The Orchard

The Orchard
The Orchard is a chain of nightclubs located throughout the kingdoms that function as neutral territory for members of the criminal underworld. Each establishment honours the name of the city that it resides in (e.g. The Orchard of Sadena, The Orchard of Zahara, The Orchard of the Narrows). They are frequented by many mercs, gangs, and thieves, and it generally operates as a place of respite for anyone dealing in dark and grey market matters. Many fixers work out of Orchards as it serves as a great hub for those looking to make some quick or large coin. Most Orchards have multiple floors that cater to professionals at different levels of their careers. The main floor acts as a public tavern during the day and as a lively club at night. The mezzanine and privacy of the upper floors are only available to higher-tier members, leaving the crypt as a quiet area for meetings away from prying eyes for those of lesser tiers. To access these levels one must be invited by a member, accompanied by a fixer, or be a member themselves. Each member is given an irreplaceable platinum coin with an engraving of a serpent wrapping around an apple tree. This coin must be shown to the establishment’s concierge to gain access to any offering of the Orchard. The Orchard offers support for the illegal endeavours of its members and clients in the way of counselling, consultation, legal support, job postings and connections, a reputation ranking system for members, means of long-distance communications to other Orchards, and most importantly as a place of neutral sanctuary. These establishments are strict non-combative zones and anyone caught spilling blood on neutral ground without good reason must deal with the Orchard’s enforcers. A continued lack of respect for the establishment’s rules and authority risks a person’s demotion and possible retaliation from the organization and its counterparts.