(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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
Sangre del Pueblo (Corsair Rum) --- [Multiple Varieties Available. See Below] --- (NOT SOLD TO FOREIGNERS)
Sanguis Terrae (Corsair Wine) --- [Multiple Varieties Available. See Below] --- (NOT SOLD TO FOREIGNERS)
Fluff Details
Blue Thorn: Made from a Crete native bright blue succulent, Azul el Mural (Blue Mural), which clings in huge spanning batches on canyon walls. Blue Thorn is the fermented liquid the Azul el Mural stores. The liquid is initially clear, but turns a light blue during the fermentation process.
The name of the drink is derived from the thorns the succulent grows that help protect it from the single reptilian creature that attempts to eat the succulents.
Blue Thorn is a high proof alcohol and not to be taken lightly when consumed. Even the toughest Corsairs can quickly find themselves out cold if they drink too much. Thus, its common for Blue Thorn to get mixed in with a basic Rum or a mixer. To weaken its kick. (WILL BE SOLD TO FOREIGNERS)
Sangre del Pueblo (Corsair Rum): Sangre del Pueblo (Blood of the People) or simply, Corsair Rum, is an entirely unique blend made only on Crete by a few clan's that specialize in its making. It is considered apart of Corsair heritage and never knowingly sold to foreigners. These clans consider it a honorable tradition to uphold and keep their variations of the rum a secret. Allowing only specially chosen members of the clan to carry on the tradition.
When tasting the rum in its earliest stages, it has a very obvious coppery tang, which is why it reminded the original brewers of blood. Then it became romanticized and thus the name.
To keep any drinker from constantly being reminded of blood, the rum has native spices added with a dash of Azul el Mural (Blue Mural) to smooth it out. Giving it a smooth taste with notes of pungent spices, and a strong after-kick from the Blue Mural.
Lastly, the Blue Mural adds a faint blue tint that mixes with the otherwise rusty colored rum. Giving it a subtle purple hue. (NOT SOLD TO FOREIGNERS)
-Clan Mercator, 57 creds per bottle. Has no Blue Mural in it. Smoother with a richer blend of spices for a scintillating taste.
-Clan Scaevola, 58 creds per bottle. Has more Blue Mural. Thus a stronger kick and richer purple color. Scaevola has mastered achieving the smoothest Corsair Rum on the planet.
-Clan Silva, 46 creds per bottle. Some consider Silva rum to be the most inferior of the vintages. It has a richer blend of spices than any other vintage, but less Blue Mural and has a stronger coppery taste.
-Clan Alanis, 51 creds per bottle. Alanis rum is the strongest. Blending a strong secret in their brewing process and Blue Mural. They take the most care to hide the coppery taste. With a broader range of spices for the cover.
Sanguis Terrae (Corsair Wine): Sanguis Terrae (Blood of the Earth), or simply Corsair Wine, is wine unique to Crete. Many within the houses of Sirius would likely be shocked to find that the 'barbaric' Corsairs are master vintners in their own right. Yet, many Corsair are born from the blood of Roma. Carrying with them the ability to cultivate some of the finest wines in all of Sirius. Though, much like Corsair ships, weaponry, and their unique rum, the Corsairs do not sell it to foreigners. The clans that grow wine, do not want it disparaged, manipulated, or otherwise handled by the foul folk of the houses and other undesirable elements.
Much like the rum, most vintages of wine make use of the abundant Blue Mural. More so, actually. Due to the heavy use of the Blue Mural, most Corsair wine has a thicker consistency. Thinned to keep it from being syrupy, but still noticeable.
Given Crete is a harsh arid world, lacking in arable land – let alone fertile land – Corsair wine cannot be made in large batches and has an earthier taste. The few grape species that grow in the arid climate produce less fruit and are hardier. Their skin thicker and often coming with a slight bitterness that varies from cultivar to cultivar.
The art of winemaking is also still somewhat new, by house standards. Given the Corsair were a barely surviving civilization for most of their existence. Thus, the craft is still being refined. Most clans experiment heavily still, before releasing a stable vintage to the public. (NOT SOLD TO FOREIGNERS)
-Clan Decimus Vintage, 234 creds per bottle.: Currently considered the foremost of the Corsair vintners. They have poured untold hours and manpower into crafting the most robust, nuanced, and succulent wines on Crete. A slight against their wine is a slight against them. One, they have avenged on a multiple occasions. Though, with the more formalized codification of law by the High Elders, Decimus is less likely to react in such a volatile manner going forward.
-Clan Nerva Vintage, 214 creds per bottle.: Second runner ups, Clan Nerva are a prideful clan and boast some of the richest, sweetest, and long lasting flavored wines there are. Though they are extremely proud of their wines, they are not the types to avenge slights and they handle critiques of their vintages with far better poise.
-Clan De la Vega Vintage, 121-191 creds per bottle.: More interested in a broad range of experimental vintages, the De La Vega clan offer fewer vintages, but each vintage is unique from the other. Making the clan a more eclectic and unique vintner. One can never guess what the clan will produce next.
Sake
---Junmai, 24 creds per bottle
---Honjozo, 60 creds per bottle
---Namazake, 54 creds per bottle)
Wine (Mostly Liberty varieties, with a few expensive Gallic varieties):
-Liberty
---Liberty Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 cred per bottle
---Los Angeles Zinfandel, 46 creds per bottle
---White Valley Chardonnay, 33 creds per bottle
---High Water Malbec, 32 creds per bottle.
-Gallic
---Douce Vallée (Sweet Valley) Riesling, 342 cred per bottle
---La Tour Rouge (Red Tower) Merlot, 401 creds per bottle.
Liberty Ale, 29 creds per bottle
Vodka
-Regular Vodka, 26 creds per bottle
-Cherry Blossom Vodka: 95 creds per bottle. A rare brand of Vodka, Cherry Blossom was a wealthy Liberty socialites invention. Her idea to blend two things she enjoyed. One from her home country and another from Kusari. Those from Kusari who've even heard of the brand, quietly disdain it as is oft their way with such things.
Whiskey
-Regular Whiskey. 23 creds per bottle
-Honey Whiskey, 100 creds per bottle.
-Fire Whiskey, 30 creds per bottle.
-Black Whiskey: 21 creds per bottle. Considered to be swill by most Corsair standards, it will get someone drunk well enough. Thus its often the choice of Corsair who haven't made their riches yet.
Blue Mural: 3 creds per bottle. When not fermented, Blue Mural is little more than a syrupy water with extra steps and a pungent flavor. The succulent is one of the few plants that grow in abundance on Crete. Though it is not a proper replacement for pure water, it will keep a parched Corsair going long enough to get pure water.
Blue Mural Jello: 6 creds per bowl. Blue Mural Jelly is a recent creation in Corsair history. With the ever growing access to foreign markets, through trade or plunder, the Corsairs gained access to bone marrow. Which is a necessary ingredient to make Jello. Blue Mural's already syrupy consistency lent itself perfectly and thus was born Blue Mural Jello.
Some Corsair see the new creation as almost a delicacy. Certainly a treat. Compared to rations and the oft haphazard meals they had put together for generations, something as simple as Jello is a breath of fresh air.
Corsairs prefer their Jello not as sweet and thus their Jello is stronger tasting and with a stronger aroma.
Meat and Bread: 19 creds for a plate. There are no specific types of meat to choose from. One gets what is available at the time. The next raid might bring it something else.
Given wheat is generally easy to grow and can be grown in abundance on bio-domes, most types of bread are made of wheat. Though, with Corsair ties to Hogosha coming about, rice was later brought in and thus some bread is made with rice instead or a mix of both.
Thus, common meals for Corsairs are random-types of meat and wheat or rice bread.
Meat, Rice, with Blue Mural drizzle, 23 creds for a plate.
Meat, with Lettuce, Cucumber, and Basil salad, 26 credits for a plate.
Meat, Rice, with Lettuce, Cucumber, and Basil salad, 32 credits for a plate.
Side of Blue Mural Dipping Sauce, 2 creds.
"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
-OOC Note 1: Please ensure you make a notation if your scene is Open to all characters or is Closed/reserved for only a select character(s).
-OOC Note 2: Please ensure you make a notation of what room your character/the scene is taking place in. Especially, if another player joins your character/scene. Thus ensuring they are not confused as to the location.
-IC Note: Characters can get rowdy, but full violence (outside the arena), will result in a bouncer, and or Marus himself, ejecting anyone physically involved. Possibly even hecklers should they be provoking the violence.
"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
It had been a long day out under the sun. Carmen stepped through the doors and paused a few steps in. She removed her hat and shook her head. A modest puff of dust encircled her head like a nebula for a few seconds before disappearing. She took her gold-tint sunglasses and slipped them into a pocket. Hat under her arm, she strode over to the bar. Placing it atop the counter. A tall, muscular, salt and pepper man of modestly stocky build, turned. His hazel eyes greeted her. His lips mildly curving.
"Welcome back, senora."
"Gracias Marus. A Sangre del Pueblo, Alanis-blend por favor senor."
Marus turned and reached into a pocket. Pulling out a key for a locked metal safe. Pulling out a bottle of faintly purple liquid. He reached over to a shelf and pulled off a glass and poured a quarter of the cup full. Spinning on his feel, he set the glass down. Carmen offered him a smile and took the glass. Raising it up to her nose. Taking in the strong aroma of the Clan Alanis brand. Pleased, she took a sip. The kick came immediately and so too did the scintillating taste of the rich blend of spices that hid the otherwise, coppery taste.
"Mmm, nothing like a good Sangre del Pueblo."
"Si."
She took another sip. Glass back on the bar top, Carmen peeled off her tight-gloves and then slipped them into an interior coat-pocket. She flexed the fingers of each hand and then picked up the glass once more. Idly swirling the aromatic liquid. Leaning in to let the scent waft up to her nose. Closing her eyes. A pleasant smile crossing her countenance.
"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
Shortly after Carmen started to enjoy her drink, the doors open once again. With a confident stride, Luciano Vasquez enters the establishment, heading to the bar. Calling out to Carmen,
"Buenos dias, Senora! So this is the new place you have been telling me about? Looks good amigo, looks good."
Reaching the bar, he eyes up Marus, the bartender, before placing his order;
Location: Main Room, at the Bar. Scene: Open (@Luciana Vasquez)
Carmen hadn't been sitting for long, but had already been enjoying the simplicity of just enjoying a good drink. Especially after those long smuggling runs. Always on edge. Eyes glued to the radar. Never knowing when an encounter would happen. Carmen had been lucky thus far. Only one hostile encounter. A Nomad of all things. The rest had been either ho-hum or strange, like the one with Novak. Thus, back on Crete, she could let all the worries, the concern, the stress, melt away.
When she heard that familiar voice, Carmen shifted. Her pale silver eyes settling on him. Her lips curving into a smile. "Elder Vasquez, it is a pleasure to see you in person, finally."
She stood and when he neared, she extended her right hand in offering. Once the gesture had been reciprocated or not, she waited for him to seat himself before joining him at the bar.
Marus didn't seem fazed by the presence of an Elder. Simply offering a cordial greeting and then fetching the rum. He poured Luciano a glass a quarter full and set it down before him. Then the tall man turned around to get some cleaning down.
"You're making me feel overly fancy, elder," Carmen remarked. As she held up her light-purple drink. "Sangre del Pueblo as compared to your simple rum."
"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
Luciano returns Carmens handshake, giving it a firm grasp, and a warm smile, before turning to the bar and knocking back the rum in one go.
"Just a quick drink to wet my whistle, senora. The night is still young, and there is plenty of time left to try out whatever drinks Marus has to offer."
He runs his eyes over the menu above Marus, then leans sideways against the bar, facing Carmen, and relaxing in posture.
"Hav you gotten into any trouble on your travels lately? Its all been pretty quiet on my end these last few days."
Location: Main Room, at the Bar. Scene: Open (@Luciana Vasquez)
She simply smiled at his remark. Marus certainly had quite the selection. When Luciano's glass went down, her's came up and she sipped at her drink. Returning her gaze to him when he leaned in and asked her about recent excitement. She could only offer him a slight shrug.
"Not much, senor. Had a strange encounter with an AI, though. Yeah, one from Gammu. Could only talk in one-word sentences. Was a bit difficult holding a conversation with. Curious things, those AI."
Carmen shifted in her seat to face Luciano better. Her first index finger came out, as her other fingers retained their grip on the glass. "If I might inquire, what is you do in The Brotherhood, senor? I've heard plenty of the organization, but know so little factual of it."
"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
Luciano barks out a laugh, throwing his head back sharply, before grinng widely once more.
"Senora, when you've been flying as long as I have, sometimes its easier to list what I haven't done. I've stolen gold from Dublin, diamonds from Daumman, and cows from Cambridge. I've fought with the Bretonians for Gran Canaria , the Kusari Navy above Saigon, and tangoed with Hessians across every inch of the Omegas. Ive shipped artifacts to almost every corner of Sirius, and much of Gallia. I've flown every ship made by Corsair hands, from the nimble Legionaire to the mighty Legate."
"My role, my title, in The Brotherhood is that of Elder. And it carries much the same meaning as it does in the wider Corsair society. The history of The Brotherhood goes back all they way to before the Council of Elders, and we have always worked closely together. No soldata of The Brotherhood may take the title of Elder within The Brotherhood, without also earning it outside too."
Now Luciano looks a bit more somber, and he straightens up at the bar, standing tall.
"Indeed senora, even of a few months ago, I was the Consul of The Brotherhood, and stood first amongst all our Soldatas, having taken the position after the disappearance of our previous Consul, Elder Beltran. Though I too, felt it was time to hand the mantle on, and now Elder Cesar Gutierez runs the show. I of course, still provide The Brotherhood, and the people of Crere, with my skills and advice, wherever it may be needed."
Location: Main Room, at the Bar. Scene: Open (@Luciana Vasquez)
With his opening reply, Carmen's brow notched up. The longer he went on, the more amazed she was. Her expression becoming aglow with awe. Her posture straighter. Her demeanor, reverent. She felt increasingly lucky to have met and befriended such a storied and accomplished Corsair. When he had finished, Carmen wasted no time, as she thrust out her fist straight out, in salute to him. Reminiscent of the Ancient Roman salute. "Honor to you, Elder Vasquez!"
Even Marus was impressed. "Honor indeed. Your accomplishments rival my own, hombre. You are in good company."
She then brought up her drink to Luciano and drank in his honor. "I have much to catch up on then." She laughed. "Tell me, how did your raid into Dublin go? I hear the system is a warzone now. Was it so when you ventured there and made away with what I imagine was a fortune in gold?"
"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
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