The Curfew (SS26)

It might not be the most violent establishment in the Suiddock, but the Curfew is certainly amoungst the most notorious. Prominent figures of Marienburg's entrenched underworld such as Max 'Smiles' Roosjik or 'Crazy Eddie' Ottervanger are patrons of the bar, as are corrupt merchants, fences, smugglers and wannabes, all seeking to ingraiate themselves with the criminal realm. Entry codes are strict, and the violent petty criminals are kept away, lending an air of respectablity which attracts wealthy thrill seekers. These are ripped off as far as possible by the enterprising management, and, on occasion unceramoniously robbed.

The bar is set in a converted warehouse, and from the outside seems unglamourous. An impressive revolving door has replaced the originals, and is guarded by two stylish troll bouncers (complete with tinted glasses), but this is the only indication that the warehouse is not what it seems. The interior refutes the initial bland impression, and the bar would not look out of place in the Centralwijk. Although not overtly opulent, everything is of the highest quality. The furniture is made from gleaming Lustrian rosewood, the glasses by an exclusive Nuln company and thick Arabian rugs sprawl over the flagstone floor. The food (biased towards Tilean dishes) is irreproachable, the wines (mostly over a hundred years old) are faultless, but the prices reflect these high standards!

The ground floor is layed out in a fairly open plan, with tables crowding around a small stage (where music is performed every night) and dancefloor. It is a blend of restaurant, wine bar, gambling hall, bordello, club and council chambers for the more powerful Marienburg criminals. High class whores circulate amoungst the gangsters and racketeers, flirting with the impassive bodyguards, or toying with the odd nïave stranger. Sinister crime lords and unscrupulous merchants play cards for one thousand guilders a hand. Those here merely for the atmosphere turn their heads away as another bloody vengance is enacted. The Curfew is always pulsating with life ­ some of it evil, but most of it worse.

The upper floor is a balcony that runs round the edge of the walls, and is tranquil compared to the treacherous chaos of the ground floor. From here, one can see the heads of the throng below. Only members of the Guild (SB34) are allowed on this floor, and this is enforced by yet another troll at the foot of the stairs, for this is where the serious deals and power mongering occurs.

Common Knowledge

"You know why it's called The Curfew? A few years back when there was rioting in docklands the watch declared an evening curfew on the streets. The Guild was NOT happy ­ they couldn't go about their business, see, so it set up an illegal bar every night as a protest. Course the watch knew how to compromise, so they let it stand. It was a grotty place. Anyhow, after the curfew was lifted they made it permenant ­ but real posh and chucked out all the regular petty crooks! No one can make out if it's a joke against the watch or the thieves."

"What do you want to go there for!? Strangers to the city like you 'll be stripped like plucked chickens if you take a step in there."

Jud, Unlucky Erik, Laz (SS26a) Bouncers

"This 'stablishment don't accept no small timers. And youse definately small time."

"Hey, quit beakin' my rocks."