Paradise (Benacian urban zoning type)
A Paradise is a quarter or district, specialising in diverse forms of entertainment, within a bailiwick of the Benacian Union which is surrounded by a wall or palisade and that is under the effective autonomy of the Guild of the Lotus. The guild enjoys a licence from the civic authorities to govern these enclaves, and the liveried companies and their customers within them, as it sees fit. This leeway is paid for via generous tributes made over to the secular authorities of the realms within which the guild operates. The flower street is the traditional core of a paradise district in the bailiwicks of Elluenuueq.
Within the vibrant paradise districts, a kaleidoscope of entertainments awaits visitors from near and far. These districts are renowned for their extravagant and immersive experiences, where one can indulge in a plethora of delights that cater to all senses and desires.
At the heart of the district's entertainment offerings are the famed Flower Streets, bustling thoroughfares lined with enchanting venues and establishments. Here, one can lose themselves in a symphony of colours, scents, and sounds. The air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices and perfumes, enticing passers-by to explore the countless attractions that beckon from every corner.
The Flower Streets are home to opulent playhouses that showcase spectacular performances. Acrobats defy gravity with their daring feats, dancers glide across the stage with ethereal grace, and musicians weave melodies that stir the soul. The performances range from classical theatre and ballet, emulating the routines of the Chrysean Ballet Company, to avant-garde experimental shows covering topics even considered taboo and contrary to the Union Covenant which operates in the world beyond the boundaries of the district, ensuring there is something to captivate every taste.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the paradise districts offer exclusive salons and parlours where patrons can enjoy private performances. Skilled musicians and artists gather in these intimate settings, enchanting their audience with soulful melodies, captivating poetry recitations, and mesmerising visual displays that transport visitors to realms of fantasy and wonder.
The districts are also known for their renowned pleasure houses, where skilled concubines and companions provide companionship and intimacy to discerning clientele. These establishments are tastefully adorned, offering luxurious settings where patrons can enjoy stimulating conversations, exquisite cuisine, and moments of intimate connection in an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.
Adventurers and thrill-seekers are not forgotten within the paradise districts. Hidden beneath the surface of the Flower Streets lie mysterious underground labyrinths, known only to the initiated. These clandestine venues host thrilling games of chance, daring duels, and clandestine meetings where secrets are traded like precious gems.
In the realm of gastronomy, the paradise districts boast a rich tapestry of culinary delights. Exquisite restaurants and street vendors offer a myriad of flavours from across the realms, tantalising taste buds with delicacies prepared by master chefs. From succulent seafood dishes to aromatic spices, the culinary experiences within the districts are a sensory journey in themselves.
The districts are also known for their vibrant festivals and celebrations, where the entire community comes together in a riot of colour and revelry. Parades wind through the streets, accompanied by music, dancing, and exuberant displays of fireworks that illuminate the night sky. These festive gatherings are a testament to the district's vitality and the ingenuity of its inhabitants.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the paradise districts offer exquisite bathhouses and spas. Serene gardens and soothing hot springs provide a sanctuary where visitors can unwind and pamper themselves with luxurious treatments, massages, and holistic therapies that promote harmony of body, mind, and spirit.
At nightfall, the paradise districts transform into a realm of enchantment. Illuminated by a myriad of colourful lanterns and adorned with shimmering decorations, the streets come alive with vibrant nightlife. Clubs, cabarets, and dance halls pulsate with energy as live bands and talented performers entertain revellers until the early hours of the morning. Laughter and joy fill the air as people immerse themselves in the infectious rhythms and melodies that echo through the streets. The paradise districts truly embody the essence of escapism and indulgence, offering a sanctuary where visitors can leave behind their worries and immerse themselves in a world of beauty, excitement, and pleasure. Whether seeking cultural enrichment, thrilling entertainment, or simply a moment of respite from the outside world, a journey through the paradise districts promises an unforgettable experience that lingers in the heart and mind long after the visit has ended.
However, behind the veneer of glamour and allure, the paradise districts harbour a darker side that often goes unnoticed by the casual observer. Beneath the vibrant façade, exploitative practices and unsavoury dealings seep through the cracks, tarnishing the image of this seemingly perfumed realm.
First and foremost, the paradise districts are built upon a foundation of cynical exploitation. The concubines and companions who enchant visitors with their beauty and charm are often coerced into their roles, lured by false promises of wealth and status. Many of these individuals are trapped in a cycle of servitude, their freedoms and agency stripped away, as they cater to the desires of the privileged clientele.
Furthermore, the Guild of the Lotus, while enjoying a considerable degree of autonomy, wields immense power and influence within the paradise districts. This unchecked authority allows them to manipulate and exploit both the liveried companies and their own members, to say nothing of the servile men and women within the district. The guild's monopoly over various aspects of entertainment grants them control over prices, working conditions, and the overall livelihoods of those who depend on the district for their income.
The Saffron Guard, entrusted with maintaining order and security within the paradise districts, often abuses their power. Reports of corruption, harassment, and even violence are not uncommon. These enforcers, regardless of their efficiency and élan, can become a source of fear rather than protection for those living and working within the district.
Behind closed doors, the paradise districts become a hotbed for illicit activities. Gambling dens, drug trafficking, and other forms of criminal enterprises thrive in the shadows, taking advantage of the blurred lines of jurisdiction and leniency afforded to the guild. The darker underbelly of the paradise districts casts a long and sinister shadow on the reputation of this supposedly idyllic haven. Indeed, the solution of the Union-State to the problem of uncontrolled narcotic use – namely of bestowing a monopoly upon the Guild of the Lotus and confining lawful usage to the paradise districts has led to a concentration of the problems associated with habitual drug-use to the more secluded side streets and alleyways of the paradise.
Moreover, the paradise districts perpetuate a culture of objectification and commodification. Women and men are reduced to mere objects of pleasure, their worth determined solely by their physical attributes. The emphasis on superficial beauty and the relentless pursuit of pleasure can have profound psychological and emotional consequences for both the inhabitants and the visitors of the district. Of course, the paradises exist to serve as the sump, draining and holding the consequences of necessary vice in a controlled location where these consequences cannot harm the wider Harmonious Society.
The financial tributes paid to the secular authorities may seem like a fair trade-off for the guild's autonomy, but in reality, they contribute to a system of corruption and favouritism. The powerful and influential can often buy their way into positions of authority or manipulate the system to their advantage, further exacerbating the disparities and injustices within the paradise districts.
Furthermore, the paradise districts perpetuate a stark social divide. The opulence and extravagance on display are accessible only to those with substantial wealth and privilege, creating a distinct separation between the haves and have-nots. This economic disparity can lead to a sense of resentment and dissatisfaction among the underprivileged population, further deepening societal divides.
The pursuit of pleasure and escapism within the paradise districts often comes at a cost to personal and societal well-being. Excessive indulgence in vices and hedonistic pursuits can lead to addiction, health issues, and the erosion of moral values. The allure of the paradise districts can trap individuals in a cycle of dependency, hindering personal growth and hindering their ability to navigate the real world outside its walls.
Governance
As befits their relative autonomy, the paradise districts are controlled by local chapters of the Guild of the Lotus, under the authority of a Custodian of the Paradise, who is elected by the members of the chapter and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the guild's operations within the bailiwick.
Under the Custodian of the Paradise, the chapter of the bailiwick comprises of a number of liveried companies, each of which is responsible for a specific aspect of the guild's operations within the district. These companies are responsible for managing the Flower Streets, training concubines and companions, producing popular music, and other tasks.
The ever necessary work of enforcement and protection within the paradise is the responsibility of the the Saffron Guard, comprised of women and eunuchs recruited within the Paradise Districts. Irrespective of their background, the members of the guard have been known to carry-out their duties, notably monopoly enforcement, venue security, and basic policing, with a certain amount of efficiency and élan.
