Scandal & The Hidden Temple

Scandal: The Nightclub of Shadows

Scandal is more than just a nightclub; it is a temple of temptation and desire, a place where the boundaries of pleasure and peril are constantly pushed. Whether one is drawn to the frenetic energy of the Pit, the seductive intimacy of Up-Top, or the exclusive allure of Down-Below, Scandal offers an experience like no other. It is a place where secrets are both kept and revealed, and where the Setites' influence seeps into the very fabric of the night.

Scandal, nestled along the 400 block of downtown Baltimore, is a pulsating epicenter of hedonism and intrigue, known far and wide as the hub of Setite activity within the city. By day, its exterior blends into the urban landscape, but by night, it transforms into a beacon for those seeking thrills and secrets.

The Pit

At the heart of Scandal lies the Pit, the main dance floor, a throbbing, writhing mass of humanity that rises and falls to the relentless beat of the music. Strobe lights flash in chaotic harmony with the music, creating an almost hypnotic effect on the dancers. Elevated platforms scattered throughout the Pit are home to go-go dancers who move with a seductive grace, their bodies illuminated in the shifting lights, adding to the electric atmosphere.

Up-Top

Encircling the Pit is the Up-Top, a spacious balcony that offers a different kind of allure. Here, the volume drops just enough to allow for whispered conversations and more intimate encounters. Scattered around are secluded nooks and plush seating areas where patrons can sit down, talk, and indulge in more personal forms of entertainment. The shadows here seem deeper, more inviting, providing the perfect cover for passionate embraces or clandestine meetings.

Down-Below

Beneath the club, accessible only by a guarded staircase, lies Down-Below, the exclusive VIP area. This is no mere playground for the elite; it is a haven for Kindred, where vampire-friendly drinks are served and the staff is well-versed in catering to their unique needs. The atmosphere is darker, more refined, with an air of predatory elegance. Go-go dancers here are even more provocative, their performances designed to tantalize and entice. Private rooms offer a discreet setting for more primal forms of entertainment, where the line between pleasure and pain often blurs.

Theme Nights

Scandal is renowned for its extravagant theme nights, when the entire venue undergoes a dramatic transformation. On these nights, the club might become a swashbuckling pirate ship, with staff dressed as buccaneers and patrons encouraged to don their best pirate attire. On another night, it might morph into a haunted house, complete with eerie decorations and ghostly staff, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. These events are not just for show; they are a testament to the Setites' love for drama and decadence, providing the perfect backdrop for their nocturnal activities.

Scandal's security is greater than most nighclub's. Before attempting to circumvent the bouncers, engage in sketchy behaviour, or talk your way into Down-Below, please check with a Storyteller.

The Hidden Temple

The existence of the Setite temple is not common knowledge. Unless a character has specific lore knowledge of the Followers of Set and their practices, or has been exposed to the Temple itself, then they would not know if its possible existence. Access to the Temple is also heavily guarded - any scene involving unsanctioned access to the Labyrinth is an automatic consent to the possibility of character death. Any scene involving an attempt to beach the Pylon or any unsanctioned access beyond the Pylon is an automatic consent to inevitable character death. In either case, speak to a Storyteller before proceeding.

The Labyrinth Entrance

Deep beneath the vibrant and bustling nightclub Scandal lies a hidden world of ancient power and mystery. To reach Baniti's temple, one must first navigate a labyrinth designed to deter and confuse intruders. This labyrinth, an intricate network of winding passageways and dead ends, is dimly lit by flickering torches and adorned with carvings of serpents and cryptic hieroglyphs. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and ancient dust, and the walls seem to echo with the whispers of forgotten rituals.

This labyrinth is more than a mere physical maze; it is also a psychological gauntlet designed to test and tempt those who seek the temple. Hidden chambers off the main paths offer various forms of temptation. Some rooms are filled with luxurious pillows and silken draperies, where acolytes engage in sensual acts meant to distract and seduce. The air here is thick with the sounds of pleasure and the intoxicating scent of exotic perfumes. These rooms are designed to lure the unwary into abandoning their quest, lost in hedonistic delight.

Other chambers appear as opulent guest rooms, complete with comfortable beds and lavish furnishings, inviting travelers to rest and succumb to the comforts of the flesh. Each of these rooms is a trap, ensnaring those who stray from their path with promises of respite and indulgence.

The Pylon

Emerging from the labyrinth, visitors are greeted by a grand pylon, a massive gateway flanked by towering obelisks. The pylon is decorated with detailed carvings depicting the deeds of Set and the history of Baniti's Blood Cult. The symbols and reliefs glow faintly with an otherworldly light, hinting at the supernatural power contained within. Beyond the pylon, the temple itself stretches out, its grandeur hidden from the world above.

The Courtyard

Entering through the pylon, one steps into a large open courtyard. This space, while underground, is designed to mimic the feel of an outdoor area, with high ceilings painted to resemble the night sky. Statues of Set and other deities line the courtyard, their eyes seemingly watching all who enter. The floor is paved with polished stone, etched with sacred symbols that guide initiates through their rituals. At the center of the courtyard lies a reflecting pool, its waters dark and still, reflecting the torchlight in eerie patterns.

The Hypostyle Hall

Beyond the courtyard lies the hypostyle hall, a vast chamber supported by rows of towering columns. Each column is intricately carved with scenes of Baniti's exploits and the cult's rituals. The ceiling is adorned with a celestial map, showing the alignment of stars significant to the Setites. This hall serves as a gathering place for larger ceremonies and meetings, where the cultists come together to hear the words of the High Priest or Priestess.

The Sanctuary

At the heart of the temple is the sanctuary, the most sacred and secretive part of the complex. This chamber is accessible only to the highest-ranking members of the cult. The walls are lined with shelves holding ancient scrolls and relics, some of which date back to Baniti's time in Egypt. The focal point of the sanctuary is the grand altar of Set, carved from black marble and stained with the blood of countless sacrifices. This is where the most potent rituals are performed, where the blood of the willing and the unwilling alike is offered to Set in exchange for power and protection.

The Inner Sanctum

Beyond the sanctuary lies the inner sanctum, a small, heavily guarded chamber that houses Baniti's resting place. This crypt is adorned with treasures and artifacts that Baniti accumulated over his long existence. His sarcophagus, an ornate coffin covered in gold and precious stones, lies at the center, surrounded by protective wards and spells. The air here is colder, and a sense of ancient power permeates the space, as if the very stones themselves remember Baniti's presence.

The temple beneath Scandal, with its labyrinthine entrance filled with temptations and seductions, grand pylon, sacred courtyard, imposing hypostyle hall, and hallowed sanctuary, is a place of both reverence and fear. It stands as a testament to Baniti's enduring legacy and the dark power of the Setites. Hidden from the world above, it waits patiently for the day when its master will awaken and once more walk among his followers, bringing with him the chaos and change of the ancient god Set.