The Asphodel Meadows, Venue (Crete)

[Carmen Quintana]

The Asphodel Meadows

(Corsairs, Allies, and Accepted-Neutral Are Welcome)

To an outsider, the Asphodel would not appear as idyllic as its name-sake. Yet, to a Corsair, its simpler, rougher around the edges look, fits perfectly. It is a respite from the harshness of Crete and the ever present dangers of space. A place Cretean's can come to wash away their woes, congregate, laugh, or even settle scores.

Built and owned by a fierce and respected warrior, Marus Conejo officially stepped away from that life ten years prior. Using the wealth he'd gathered, to create something he could retire with and have open to the community. As well as those not Corsair, but welcome within the Imperio.

The venue is located in the city of Neuvo Madria. Neuvo Madria being a major trade city, Marus saw it as a perfect location for his establishment.

The Asphodel Meadows Venue is not merely a bar or a club nor just a restaurant. It has each of those aspects, plus more. Corsairs can come to meet and plot out raids or new smuggling routes. People wanting a quiet night can head to the lounge and recline the hours away. For those wanting food and or a food and drink can visit the bar and then saunter on over to the dining area and order some grub. Does pool or darts interest someone? Asphodel has it.

For those needing a neutral ground, they can come and make use of the arena in the back. To settle scores. That or engage in friendly sparring matches to test one's skill against random challengers.

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Main Room

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Main Room

As one steps through the door and into the Asphodel, a pathway right and left leads to the game-room on the left and the kitchen back rooms on the right. Down a short flight of steps the main room is a surprisingly modest, yet spacious area surrounding the bar. Where one usually can find Marus. Bartending. Stools line the exterior and booth seating off to the far sides. An archaic looking jukebox sits nestled against a short wall in front of the bar. Playing some old classics passed down the generations from the original survivors of the Hispania. With the rest, being more modern Corsair creations.

There is usually one or two bouncers. Though, many a hot-headed Corsair have learned the hard way that Marus is capable of handling business all on his own. Should he be so inclined. Its his 'house' and he'll 'clean it', as he sees fit.

His bar offers a wide variety of drinks. Many encountered during his successful years of raiding and smuggling. Many of his old contacts directly supply his stock. Offering Corsairs a taste of Sirius. As well as keeping stock of native Cretrean drinks.

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Lounge Room and Game Room

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Lounge Room and Game Room

The Lounge Room is quite straight forward. It is a room where the door automatically closes and the expectation is to keep conversation at a low, comfortable, volume. There are four booths and two round tables with chairs.

It has a door that accesses the game room.

Its said Marus only respects two 'games or sports'. Darts and Pool. Whether that is true, no one has gotten him to say one way or another. Either way, those are the only two offered in the Asphodel. The Darts are at the far left end of the room. With enough space for three dart boards and the accompanying players and spectators.

Behind the dart area are three pool tables with the same available space for players and spectators.

The game room is accessed via the main area or the lounge.

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Kitchen/Dining Area

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Kitchen-Dining Area

Marus wife, Laela, runs the small kitchen and dining area. Serving mostly simple, but filling, meals. She has two cooks with her to handle the busier periods. The menu is technically static, but will fluctuate at times, depending on the supplies available. Given the Imperio is not yet entirely food-secure. Thus, her stock remains at the mercy of what Corsair's can bring in from outside. With a lesser amount augmented by the food shipments from Freeport 9.

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Meeting Rooms

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Meeting Room

Off the main room and behind the kitchen are four small meeting rooms. With enough space to hold six comfortably. These rooms were envisioned by Marus, to be used more by the young up and coming Corsairs. Who don't have anywhere, but clan land, to plan out raids or smuggling runs. He had often wanted someplace quiet and away from the more competitive scenes, during his younger years. Thus, while meeting rooms might be an odd edition for a club, they were a must-have in his mind.


Each room is properly sound-proofed. So no nosy or competing gang can spy on each other.

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Arena

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Arena

Last, but certainly not least, the arena. Accessed through a sound-proof door just past the bar. Within is a modest sized floor somewhat depressed into the ground with a standard chain-link fence. There is more than enough room for spectators to stand and watch from the outside.

For those Corsair in need of neutral ground to settle disputes, they can come to the Asphodel. Marus has on staff, a man who serves as neutral judge. Trusted to ensure both sides uphold the agreed upon rules for the bout.

Aside from disputes, for those just looking for some sparring matches, wishing to lay down a challenge, or just train, the ring is available as well.

Marus has thus far, accepted all of two challenges posed to him. Each bout drew immediate attention to see the middle-aged warrior in action. With no one left wanting.

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"My kin! We are Corsair! We are the 'Horned Ones'! By Crete we have been made strong! There is no foe we cannot defeat! No enemy shall be spared our horns! No friend or ally shall find us wanting! For we are Corsair! By the might of the Imperio we spread out our hands! All we see will be ours one day! I have had a dream. A dream of a green Crete. A paradise! And in that dream, our enemies are not there! Crushed and mangled beneath our horns! Uplift your voices! Shout with me! Corsair! Corsair! Corsair!"

-Carmen Elena 'Silver' Quintana of Clan Quintana of the Corsair Imperio