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Built into the cliffs overlooking the Suvan Sea, Riverfall resides on the edge of grasslands of Cyphrus where the Bluevein River plunges off the plain and cascades down to the inland sea below. Home of the Akalak, Riverfall is a self-supporting city populated by devoted warriors. [Riverfall Codex]
Meals & Catering Daily Special* - 1 gm Room Service - 5 gm Catering - 3 gm per hour *Note that meals are included in the price of a room if one has already purchased board. However, room service is not.
Those who come to Riverfall with enough coin often find themselves gravitating toward the Baha'Tian Resorts. This scenic location is located about four miles from the gates of Riverfall, and provides relaxation for citizens and foreigners alike. The Baha'Tian provides luxurious board, private dining, and various other services to cater to their guests. In addition to the treatment, the resort's scenic location among dozens of natural waterfalls and alcoves give it a natural charm. The staff is well trained and flits about like shadows, asking no questions and turning the other way when necessary; although they do have a tendency to cater more closely to the female patrons. Soldiers swarm the road and exterior grounds as a means to protect Riverfall's most affluent citizens from harm. Despite this, once inside the resorts, one would not realize they were under such heavy guard.
Traveling along the cliffside road from Riverfall will eventually bring one to the Baha'Tian Resorts. The complex of structures is built into the cliff and along a large distributary of the Bluevein. The road runs along the side of the large cliff overlooking the Suvan until hitting the main atrium of the Resorts, upon which it orients along the distributary. A series of small cliffs and rises in the terrain as the road travels away from the Suvan provide the many waterfalls and alcoves the Baha'Tian is known for, as well as makes wagon access impossible. After traversing the rough roads and stairs among the cliffs for about half a mile, they give out to the flat Sea of Grass.
The grounds of the Baha'Tian are not overly elaborate, yet still well kept and manicured as the rest of Riverfall. A path wide enough for a wagon cuts down the center of the grounds to the only structure above the ground, the atrium. At the doors to the atrium an Akalak will take the citizen's horse or wagon and stable it for the duration of their stay. A twelve foot hedge stands between the road and the grounds, blocking any view of the interior except whatever one might see from beyond the iron gates. Once on the ground, a series of equally tall hedges greet the visitor if they were to stray off the path. These lead to various gardens and gazebos scattered throughout the large, mazelike grounds.
When one enters the atrium, they find themselves in large domed structure with a skylight roof. Stone floors and pillars lead the visitor up to a reception area where a cordial Akalak will always be present to greet and guide the guests. On the far left wall can be found a series of stairwells which lead down into the cliff itself, where the rooms are situated. To the right can be found two doors, one leading to the storage facilities of the Baha'Tian, and the other to the stables. On either side of the reception desk can be found a tall corridor. These corridors merge, and lead the visitor to a small bridge which crosses the Baha'Tian Distributary, and into the private dining area of the resorts.
Going down the stairwells leads one into four sub-floors of borderline labyrinthine stone halls dotted with doors and private meeting areas. Navigating the sub-floors can be difficult to the unacclimatized, and the feeling of utter solitude presses heavily against each individual. Each suite of rooms contains three areas: a living room, a bedroom, and a small bathing area. Though the various suites contain a similar quality and layout, the furniture is different in each. If one desires a private massage or more clandestine services, they must first schedule it with the front desk and a masseuse will arrive in their room at the agreed upon time. Women are given preference over men when scheduling massages, and will almost always be served first.
Accessible only from outside the grounds yet still considered one of the most private places in Riverfall, the Baha'Tian falls and alcoves are both a sight to behold and premium destination. While great pains are taken inside the resort to afford the guests every iota of privacy possible, they could not top the seclusion the alcoves provide. A series of perhaps a dozen or so falls and small caves dot the area, some natural and other carved by the Akalak. Clean water from the falls gathers in various pools and ponds throughout the miniature delta, providing many places to swim and relax. Dense foliage springs forth from wherever it might find purchase, providing a natural, wild cover.
Across the river from the main atrium, one finds the private dining area. Here the chef Karkaus Vorin cooks for those who stay at the resort, or whomever finds themselves in need of food. His rates are, in contrast to the rest of the resort, extremely reasonable. There is no menu for in house dining, but rather a special course (which is invariably excellent) that varies each day. Special accommodations can be made for special diets, yet one should be prepared for a lashing. Karkaus also does external catering for a reasonable price.
While all of this is available to the males of Riverfall as well as the females, the latter always seems to get special attention from the staff. Women are treated extremely well at the Baha'Tian, as they are considered the most esteemed guests (excepting the council members) in Riverfall. This usually manifests itself as extra food on their plate, an extra ten or so minutes added to their massage, or a few Mizas shaved from the bill. The Baha'Tian openly encourages the feminine citizens of Riverfall to come spend a few days of luxury at the resorts, and always makes the spent coin worth it. It is often considered the best place, rivaled only by Godiva's Refuge, for a woman to spend her time.
Proinnsiah Kievra :
Race: Akalak Age: 304 Position: Proprietor of the Baha'Tian Resorts Skills: Business 83; Familiary 44; Negotiation 42; Leadership 28 Other: Proinnsiah is the owner of the Baha'Tian Resorts, and an extremely extroverted and dedicated man. He revels in contact with people, and has a razor wit despite his old age. Long ago he came to terms with his other half, Yivinic. Said darker half is nigh indistinguishable from Proinnsiah, the main difference being that he is less welcoming and slightly snider.
Two hundred years ago, Proinnsiah began dabbling with methods to allow him to be everywhere at once. After some time, a young human entered the Baha'Tian with an amorphous mass. Inquiries revealed that the blob was actually a familiar, a sort of extension of the man's self. Proinnsiah, making a rather rash decision, paid the magician a hefty sum of Miza to acquire a familiar for him as well. What came through was Jakartis, an ethereal, air headed creature that Proinnsiah instantly bonded to. The two were excellent partners, although the hotelier often becomes frustrated with Jakartis' inability to concentrate on a task and lack of perfectionism. Despite this, in social situations there could not be a stronger alliance.
Karkaus Vorin :
Race: Akalak Age: 174 Position: Head Chef at the Baha'Tian Resort Skills: Cooking 85; Philtering 56; Poison 40 Other: Karkaus can be rather difficult to get along with. His temper is renowned in his kitchen and the resorts in general, and one of the only reasons he is kept is because of his almost legendary skill as a chef. He has what must be a veritable batallion of cooks in training beneath him, scurrying around to serve customers and work the line. He does private catering, and though the affair usually has to go exactly as he plans it, the events are usually notable for their excellent food. Karkaus usually charges extremely cheaply for his services because his salary at Baha'Tian is rather large, and it allows him to do one of the only things he actually enjoys. Very few people have ever seen Karkaus' other side, Giohvoz, though those that have say he is rather subdued where Karkaus' is grouchy and difficult.
Last edited by Puck on September 7th, 2010, 1:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ora was not in a rush to get to Baha'Tian, her pace was slow as she made her way through the city towards the resort. Her mind was preoccupied with the words the Akalak had spoke back at the Labor Aid office. She was to go by a different name? She was to not speak of herself or who she truly was, how was Ora to do this? Hearing lies spoken was uncomfortable enough, speaking them herself seemed worse.
The Konti reached the large, complex resort, after a fairly long walk, the building was beautiful and well guarded. The woman bowed her head slightly as she passed by the soldiers guarding the place, of all the places she could stay she was here? The Konti began to wonder if her decision to find her father had been the right one.
Violet eyes seemed to refocus on their surroundings, taking in the well manicured gardens of the resort, there was no way this place would be within a reasonable price range. The Akalak she had met was genuinely concerned for something, and for that, Ora was thankful. She would do as the man requested, especially if he was willing to pay for some of the costs.
The Konti found herself stopping every so often to enjoy the plant-life that surrounded her, the neat hedges had sharp corners, as if trimmed daily. Ora enjoyed the simple aspects of the garden, it was calming and directed anyone within it to their destination with the tall hedges. At the end of the path Ora was on was a large domed building, likely where she would be able to check in and be given a room.
The small woman hurried her pace, she was tired and wished to rest, to collect her thoughts. In the morning she would be starting a job, one she would enjoy greatly, but also one that would expose her in ways she normally did not allow. "You are no longer Ora Sa'vina here..." She thought to herself, her steps landing her in front of the atrium.
Small, white hands opened a door into the large domed building, exposing its innards. Violet eyes scanned the area from the doorway, looking over the stairs on the left side of the large room, light spilling in from the domed, window ceiling. Pillars lead Ora to a receptionist at a large desk, it seemed odd to the woman that such large and fierce men would have desk jobs.
Small noises echoed in the hall as Ora walked through the portal and towards the receptionist. It took her a few moments and a fair number of steps to reach the large desk. "Excuse me? I would like to stay here.. I am not sure how long I will be needing to stay though." Her voice was small as she looked at the Akalak. "Remember, your name is Iaila Cailvhas now."
Proinnsiah Kievra looked up from the sheets of paper he had been perusing to give the newcomer a warm smile. The man seemed pleased if not downright overjoyed at something or another, and it did not require Ora's gift to know that his exuberant greeting was most sincere. "Welcome welcome well come indeed to the Baha'Tian Resorts!" The Akalak's voice boomed across the foyer despite the Konti's proximity.
The proprietor recited his prices like clockwork, "Fifteen gold for a night, ninety gold for a week, and two hundred and ninety for a half season. You can pay for any of the aforementioned lengths of time in any combination you desire. Meals are included as well." Now the proprietor stood, ready to serve the customer to the utmost.
A smile crossed the Konti’s face as the booming Akalak greeted her. His voice was genuine and he seemed fairly excited to have someone come into the large building. As the man recited the prices for staying Ora thought for a few moments. “Fifteen gold a night? Goodness, I will pay the amount I paid for living in Sylira’s in less than a week!” The Konti sighed slightly, looking back up at the helpful man. “The only other place I was told not to go to…” Ora left her thoughts and began to speak. “I believe I will be here for at least half the season, I think I will go with that.”
Ora took out three pouches, each was hefty looking and full, likely with money. Small pale fingers opened one and removed ten gold mizas, which she put into a pouch on her hip. “That should be the amount for a half season.”
Scooping up the sacks of Mizas, Proinnsiah smiled at the customer. Removing a key, he unlocked one of his desk drawers and deposited the funds inside. The receptionist then retrieved a small piece of paper with serrations down its center. Dipping an ornate feather quill in ink, he recorded something and proceeded to tear the paper in two halves. To the customer he handed one, while he clipped the other to a small stack. On Ora's piece was written, Customer #1729, 290 Mizas paid in full.
"That is your payment stub should you require a partial refund. Do keep in mind we cannot make full refunds though. That is that then." Without so much as a blink of an eye he sat down and suddenly Ora found herself buffeted by what at first was a gust of steam. The feeling soon passed though as the cloud moved past her. The presence of this amorphous, billowing mass was not so unexpected as the fact that it spoke, "Greetings! Follow me!" The cloud raced off, but Proinnsiah held the customer in check with an upraised hand. "He will take you to your room. Dining is across the bridge, there are a number of alcoves and pools down the road, and if you require a massage simply inquire with me or Jakartis, my familiar. You should follow him now."
Jakartis would lead Ora down a set of stairs, and another, and another. Down a series of hallways and passages so labyrinthine and lonely many found themselves lost. Every inch of the Baha'Tian was impeccably manicured, but for the life of her Ora Sa'vina did not see another soul she shared its luxury with. Jakartis, her steamy guide, continued to babble incessantly as they traversed the complex.
After what seemed like fifteen chimes, they finally stopped and opened a nondescript door with the number 73 etched into it. The room the pair entered was spacious and high ceilinged, a set of four padded chairs arranged about an ornate table. A fireplace lay off to the side, and a book case with texts on various subjects from Riverfall's history to common myths to common books such as "The Circumnavigation of Mizahar" also adorned the room. Several shelves and a writing desk were also apparent. An archway led into a bedroom, where a large, ornately framed bed was found. In addition to the bed were a pair of large, fixed windows facing the sea. An armoire stood against a wall. Attached to the bedroom was a bathing area, a large pool circulating warm water taking up one of the walls. Another large window provided a view of the ocean, taking up most of one wall. In the center of the room could be found a firepit with a basin of rocks positioned above it, a ceramic pitcher available to dump water on them.
"This is your residency! If you have any requirements please contact either me or Proinnsiah!." In the next instant, Jakartis had vanished.
Small fingers took the small piece of paper and inspected it closely. “Customer #1729, 290 Mizas paid in full” was all that the paper read. Violet eye blinked a few times, that was it? They didn’t want her name? Her age? Her fertility? This was a pleasant and relaxing surprise. Before Ora could open her mouth to thank the kind receptionist she was assaulted by a sudden gust of steam, the cloud of vapor passed quickly, forming itself into a strange mass next to her. After a blink a voice seemed to come from the cloud, a cheerful, excited one at that, encouraging her to follow. Her questions about the being were shortly answered, a familiar, this was a creature she had heard of but never personally experienced. Violet eyes followed it as it began to move away from her, her ears listening to the man behind the desk as he gave off directions to various things. “Thank you,” The young woman bowed her had and smiled at the clerk before she scampered after the Jakartis. The familiar lead here through so many halls with so many twists and turns the young Konti felt she would be trapped there through the rest of her days. Ora’s mind whirled as she tired to remember each turn, passageway and door she passed. Jakartis spoke incessantly, but the woman found herself too caught up in trying to remember her way out to listen to the kind, exuberant creature. The walk seemed to drag on for what seemed like far too long to Ora. Suddenly, the familiar stopped and opened a door, door number 73 to be exact. The Konti felt herself in shock as the door opened; while she had dropped half her purse to stay her, it was obvious that the money was well worth it. Four cushioned chairs fit for any in the Mother’s circle, and perhaps even the Grandmother’s circle, were arranged about and equally elegant and ornate table. A fireplace was near by with a bookcase near it, full of all sorts of interesting texts, of which Ora hoped to at least glance through. A writing desk was also near the bookcase and fireplace, Ora thought it unlikely that she would use it, but such a lovely item was welcome. The part of her new quarters that pleased her the most was the bath, a large pool of warm water was a sight for sore eyes, the young Konti looked forward to a long soak, perhaps even a nap, in the water. Opposite of the bath was a large window over looking the sea, another thing she had missed, but with her long trip, she was able to enjoy it again. Ora turned to thank the familiar, her words were cut off at “Than-“ as she realized the familiar had vanished and left her alone in the large, flashy room.
by Puck on August 9th, 2010, 4:12 am 
