X marks the Spot
The building is an old Harlem Speakeasy restored to it's original glory, a grand Victorian mansion subtly altered in the 1920s to allow for the business. The main area is open to the public, and features a wide variety of nightly entertainment, from jazz bands to dancing girls.
Hard to find these days, but there is a small garden surrounding the building, an electrified wall divides the front from the rear. There is no sign, save for the name of the place written on the street mailbox. Patrons are encouraged to tell their friends if they enjoy themselves.
The atmosphere, except during appropriate performances, is typically fairly quiet and low key. The main bar is hidden from view of the entryway, and patrons will be entertained by a short walk through the somewhat maze like rooms and hallways of the house in order to reach it. The decor features wood paneling, painted ceilings, and red velvet floors. There is an additional bar and a small ballroom on the second floor. The entire set of the place reaches the viewer back to an era that knew what elegance was, and considered it common place. Given the building's home-design, There are numerous nooks and hideaways for any patrons to obtain their privacy, or to mingle and chat as they see fit.
The man about the place, is named Henry Silversmith. He can be found with little effort floating about the place ensuring there are no problems, and directing our more specific patrons to the appropriate private areas.
The mob, obviously, has a toe in the door here, and take their cut from the establishments earnings. In return they provide basic security muscle, and operate a gambling den in the basement, from which the establishment receives a cut and yearly rent. To enter the den, a patron must give a keyword to Silversmith, and they will be shown to a library room with a moving bookcase, hiding the stairs to the basement. The keyword, is assigned by the boss operating the room, and changes weekly. The book that moves the bookcase, also changes weekly.
Now for our target audience, those of extraordinary means, must ask Silversmith "Where might I find a quiet drink?" He will provide simple directions to a door at the end of one of the hallways. Through this door, patrons will pass through a set of curtains, to find themselves in a small entry chamber facing another door. The room is octagonal with various paintings on each angled wall. The floor is red velvet with a large X burned into it, as if by an iron brand, small patches of hardwood floor show through where it's been burned. The next door, opens to a brick wall. Patrons must find their own way past the brick wall.
On the other side of the wall, patrons will find themselves in a Victorian smoking room. The room is not large, but it is spacious enough. It is clearly devoted to the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. There is a small bar, and a waiter serving drinks as well as cigars or cigarettes. Despite the smoke, the room is well ventilated, so the air is quite fresh. The room is liberally provided with comfortable chairs, and coffee tables. Bookshelves line the walls. There is a large fireplace which is kept lit during cold weather, an ornate chess set sits on the table before it.
The ceiling bears a painting of a ship on a stormy sea, lightning flashing across the sky, and dark cliffs rearing dangerously close.
The rear of the room has a pair of french doors which open out onto the back porch, and into the rear garden.