GOBLIN • EMPYREUM • WARD TWENTY • ROOM EIGHTEEN
HALCYON
Open On: Every Other Thursday
Doors Open At: Eight O' Clock PM EST
Doors Close At: Twelve O' Clock AM EST
A small, quiet tavern is hidden within in the heart of Ishgard's Residential District. The building is nondescript with simple landscaping. Surrounded by a tall, black wrought iron gate, the ivy that climbs it is kissed by the ever present hoarfrost that commonplace in the wintry climes of Coerthas.Stepping inside, you are greeted by a dimly lit room with a fully stocked bar, a warm fireplace, and large, comfortable seating areas. For all intents and purposes, it's just another place to get a bite to eat or a stiff drink. There are rumours afloat however, that this is a place where even the most depraved can get their fix...
THE LION'S SHARE
appetizers . entrees . desserts
FEATURED ITEMS
♦ CHIMAERA'S SOUL - 1500 GIL
Handcrafted fruit compote spheres replete with aether. Served atop a decadent rolanberry mousse and topped with edible, seasonal flowers.
BLACKBERRY BRIOCHE - 900 GIL
A small loaf of house-baked blackberry brioche bread. The dark color is caused by adding black cocoa powder into the dough which adds a decadent profile to this simple bite. Served with locally sourced karakul soft cheese and honey butter.
THE LION'S LAMB - 2600 GIL
Braised karakul lamb shank served with a parsnip mash, roasted popotoes, and seasonal greens. Comes with a side of fresh baked bread and a red wine au jus.
♦ CIELDALAES OCTOPUS - 3500 GIL
Imported from an island in The Cieldalaes, this octopus is marinated and braised. Served on a bed of squid-ink pasta with a bright, sweet red sauce. Comes with a mixed greens salad and a side of bread.
ROLANBERRY COBBLER - 975 GIL
Warm rolanberry cobbler with a twist. This dessert features a honey bourbon glaze, and freshly made Ishgardian vanilla icecream.
CHARCUTERIE BOARD - 2000 GIL
A large board prepared with seasonal fruits, decadant cheeses, organic compotes and spreads, and locally sourced dry aged meats. Served with freshly baked baguette, or rosemary crackers.
♦ MIDSUMMER SALAD - 2300 GIL
Ultra sweet ripe blackberries, rolanberries and strawberries come together with acidic greens and rose petals. Topped with karakul cheese and honey. This salad is traditionally vegetarian but baked dodo breast can be added.
HERB CRUSTED DODO - 2000 GIL
Tender, marinated dodo breast crusted in local herbs and spices and baked until golden brown. This dish is served with long grain rice, or mashed popotoes and a rolanberry-pepper compote.
ROASTED EGGPLANT - 1800 GIL
Lighter, yet still decadent, this dish is comprised of roasted eggplant drizzled with a pomegranate honey vinaigrette. Served with crusty bread and imported aldgoat cheese.
♦ HALCYON POUNDCAKE - 1075 GIL
A sweet, soft slice of lemon glazed poundcake topped with honied figs and silvered almonds. Available as a slice, or a whole cake (6450 GIL).
♦ CONTAINS AETHER
Alongside its featured, prominent dishes, Halcyon also offers more basic, staple meals, appetizers and desserts. These offerings include:BACON WRAPPED DATES - 900 GIL: A set of six sweet dates wrapped in thick cut bacon.ARTICHOKE SPINACH DIP - 950 GIL: Cheesy, creamy dip served with freshly baked and toasty baguette slices.HOUSEMADE PIZZA - 1800 GIL: Your choice of spicy meat, vegetarian, or combination.KARAKUL BURGER - 1200 GIL: Seared karakul patty on a fresh ciabatta bun. Served with popotoe fries. Comes 'fully loaded' with cheese, tomato, lettuce, caramelized onion and pickles.DIVINE CHOCOLATE CAKE - 1000 GIL: Decadent, lucious triple chocolate cake served with a tart rolanberry sauce and Ishgardian vanilla icecream.CANDIED BLOOD ORANGES - 800 GIL: Thin, candied blood orange slices that are dipped in salted dark chocolate. Perfect for something sweet while you're on the go.
SPIRITED AWAY
cocktails . teas . juices
ORACLE'S PROMISE - 1000 GIL
Muddled blackberries, bourbon soaked black cherries, and raspberries are the base of this luxurious drink. Blackberry infused bourbon and pomegranate juice follow, with a skewer of seasonal berries and a sprinkling of lustre dust to make this drink truly magical.
HEARTHSIDE - 1000 GIL
Rich dark Ishgardian chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon whisky are blended together in this drink to create a warm, comforting drink that's nostalgic of winter nights by the hearth. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
GINGER PEARADISE - 1000 GIL
Freshly grated ginger and spiced Kugane rum are blended with pear puree and twice strained for a spicy, and delicately sweet drink. Garnished with freshly sliced pear and Sylph's Breath blossoms.
♦ FIORE'S FLAME - 1200 GIL
Faerie apple juice, vodka, cayenne, cinnamon extract and candied rose petals are the key components of this drink. Deliciously warm with just enough bite. Garnished with rose petals and a sprinkling of lustre dust.
♦ REVENANT'S RESPITE - 1200 GIL
This tropically refreshing lemonade is non-alcoholic and reminiscent of the the first ice cold drink after a long, hard-won battle or hunt. Made with muddled lemons, Cieadelas berries, violet extract and candied orange this drink is both sweet and tart!
ISHGARDIAN ESPRESSO - 1000 GIL
Rich dark roasted espresso, coffee liqueur, dark rum and heavy cream are layered in this drink to create a creamy, rich drink. Topped with a whipped coffee soft top and fine ground espresso powder.
SAFEWORD: PINK - 1000 GIL
Grapefruit liqueur, elderberry vodka and sours are combined with violet extract to create this seemingly innocent drink. Despite its unassuming appearance, this sugar-rimmed drink will pack a punch and leave you wanting more. Just don't forget your safeword.
♦ ROUGE ROULETTE - 1000 GIL
Blood orange juice, vodka and candied blackberries come together to create a wickedly dark drink that's sophisticated and elegant. Garnished with a candied blood orange slice andan optional aether-sugar rim.
♦ SYLVAN DREAMS - 1200 GIL
Butterfly pea flower tea, karakul sweet cream and vanilla paste are combined into a creamy, dreamy drink that takes the bitter cold edge off. Something about this drink is truly relaxing. This drink is traditionally non-alcoholic but you can opt for a shot of your favorite booze to kick things up a notch!
BITTERSWEET KISS - 1000 GIL
Orange bitters, fresh rosemary simple syrup and bourbon is the base of this Halcyon favorite. Served on the rocks or neat in old fashioned glass that's been smoked with cinnamon bark.
♦ DAWNBREAKER - 1200 GIL
Rolanberry infused vodka and cranberry juice with just a touch of hemlock offer a mouth tingling experience that's unique to Halcyon's dimly lit halls. Served over dry ice, this smoking drink is reminiscent of a vampire's unquenchable thirst.
DECADENCE - 1000 GIL
Figs, honey and bourbon are combined to create a sweet, indulgent drink that's said to inspire romance and allure. Garnished with honied figs and thyme this drink comes iced, but is equally delicious warmed and topped with cinnamon!
♦ SEDUCTION - 1200 GIL
Aether infused blackberry vodka, elderberry gin and butterfly pea blossom tea are combined with lustre dust and raspberry bitters for a fruity, tantalizing drink that seduces both the mind and mouth.
♦ HALCYON'S BREATH - 1200 GIL
Peach, jasmine and mint are muddled into this inspiring drink. Named after the tavern, it's said to bring feelings of nostalgia and happier times. This drink can be prepared with either rum, or Ishgardian bourbon.
♦ CONTAINS AETHER
Alongside its signature cocktails, Halcyon also features a full bar of spirits and non-alcoholic options including house-made seltzer, soda, juice and tea for 1000 gil each.
ANODYNE DREAMS
potions . tinctures . nepenthe
If someone lingers long enough in these dimly lit halls, they might occasionally see staff and patron alike disappear behind a non-descript door labeled 'NO ENTRY'. Rumours surrounding Halcyon promise a way to sate any craving, more specifically the illegal type. If you're lucky enough to gain entry to this den of iniquity, you'll have access to any drug, potion, or tincture you could possibly desire.Deep within the heavily laden shelves are also illicit artifacts, tomes, and spells. If you can dream it, it can be yours -- for a price. There is a code word given to staff every time Halcyon opens its doors and it changes every time. If you have the password, you'll be greeted and led to this hall of dreams come true.
COMMONLY AVAILABLE ILLICIT SUBSTANCES:
MOKO GRASS: Created from hemp, this naturally occuring plant is known to having calming, relaxing effects on those that take part. Legalized in all of the main city-states, this substance is pretty commonplace. Different strains will have different effects.
FOGWEED: Completely legal and safe to use, Fogweed is a combination of various herbs to create a sedative-like effect. Often smoked, this substance is legal in all known locales.
DREAMWEED: A system suppressant that can be manufactured for medical use or as a narcotic downer. Legal only when prescribed by a chirurgeon or conjurerer for pain relief. This herb is often sold on the black market for illicit use. It is the main component in the artifical drug, somnus.
PLUTO: Used by warriors and mercenaries alike, this tincture is known to make someone's flesh 'harder than steel' and is used as a nerve blocker. This substance blocks physical pain and also creates a euphoric feeling. Highly frowned upon but not quite illegalized, Pluto is readily available for those who crave it.
K'NAHLI: Illegal in every city state, K'nahli is thought to have originated in the Gyr Abanian deserts, eventually catching up in popularity across the rest of the Source. Often seen in eye drop or injectable form, K'nahli gives the user euphoric sensations and a state of heightened sensitivity and energy. This substance is highly addictive and widely sought after by those who do sex work for it's ability to make almost anything feel good.
SOMNUS: An opium-like drug created from the seed capsules of Dreamweed, Somnus is illegal in every city-state and region between though it is very popular in underground and blackmarket circles for its ability to create a dream-like sedated state of mind. It's said that too much Somnus will carry the user to sleep -- permanantly.
BLACKROOT ROSE: Most similar to PCP, this drug is created from the leaves of the Blackroot Rose to induce nightmarish visions and often cause fits of violence. It is also known to give the user increased, almost god-like strength, however its unchecked properties are highly dangerous and the nightmarish visions it induces has been known to drive many a man and woman to permanent madness.
A wide range of items are available in this area, if you can think of it, it probably exists. From potions to glyphs to rune-scrolls and tinctures. Keep in mind that this area of Halcyon is in no way meant to romanticize addiction or substance abuse. Please be aware that this is strictly in character and has no bearing on the owners of said characters.
THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
rumours. roleplay hooks. plots
NOW OPEN - NEW MANAGEMENT:There is a rumour that the previous owner of this building vanished rather mysteriously. Within the month, the one derelict locale was open for business. Little was known about the new owner, but there are rumours that while Halcyon appears to be just another tavern with your every day indulgences, that it also caters to those seeking a more illicit satiation...
THIS SECTION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTIONPlease be sure to check back as the story behind Halcyon develops and expands. If you have a potential plot idea involving your character and Halcyon, feel free to send an in-game tell to whomever is on staff!Due to the natue of Halcyon's content and atmosphere it is a 21+ only location, meaning any person (character OR writer) under the age of 21+ will be asked to leave. Thank you for understanding.
EYES OF HALCYON
staff . employment . expectations
A large, framed parchment hangs on the wall nearest the bar. . .
In ornate, yet readable script, it is titled:
THE EYES ARE OPEN.
It's almost ominous, but, as you read further, it appears to be a set of rules, and expectations that are made of patrons during their time at Halcyon. The rules are as follows:
1. behave yourself. while this is a den of iniquity, you are expected to treat the premises and the patrons within with respect. fights will be taken off of the property. if you engage in physical violence, the owner will happily remove you.
2. anything you would not do in public, do not do within halcyon's walls. we understand that a few too many drinks has led many an individual into a stranger's bed, or down a dark alley. while we are happy to sate almost any need, that isn't one of them. sexual activity is not permitted on property grounds. [adult conversations and topics are perfectly fine. fucking is not. don't do it in my venue.]
3. the staff are to be respected at all times. failure to comply to this rule will see you removed from the premises. [treat others how you wish to be treated. simple.]
4. what happens in halcyon, stays at halcyon. [ic = ic / ooc = ooc]
5. there are things within these walls that you are not expected to understand. do not gaze too long into the shadows, they have a tendency to gaze back... [don't god mod/meta game.]
6. we hear all of your secrets and keep them. we expect the same courtesy. [use mare? crimes? feel free to ask for the code!]
The parchment seems to be splattered in something dark red. Perhaps it is old wine, or blood, or candle wax. At the very end, it states the following:
failure to comply to these rules can and will end in removal of your person(s) from the premises. we do not guarantee that it will be in one piece. . .