Alchimia Lupinaar

A high class bathhouse in Invictus run by the infamous Madam Zarine. Services include gambling, dining, drinks, and paid companionship.

History
Opened in 1015, Alchimia Lupinaar is the home and business of proprietor Madam Zarine. After leaving Blackwood and joining Invictus Zarine felt somewhat without purpose. Her medical practice was feeling less necessary and her personal relationships were somewhat tenuous. Not one to not have any irons in the fire, she was on the look out for something more to do with her life rather than drink at local taverns every night and enjoy whatever male company she found. One night, at one of the aforementioned local taverns, she witnessed an altercation between a prostitute named Molly Masters and a client that brought back memories she thought long buried. Unable to leave the poor girl to her assailant she came to her defense, not realizing that it would set her on an entirely new path that she never saw herself traveling.

The girl was visibly upset and clearly afraid of getting in trouble with her handler. Being no stranger to how the businesses of paid companionship works in most places, Zarine knew that her involvement had put her and the other whores in more danger. She couldn't leave them there so she brought them home with her. Once there, they talked about their lives, what led them to their profession and what it was like on a daily basis. Their stories dredged up old wounds and new fears. It wasn't right that there was nowhere safe and clean for these women to ply their trade. She looked at them and saw her mother, and made the choice to build the place that would give them safety.

Work began in 1015 to expand her home, dissolve her medical practice, and build a bathhouse. Her vision was a place where women who chose this life were respected, had a comfortable place to live, and were well cared for. No stranger to reinventing herself, she also sought to reinvent an entire profession. The business officially opened in late 1015 with a small staff, comprised mostly of Molly, her friends, and others that they knew needed help. Over time the staff and the property have grown. Word of a safe place to work that accepted men and women of questionable backgrounds for all manner of positions spread and she is never in need of more employees, though she most often accepts them anyways.

Business Structure
Like most brothels, the companions keep a portion of their earnings as well as being provided room and board. Unlike most brothels, they are allowed to set their own prices. They are also allowed to refuse service to anyone at any time. They are offered financial consulting and business advice from both the Madam and her personal accountant. They are not under contract and they are free to leave at any time.

The rest of the staff (housekeepers, cooks, servers, dealers, etc) receive a weekly rate as well as room and board.

Rooms are available for rent for various purposes and arrangements for payment vary. Casino's and/or dealers can rent card rooms for private games, often times the business receives a cut of the profit rather than a flat rate, or a combination of both. Private parties often rent portions of the downstairs, and again payment is handled on a case by case basis. Zarine believes in a flexible business model based on the needs of the moment rather than a rigid system.

Services Offered

 * Paid Companionship
 * Baths
 * Gambling
 * Food & Drink
 * Library
 * Lodging
 * Private Parties

The Foyer
Enter here. A small sitting area and reception/concierge desk. All visitors must check in and state their business here before being ushered into the main rooms.

The Main Salon
An open area just inside the main entrance with a bar and tables where people can congregate

Card Rooms
Multiple card rooms offering various games of both chance and skill

Sitting Rooms
Various sized, well appointed rooms that serve various purposes. Can be reserved for private parties, used for private conversation, meet and greets for companions and clients, etc. They all lock from the inside and the master key is only carried by the Madam, head server, and head of security.

The Library
A large, comfortable library available to both guests and employees. Books are not usually allowed to be taken off property without permission.

The Kitchen
The domain of Sven, it is rumored Zarine is not even allowed in. There is a yard in the back that houses the laundry and gardens.

Servants Quarters
Mostly a hallway with bedrooms, though there is a small common area as well.

Offices
Various offices including The Madam's, Security, and Accounting.

The Baths
A typical bath house area. They were originally heated though magical means but this proved unreliable. They are now heated with geothermal energy.

Paid Companion Rooms
Where the paid companions live and entertain. All rooms contain a small sitting area, bedchamber, and washroom. Each companion is responsible for decorating their own apartment beyond the basics.

Lodging Rooms
Private rooms available for rent short or long term by guests. Size, style, and amenities vary by room.

Residential Rooms
Some middle ranking employees keep their residential rooms on this floor

The Madam's Private Apartments
Zarine's personal residence which includes her own personal study which she uses as a more internal office than her official one downstairs

Residential Apartments
Higher ranking employees have their own living quarters on the upper floors.

Luxury Suites
Well appointed suits for rent by wealthy and/or esteemed guests

The Stables and Carriage House
A typical stables and well appointed carriage house. The carriage house can be rented for private parties and it is rumored that Zarine holds an exclusive annual yule party there.

The Boathouse and Docks
Situated on the river across from Invictus proper, paid ferry service is available to and from the city directly to the business.

Typical Clientele
Despite having a reputation for being exclusive, you'll find all manner of people at Alchimia Lupinaar. Visitors much check in, but only to make sure they are not blacklisted. There is a dress code, but it's more lenient than one might think, and it is raised and lowered depending on the night. There is no tolerance for violence or problem causers, offenders will find themselves tossed out and repeat offenders will find themselves banned. Clients paying for companionship must make an offer to their chosen companion and it must be accepted. There is no non consensual abuse of the companions, and if any is found it is grounds for immediate expulsion from the premises and an eternal ban. A typical night has a decent crowd with a mix of gambling, drinking, and jovial conversation.