The Black Market
Everyone knows what a black market is; they exist in perhaps every city of Idalos, whether you know about it or not. That place, that sweet spot deep in the heart of any nation no matter how pitiful or how grand, where a single desperate soul can traverse through vendors to find whatever his heart desires... as long as he's willing to pay the right price. And sometimes that price needs to be in more than just coin. Viden’s Black Market has both a physical and a theoretical existence. The secret nature of the Market means that vendors cannot just line up in a dingy alleyway, hoping that the authorities will not stumble upon them.
However so much is prohibited in Viden that the Directorate actually turn a blind eye to the activities of the Black Market… to an extent. As long as the death toll from alcohol and drug consumption does not rise, or general crime rates increase, the Directorate is willing to allow the market to continue. After all, they take no profit for themselves, but most users of the Market are visitors, so the existence only increases the wealth of the city as a whole.
Therefore there is a physical manifestation of the Black Market. One which can only be found with direction from another who knows how to get there. Build on a mezzanine level of the city, the labyrinth of corridors that exist under the city have been partitioned off through years of misuse and neglect. Years ago there would be a number of entrances in, but now there is only one. Unsurprisingly, this entrance is located behind The Devil’s Advocate.
You've heard the rumours, things that seem incredible and unbelievable in a city so white and seemingly perfect and without crime as Viden, really do exist. Away from prying eyes and the warmth of daylight, the whispered tales, and are now concrete, menacing promises hiding just out of sight. Once deep enough into the labyrinth below the city, any voices from the world above fall away. A shiver runs down the spine of most, as they realise that, in a tomb of ice, they have lost the security or at least the comfort of knowing you won't die alone.
But the path continues, torchlight guides the way through the labyrinth safely, until a small archway appears. Just beyond it, everyone knows what they will find. Banned goods. But first time visitors believe they will also find in it all their dreams, all their fantasies... no matter how twisted or perverse or filled with self-loathing or psychopathic hate, all of them at least had the potential for realisation. Perhaps like other rumours of places across Idalos, this one had gained a reputation it did not earn.
Heading through the small archway, the corridor instantly widens up to allow for vendors to sell their wares, and buyers to peruse. Any previous belief that Viden had a dark side would instantly be dashed upon entering. As bright as anywhere in Viden, even vendors were dressed in as fine robes and suits at the buyers. A quick glance around will allow a keen observer to notice that many sellers were slaves, giving the instant impression that most of the Black Market was owned and run by Viden’s most affluent families. And that assumption would not be wrong, wealth was a fickle thing. And extravagance existed in all corners and holes of Viden.
Welcome to the Black Market, buddy. Watch your step...
Prophet's Note: This location requires no permission to self-moderate.
However so much is prohibited in Viden that the Directorate actually turn a blind eye to the activities of the Black Market… to an extent. As long as the death toll from alcohol and drug consumption does not rise, or general crime rates increase, the Directorate is willing to allow the market to continue. After all, they take no profit for themselves, but most users of the Market are visitors, so the existence only increases the wealth of the city as a whole.
Therefore there is a physical manifestation of the Black Market. One which can only be found with direction from another who knows how to get there. Build on a mezzanine level of the city, the labyrinth of corridors that exist under the city have been partitioned off through years of misuse and neglect. Years ago there would be a number of entrances in, but now there is only one. Unsurprisingly, this entrance is located behind The Devil’s Advocate.
You've heard the rumours, things that seem incredible and unbelievable in a city so white and seemingly perfect and without crime as Viden, really do exist. Away from prying eyes and the warmth of daylight, the whispered tales, and are now concrete, menacing promises hiding just out of sight. Once deep enough into the labyrinth below the city, any voices from the world above fall away. A shiver runs down the spine of most, as they realise that, in a tomb of ice, they have lost the security or at least the comfort of knowing you won't die alone.
But the path continues, torchlight guides the way through the labyrinth safely, until a small archway appears. Just beyond it, everyone knows what they will find. Banned goods. But first time visitors believe they will also find in it all their dreams, all their fantasies... no matter how twisted or perverse or filled with self-loathing or psychopathic hate, all of them at least had the potential for realisation. Perhaps like other rumours of places across Idalos, this one had gained a reputation it did not earn.
Heading through the small archway, the corridor instantly widens up to allow for vendors to sell their wares, and buyers to peruse. Any previous belief that Viden had a dark side would instantly be dashed upon entering. As bright as anywhere in Viden, even vendors were dressed in as fine robes and suits at the buyers. A quick glance around will allow a keen observer to notice that many sellers were slaves, giving the instant impression that most of the Black Market was owned and run by Viden’s most affluent families. And that assumption would not be wrong, wealth was a fickle thing. And extravagance existed in all corners and holes of Viden.
Welcome to the Black Market, buddy. Watch your step...
Prophet's Note: This location requires no permission to self-moderate.