander.
Red Light District
Bars, clubs and casinos fill this sector. This is obviously the place for the nightlife. Many important visitors, most of them VIPs, head through here, as well as a few people who simply needed to get away from everything. Nestled right in the heart of the slums exists a sort of legal black market, it's of popular belief that this is the place to go for something..special. Naturally, as the seedier underbelly of Durem, it attracts the majority of all Durem's crime and violence. The police have but a meager presence here, often times choosing to do nothing and turning a blind eye to all but the most major, noteworthy of incidents - be it either for a lack of care, or a fear of those perceived to be more than human.
Aside from the black market, there is also gambling ring that operates out of the Red Light District. Fights that take place there often become the talk of the town in hushed, short whispers and are broadcast in seedy back-alley gambling parlors where bets are placed on who will win, who will lose, and who may not survive. Like all illegal fight gambling, the odds are stacked in favor of the bookies and the fighters never get a cut of the profits themselves.
Places of Interest
• The Black Star - A new place in town recently that provides entertainment in various forms. A gentleman's club on the top floor, and a fight club in the basement, The Black Star caters to the needs of the flesh and the desire to sate one's bloodlust. It's a swanky place run by a known member of the Bones Mafia Family, Charlene. She takes pride in her little corner of the RLD and is one hell of a host, but it's best stay on her good side.
• The Rave Club - a well known establishment run by the slightly infamous cyberpunk, Dzan Streea
• Firecats Bar While this little gem might not be so new, it has recently undergone renovations to breathe new life into it. Firecats is now a swank, flashy little club tucked away at the end of an alley with nowhere else to go but in.
• Mayday Ink - Run by artist Jesse May and celebrating it's grand opening this week, Mayday is more than just your everyday tattoo shop. If you're not bold enough to get inked - it also serves as a chill place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Durem's Red Light District with it's second story lounge.
• The Crimson Dagger - Local hole in the wall, this bar is the epitome of the age old phrase "looks can be deceiving" with it's plain and modest exterior. Recently renovated by the current (and unusual) owner, a fellow named Vladimir, it's possible there is more to this bar than just serving as another place to drown one's sorrows at the bottom of a bottle.
•The Bacchae: A vast nightclub in the city’s Red Light District, formerly one of the highlights of the city’s nightlife. Having closed down in mid December 2013, it has recently, as of a month later, reopened under new management (rumours of the significantly less than legal nature of this acquisition remain unconfirmed), complete with a new interior décor, this redesign being far more extensive than would be expected given the time, and a new name to go with it. Now known as the Bacchae, this club seeks to both regain the popularity of its predecessor and, fitting its location in the city, become a paradise for Durem’s hedonists. Features include, as would be expected of such an establishment, a large dancefloor, a well-stocked bar (claims that this bar sells narcotics rather stronger, and less legal, than alcohol when the customer knows how to ask for them are, again, completely unconfirmed), a sizable stage, and an exclusive VIP lounge, the latter including a balcony over the main room of the club. Some speak of even more exclusive areas in the basement, which, they claim, has been expanded into an extensive network of secret tunnels and chambers, but, once again, these rumours are entirely unconfirmed. The club’s owner and manager goes by the name of Dionysus ((Gaia account: Dezris)), and is a British man whose rather obvious lack of sanity, or attempts to create such a perception, only help fuel these rumours. Regardless, the club remains fairly free of obvious danger, with armed bouncers on hand to remove any troublemakers. And the wide variety of drinks on offer, whilst as overpriced as expected from a nightclub’s bar, are said to be excellent. So that’s nice, at least.
Downtown Durem
The center of attention, it has a history of holding most of the major events- events that are more stunning and spectacular than the ones in the Merchant's District. Of course, the massive clock tower that Durem is famous for is located here, as well as certain points of interest or importance.Places of Interest
• Broken Spine Books is a rather unknown shop within the city of Durem for readers to come buy, trade, and read used books run by Camille Hedler. A large window outlines the outside of the shop before reaching the door, which allow you to view the collection of chairs. On this window, the name of the shop in painted in golden letters to help identify the shop. Although many of the books that are inside are seen be questionable in nature, these services are offered to anyone. Inside, there is a large collection of bookshelves filled with papered treasures all lined by the back wall to create rows. Close to the entrance there is a counter that not only has a chair, but a display cabinet for the weekly featured books. Across from the counter, a set of Victorian style chairs sit collectively in front window, accompanied with coffee tables. Guests are invited to come in and enjoy a cup of tea and freshly baked goods made by the owner. All treats and tea are available at the front desk. Guests are encouraged to buy, but they are more than welcome to relax as well. If there are any allergies, it is encouraged to express them to the staff before ingesting anything. This shop is open between select hours set by the owner.
• Randall's Pub is a cozy little pub on the main strip running through Downtown Durem, owned and operated by a man named Randall Smalls. The bar itself has only recently reopened, given new life by Randall himself after his adventures and new financial success. The pub boasts an open layout with plenty of seating, a comfortable atmosphere and the renowned "Open Fight Night" where patrons can register and perform exhibition matches for the other bar-goers. Fights are televised on a closed network inside the pub, and other customers can place bets on their favorites. The building next door has also been renovated and turned into an open gymnasium where combatants can practice and prepare for their matches. It's rumored that the prizes for winning can range from various monetary amounts, to possible rare artifacts ... but that's just a rumor.
• Orien & Co. Paranormal Counsel and Investigations The Orien & Co. Firm is a small, newly created business run by a young woman by the name of Shayla Orien. If you are in need of legal counsel or a private investigator well versed in the supernatural world to poke their nose into your business, you'd best stop into Orien & Co. It claims to exist to handle cases and provide legal or monetary aide and even counseling for supernatural beings.
• Smith & Co. Locksmiths Located in a quiet side street in Downtown Durem, this locksmiths shop looks like one of over a dozen in town. Internal decor from over thirty years ago, yellowing linoleum, and a clock that is at least fifteen minutes slow. The meticulously hand lettered window sign is barely visible through brown tinted windows, but claims that the company has been 'Family owned with 1927', and that their hours are 'by appointment, 24/7' this is of course all a lie, except their hours which are; anytime, anywhere, for a price.
A small waiting area greets anyone who decides to visit with two chairs face an aging dusty counter top. A small brass service bell rests on the desk, but the internal clapper has long since been removed. The front room of the shop is of course very small, and functional. Like any proper locksmith shop all the work and indeed most of the material is kept in the 'backroom' a room that in this case spread across the back area of two storefronts and is massive compared to the front room of the shop. The storefront next door has been converted into a small attached garage which is shuttered and secured with a heavy padlock. Online reviews of the location are dour with many stating that the employees where highly sarcastic and unhelpful, or that they failed to make appointments. One review stands out though; which states that if you know who to talk to, this place can work miracles.
• Taco Gato Durem's best and only Mexican restaurant nestled comfortably in the heart of downtown just a block from the bookstore and the locksmith. It's not a very big place, or all that fancy. In fact, it's pretty much your standard taco shop. It's currently the only brick and mortar location (with a couple food trucks to its name) and the locals seem to like it. This week's special is: One large order of Takitos, only 5 gold with the purchase of a large ******** Yeah Izzy™.
Chinatown
Every city has one of these and yet, in spite of that, every city's little corner of Asian culture and other similar, eastern intricacies is vastly different. For Durem, that statement could not be truer. Chinatown sits comfortable between downtown Durem and the start of the outskirts. The main street of Chinatown is actually the foundation of the old cities original curtain wall. The stones that once protected the town long since redistributed to various building projects in and around the city. Though the streets are narrow; Chinatown has the second highest amount of public parks of anywhere in Durem (after the Nobles District, of course.) These public parks are home to dozens of buskers and street performers, some native, some foreign who are out to dazzle you with their skills and perhaps cover their rent. If its imported or hard to find, this, is the place to find it. From herbs from exotic lands to darker materials someone somewhere is probably selling it here.
Despite its cheery outlook, open sky and tight community; Chinatown is no stranger to crime, and at night the the narrower back allies have been known to be a dangerous place for tourists and locals alike to travel. However If you are looking for something exotic, and aren't afraid of tight spaces, Chinatown just might have the spice you are looking for.
Places of Interest
• Club Crazy 88 Is a very bright and loud Chinese owned and themed club coated in neon colored lights from top to bottom located in the heart of Chinatown being one of the most popular and crowded places in the area drawing all types of individuals to have fun and party their a** off sometimes getting lost on the multiple floors. The building was four stories tall and had a built in restaurant and kitchen serving and checking reservations on the lower floor with the top floors serving as more space for customers as well as security and storage. The Triads were known to make this place their personal stomping grounds even using it as a place to store weapons and hideout from enemies, it was a dangerous place if you crossed any of the gangsters inside though they usually keep things pretty quiet.
Outskirts of Durem
Durem's outskirts refers to the very edge of the city, past the hustle and bustle and often going unnoticed, forgotten and disregarded. Like most of the buildings that still dot this part of town. After all, what is there to see out here? You have to cut through downtown and skirt past Chinatown to even get here but beyond the old, condemned Church of West Durem - a bare, neglected looking graveyard seems to be the only notable sight. Further west beyond the graveyard, lies Halloweentown, a self-sufficient town-within-a town where everything supernatural and mystical seem to congregate when they wish to distance themselves from the mundane world. It's a place to call their own.Places of Interest
• The Yard A sprawling junkyard that spans acres and yet somehow goes unnoticed and remains untouched by the local populace and its governing body. This junkyard was originally taken over by the Front of the Armament for their own use, but has recently been opened up to the public of Gaia Primus.
• King Solomon's Mind: Books & Antiquities A fascinating place nestled in the northeastern corner of Haloweentown run by a bloke named Rosso. King Solomon's Mind is a used bookstore and shop of rarities, oddities and artifacts. If you need to find it, chances are Rosso has it. Weapons, tomes, potions, everything a spellcaster, warrior or patron of the dark arts might require.
• DeSeer Estate The DeSeer Clan estate is a large property bordered on all sides by woodland, beyond the western edge of the Gaia city of Durem. If one were to travel thirty minutes from the city suburbs on the main road west, one would find a small road leading directly into the trees, labelled quietly ‘Private Property’. At the end of this road is a metal gate set into a 12 foot high metal fence surrounding the property on three sides. A minimum of three guards man the gate at all times, as well as a subtle passive scanner, to ensure no one save those expected are able to travel the short gravel drive to the front of the DeSeer mansion. On approaching the mansion itself, the visitor is greeted to the view of a three story stately home, set in simply sculpted gardens. One may estimate that the three wings, East, West and Central, house around 84 rooms, and requires a live in staff to maintain. A fair portion of this staff may be seen in the grounds of the estate, as 12 guards are constantly on patrol – a necessary evil as the house boasts little in the way of obvious defences to stop people entering.
Inside the house, the usual compliment of drawing rooms, ballrooms, pools, bedrooms et al is present, with visitors and guests being entertained always in the East wing, for it is in the West wing that the true nature of the DeSeer stronghold is expressed, containing private and biometrically locked rooms that cater to the vampiric needs of the Kindred clan.
It is known there is an underground garage to the house... and suspected there is a lot more going on underground that is likely to be unspeakable. Of final note is the gorge framing the back of the property, containing within it a small stream, and the rocky entrance to a shrine cut into the wall, used by those few adherents to a small an unremarkable faith for worship. Due to this, there is no fence or border around the edges of the gorge, allowing the acolytes of the faith to come and go unimpeeded.
**HUGE thank you to both Jay (Dante Decker) and Cog for helping with descriptions for each district!**
