:: Midori :: Essentially Midori is alot like Earth, except on Midori has more forest area and is not lacking in o-zone. Overall Midori is a pretty healthy planet. You could say it's set about early 20th century. With some more modern clothes, and modern appliances, but the mind-set is essentially the same. So if for some reason you're treated weird, you know why.
_____:: Cyrus City :: Alliteration, BOOYAH. Cyrus City is one of the more thriving cities. It's the home to the government of Midori and therefore gets alot of attention. It's a very busy city, but a pretty one none the less, with water ways working down every street and such. The paths are layed with cobblestone and pavement on the roads, and street lamps have a nice antique look to them. In the higher up district the homes look more modern in elegance. In the lower districts it looks more cosy, and aged.
__________:: Solace Scents :: is a store that is in the planet of Midori. Now I wanted this it take place in someplace new, because on Gaia anything can happen, and let's face it; Earth can be not-so-fun. So if your character is an elf or demon or something, you're safe with that. Just keep in mind there's more humans on Midori than not. The store is small, not too small though. It's cozily lit, and smells wonderful. Around the shop is shelves of different essential oils and burners and candles. In the middle of the store, closer to the back, is an island counter that serves as the paying area, and the back storeroom, which is dimly lit is only for personnel.
__________:: Cyrus Square :: Well, it's not really alliteration, but close enough! It is simply a large park within the hubbub of the city, a grassy square lined with thriving trees and benches. It can be rented out on occasion for the needs of citizens or corporations in the city, and is thusly almost always busy.
__________::Slum:: The slum is exactly what you think of when the word slum is mentioned. It's the poorest and dirtiest of all of Midori, it's also the most dangerous. In this area gangfights are an everyday thing and most of the criminal activity known in Midori happens on these streets, often times in open daylight.
Though there is one good thing it has to offer. In a certain place deep in the area, a kind of marketplace has been established. Here many of the poorest have set up stands, along with criminals interested in getting rid of their stolen wares. Here, where police even shudder to venture, you can buy many objects for a price that'll make you cry of pure joy. But only those with a brave heart, or who are foolish enough to attempt going, can make it there.
__________:: The Kitsune's Den :: The Kitsune's Den was a swank little joint, owned and managed by one Shirohana Nyoko, the sole source of income for her home. A close friend of hers, Kyuubi, often doubled as her assistant manager, much to her relief. "The Den," as it was called by more than a few of its patrons, catered to a rather diverse crowd, the majority of which were punks or gothic-punks. Most of the others were friends of these people, or the type who just didn't care. The bands were local undergrounders, trying to get their start to fame, and many were warmly welcomed.
The Den was a place where you could hang and be yourself. It served anything you could imagine, thanks in part to the Kitsune who managed it, whom could get her hands on literally anything. It was decorated sparsely, as Nyoko saw no need to shell out cash on plants that would die in two weeks. Instead, colored lights, beanbag chairs, low tables, and the occassional booth served as the place's only decoration. Candles were placed on every table, and matches were provided for patrons to light them. Each candle smelled strongly of cinnamon and apple, a scent that lent its spicy warmth to the atmosphere.
__________:: The Gilded Lily :: Cyrus City's oldest flower shop, run for generations by the Becketts. They carry almost every variety of flower known to man (and many that are not) in every color of the rainbow. Recently, the Lily expanded to include a small café that serves light pastry breakfasts, a fair selection for lunch and simple deli for dinner, although it is better known for the seasonal drinks that are offered. Home made food with the choice of sitting outside or inside, it's a relaxing little jaunt in the lower part of the city where one can take in the antiquity and tradition of Cyrus City.
__________:: Court of Nobles :: Not literally a court, the court of nobles is a network of several large noble families, scattered about in the city. People who belong to the court are all considered nobles, and dress/think differently than others. They also have a common air of supremacy above them, seeing all common citizens as lower class people. With that thought, they rarely come in contact with the normal citizens of Cyrus City. Rather, they host their own events and gatherings, as if they belong to a completely different world.
One can tell if a family is a part of the court by a single glance of their mansions. These rich people have the most decorated and large houses in the city. One should also be careful when they approach the nobles however, as they are not often friendly folks...
__________:: The Courland :: Founded by an art collector by the name of Joseph Courland, the Courland is a round shaped art museum with five levels of art both above ground and below. It host a wide variety of modern art and contains everything from Minimalism, Dada, Contemporary, Gigantism, Super realism, and more. While the museum is a wealth of art and beauty, it also holds tri-annual art exhibit for modern novice and undiscovered artists during the spring, summer, and fall. The most popular exhibit is the kinetic sculptures which are allowed to roam the second level of the museum in a continuous loop. All levels are open to the public but the fifth level (the only underground one) is a frequent host of parties and contains a large screen for artistic films and documentaries. Due to the active schedule of the Courland, the musuem is rarely closed except at earliest morning time.
__________::The Jasmine Dragon:: An opulent club of luxuries, run in the midst of Cyrus City. Playing host to rich patrons, yakuza bosses, and the average person with a little extra money, this place is far from an ordinary club. High quality cigars can be purchased and enjoyed, fine wines tasted, the bars serve only the finest spirits and liqueurs, men and women alike find themselves dazzled by the entertainment and conversational skills of the club's male and female 'geisha'-types, indulgent foods are prepared and imported, regular performances from a wide variety of singers and dancers are scheduled, music to dance to is spun by the best DJs in the area, and celebratory parties of all sorts and charity balls are often held. There's always something going on in the Jasmine Dragon, and nearly all of it is legal (though anything illegal found to be happening is quickly stopped by the Mistress). You see, the Dragon's Mistress refuses to let crime sully the world she had created. And to anger Mistress Qwan Yin is to bring upon oneself the wrath of a VERY connected woman.
The Jasmine Dragon is a large establishment with four floors and a basement.
Basement - Alcohol storage, misc. storage, wine tasting lounge
Floor 1 - Dance floor, main bar, DJ stand, Mistress Qwan Yin's office, coat room
Floor 2 - 'Geisha'-types' dressing rooms, kitchen, guest performers' dressing rooms
Floor 3 - Stage for performances, 'dining' seating for 200 as they enjoy the show, separate rooms for VIPs, secondary bar
Floor 4 - More separate rooms, cigar lounge, secondary dance floor for small parties, banquet room
Each floor has a set of bathrooms, kept immaculately clean.
__________::Opus Diner:: Ah, the classic 1960's silver diner design and various cheap foods open almost 24 hours a day! Behold the Opus Diner in all it's glory. If you're looking for a quick meal or breakfast at midnight consider the Opus Diner before anywhere else.
Remember at the Opus we work for your dinning experience.
Located about a three blocks West of Cyrus Square!
The Opus Diner is divided by smoking and non smoking with six booths on each side for groups. There is a long counter for patrons eating alone who don't mind the company of other single dinners. The kitchen could probably use a once over but is overall immaculate. The staff has a bit of casual cheek to their tones.
__________:: Stardust :: This is a little jewelry shop in the upper middle-class section of town that specializes in custom pieces and semi-precious stones. However, it is best known for it's quality precious stones like rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. Are you looking for a wedding band, gift, or even crystal figurines? Then Stardust is the place to come.
A small store, it is nicely arranged with glass-faced cases displaying the wares, a large and imposing security agent that wanders about during day and night, and has a conversation nook. Those who work there are well-to-do and knowledgeable in their craft.
Their logo is an elegant comet trailing diamonds and sparkles.
__________:: The Oasis :: This rather small club in the heart of downtown caters to all types of people. It's not nearly so luxurious as The Jasmine Dragon, however, so it tends to attract those with less money - and less inhibitions.
The club takes up two stories in a small building that used to be part of a long block of two-story apartments. At some point in the past, most of the apartments burned down and were abandoned. The current owner of the club bought the mostly-ruined building and demolished what couldn't be saved, turning the rest into the club it is today.
The club is desert-themed and features a dance floor, lights, music, and ... well, strippers. There are ID checks at the door, and security and bouncers. Ka'hmesh works here, and is more or less in charge of the other bouncers - being one of the most dependable of them.
__________:: The Farmlands :: Located on the outskirts of the city, the farmlands is a large area of plains that were used for most of the city's agricultural produces. Stretching about several hundreds of acres far out, the farmlands are taken over by local farmers and plantation workers who divided the land into hundreds of smaller plots, ranches, and other areas for the citizen's specific needs. Each morning, farmers gather their stocks from last night's harvest and send them off to the market square to sell. Some urban citizens also comes to the farmlands occasionally to buy fresh stocks or just simply enjoy the refreshing country view.
__________:: The Blue Room :: This is a small tea room run by two friends that is located in the middle class area of the city. It serves tea, cakes and various other little home made delicacies at a reasonable prices and it decorated in pleasant blue shades. The building seems rather old, but it is decorated in a way that attempts to make the customer feel comfortable and at home. The opening hours vary, but it is always open by ten am, and never usually closes before three. It is open some Sundays, but for less hours.
You cannot get a real meal here, but you can order high tea, cream tea, a hot drinks, a sandwich or a slice of cake and enjoy it in peace and quiet.
The usual customers are older couples, and middle aged women, though sometimes younger folk wander in for a slice of the delightful cake.
All in all it is a nice clean place to while away the afternoon in comfort and companny.
_____:: The Avendine :: The Avendine are the docks a good day or two's journey away from Cyrus City. They touch the vast ocean known as 'The Courier'. The ocean got it's name from the amount of courier vessels and tradesman who sail their waters daily. Currently there is a gang war going on in the Avendine for who has control of the majority of the docks. It is advised not to go there unless it is your main source of business.
_____:: Midway Island :: Thirty miles off the coast of the mainland of Midory, amid the vast majesty of The Courier, lays a 27 square mile island (approx. the same size as Manhattan) known as Midway Island.
Due to it's isolation, and two and a half day trip from Cyrus City, the island is nowhere near as busy as the Capitol. However it has a bustling economy based on the same principle's of the City's. The entire coastline is one major port with ships coming in from all corners of the planet. The easiest way here is to hop a boat from The Avendine.
The decor of the island is that of the Victorian era, with large, elegant houses, and buildings in general. Many small shops are mixed in with the apartments along the outer rim of the city, but the further inland you go, you find places that are increasingly lavish.
The center of the island is the location of a grand mansion known as 'Das Großartige' meaning 'The Grand.' It has never held a family or any sort of tenant and despite this, it hasn't fallen into disrepair, and the inside is as spotless as the day it was made, which has been lost to history. Local legend says that it is a haunted place tended by the dead, but since it is rarely entered and hard to get to, few really know what goes on inside.
