▬▬▬▬▬ ◆ You have been invited. . .

▬ ◆ Open the letter?

▬ ◆ [ There is a button to access all ooc information, and the password located in our rules, at the bottom of the letter. ]

(( As you break the wax seal and unfold the parchment, the faintest scent of tobacco lingers on the page. . . ))

Esteemed guest,

You are being formally invited to The Black Diamond. In these halls, information and charm carry more weight than coin.The Black Diamond specializes in networking. We connect professionals to clients, circulate whispers, and foster reputations.The consumption of drugs is not permitted on the premises, but you may peddle your wares. Sobriety is to be maintained at all times.You are encouraged to keep your weapon. Should a fight break out on Speakeasy grounds, patrons are permitted to assist security in apprehending the aggressor.The Black Diamond has a formal black tie dress code. The quality of your fabrics matters not. You can arrive in rags provided they have been adequately tailored. Accentuate what you desire, but cover your modesty.The Black Diamond is located in Ul'dah ((Goblet, W5, P36, Closest aetheryte: North Subdivision)).To good times and fruitful business,

Diamante Nero

Welcome to the Black Diamond Speakeasy, a rumor lounge where the clientele frequently operate below the law. The main currencies that are traded here are rumors and gossip, and the most charming part of an individual is their charisma. Coin matters little and less in these halls, and is primarily used just for food and drink.The establishment operates in the basement of a popular flower shop that caters for nobility and mercantile royalty. While their prices are reasonable and affordable for the everyday commoner, they upcharge bouquets and arrangement services for those with the gil to spare. Ul'dah is a dog eat dog world, after all.For access into the Speakeasy, one simply needs to speak the password to be guided to the lounge downstairs.As for who owns the lounge... the proprietors are a rather notorious Ul'dahn underworld power that goes by the name of Diamante Nero.

▬▬ Every Sunday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST

 Ward   Goblet   W5 P36 Day    Sunday Times         7PM-10PM PST (10PM-1AM EST) Data Center    Crystal Server    Balmung

About The Letter. . .

These rules will, in some way, shape, or form, have been listed on the ic letter that your character has been presented with.

As for how your character got this letter, that is up to you! The knowledge of this establishment is earned through activity in criminal circles.

Whether that's by. . . .

  • socializing with other crime families and organizations,

  • or being a reputable criminal in the underworld,

  • or being recommended to visit by another criminal community,

you are free to decide how your character ended up here. They advertise by word of mouth and invitation.

About The Speakeasy. . .

Q: Why do you have so many rules? This seems like too much trouble.
A: The Speakeasy is modeled after how venues operated during the Stormblood and early Shadowbringers times. The RP is serious, detailed, very lore heavy, and novella to literate writing. These rules have been placed to shape the venue accordingly.

Q: Do you sell your Staff's time/Can I hire my favorite staff member for 1-on-1 in a private room?
A: No. We do not offer ERP services here, and we do not sell Staff. Even in a SFW setting, we do not sell Staff's time as that is mildly erotic in nature. We do not subscribe to any type of erotic themes whatsoever.

Q: Why is there a dress code? It's out of character for my character to wear a fancy outfit.
A: I'm sorry to hear that. The Black Diamond Speakeasy has a dress code because there is a standard for behavior and mannerisms on Speakeasy grounds. This is a lounge to network, make connections, and get your name out there. If you dress to the nines, people are wont to look and listen.
Q: Is there a sync?
A: Yes, we provide Lightless. It's on our discord. (YOUR VANILLA MUST TRANSLATE TO YOUR MODS. IF YOUR MODS ARE TOO DIFFERENT FROM YOUR VANILLA, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CHANGE. ADDITIONALLY, YOUR TRIS AND MB MUST BE <=200K AND <=200MB RESPECTIVELY. You will be asked to compress, decimate, and remove sculpts/modded outfits if you are >=200k tris.)

  • Staff Tags: Looking For Party/LFP

Rules of the Speakeasy. . .

IC BEHAVIOR RULES
. Behave yourself. If you wish to misbehave, prepare yourself for the consequences. At least you'll be providing entertainment to others if you misbehave.
. Drugs are not to be consumed on the premises. You can broker sales, though.
. While we encourage the consumption of alcohol, we do not expect you to lose sobriety. Please sober up should you find yourself slipping.
. Cigars and cigarettes are permitted on the premises. It would be a tragedy if we did not allow our scotch to be paired with a cigar.
. If you pull out a weapon, expect several to be pointed at you in return--from staff and patrons alike. Do be careful of the decor and furniture, but feel free to skirmish to your hearts content. We'll bill you for damage to the premises.
APPERANCE RULES 
. The Black Diamond Speakeasy has a dress code. We do not erase culture, but we do expect you to be dressed to the nines.       ((Some other terms to fit the dress code: Old Money, Film Noir, 1920s Gangster, Mafia Speakeasy, Vintage Luxury, Jazz Age, Opulent Decay, Criminal Lounge, Underworld Baroque. No adventuring gear, no solution nine attire.))
. Accentuate what you like, but cover your modesty    ((We will ban characters that show up with their private parts on display. We will also ask you to change outfits if the modded outfit is too skimpy and reveals too much skin.))
. While The Black Diamond Speakeasy does not condone prejudice, we have a certain image to uphold. 

   

Explanation on rule 8   ((Characters with outlandish proportions that do not look like they belong to FFXIV are not welcome. Characters that break lore and immersion are not welcome.

   

What we consider lore friendlyCharacters that use "smol or toll" to lengthen their heights WITHIN REASON. We have a height limit of 8ft tall. Any characters over that are unfortunately lore breaking.Characters that use Customize+ to add some chubbiness/real weight to the models. (NOT a fetish.)We promote body positivity and diversity.

   

What we consider lore breakingExaggerated proportions (using C+) that are fetishized.Characters that are sized outside of their race's lore. (over 8ft tall characters in general; tall races that are comically short.)Modded character models that are severely different from their vanilla form. (I.E: a blond Elezen vanilla, but a blue-haired Viera modded.)Modded character models that do not translate well to their vanilla state.))

ⅠⅩ.   We do not accept Lore-Breaking characters. This is a LORE-ABIDING ESTABLISHMENT. If your character is not lore friendly or on the further end of lore-bending, we ask that you find another establishment.   Unfortunately, Sineaters and Shard-hoppers will have to find another establishment to attend. I apologize to our otherworldly friends, but Shardhopping characters do not fit into The Black Diamond Speakeasy's lore. 
Your character's vanilla state MUST translate to mods. Not everyone will see your modded appearance, but everyone will see your vanilla apperance. Please make sure your mods translate well enough to vanilla.
 

OOC BEHAVIOR RULES
. Due to the nature of this establishment, we unfortunately do not allow modern technology or Solution 9 technology into the establishment. For technology, think Skysteel Manufactory in Ishgard, or the Alchemist's guild in Ul'dah.
. With the above said, we do not allow modern lingo or products in the establishment. Anything that originates from Solution 9 in terms of modern-day lingo or products will not be tolerated within the Speakeasy. Magitek is permitted.
. The Speakeasy is not for starting OOC fights or drama. (While we encourage IC crime, we do not encourage OOC issues.)
ⅫⅠ. We ask that all patrons do not discuss mods, plugins, or any manner of 3rd party involvement in game. Rule 1 of fight club. Don't mention fight club.
ⅪⅤ. The Black Diamond Speakeasy reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the establishment for any reason. If you are asked to leave, please do so maturely.
ⅩⅤ. If there is any problem, concern, or issue that you wish to bring up, you may bring it up to @junko.enoshima directly in private. Please be mature about it and don't publicize issues that do not further need to be publicized.

Now that you have read through all of the rules, you're finally able to obtain the passphrase to be let into the venue. The passphrase is "Never Broken." (Or some variation of it, i.e: I'd like to purchase flowers with petals that are never broken, never wilted. Get creative! Staff will ask you at the door.)

Working for the Speakeasy. . .

All information in regards to working for the Speakeasy can be found in this google document.

▬ OUR NEXT OPENING: JUNE 28TH, 2026

    ▬ As we are located on Balmung, we recommend the following:● Try to get on Balmung the night before, or early in the morning. Balmung is typically open to visit late at US night or at the ass crack of dawn.
    ● Waiting until the day of the venue to get onto Balmung will most likely end with you being unable to attend.
    ● We understand that it is a lot to ask for. We thank you for your interest and understanding, and we are so excited to see you in our halls!
     

    ▬ Every Sunday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST

     Ward   Goblet   W5 P36 Day    Sunday Times         7PM-10PM PST (10PM-1AM EST) Data Center    Crystal Server    Balmung

    ▬▬ JUNE SCHEDULE ▬▬
    JUNE 7TH: OPEN
    JUNE 14TH: OPENJUNE 21ST: OPENJUNE 28TH: OPEN

    ▬ ♦ Greeters

    ▬ ♦ Bartenders

    Varinia Junius

    Flexible: Performer, Security

    Varinia's demeanor comes in two parts: a more stern and professional exterior, militant in how she conducts herself and speaks, and a much more amiable and talkative interior, passionate about her interests and genuinely caring for all others. No matter which side you are beholding, she remains polite and efficient in taking care of orders. Her bartending skills are well practiced from over a turn of experience so without a doubt, any food or drink prepared by her will sate any tastes. Hoping to chat? Mention any kind of artform be it written, painted, or performed, and she'll be more than eager to converse.More About Varinia: variniajunius.carrd.co

    Ahtzarael Ryssahctwyn

    Flexible: Host

    Glittering, glamorous, and genial, Ahtzarael works as a bartender at the Black Diamond. She is messy and excitable, with passable mixology skills largely supplemented by pure enthusiasm. When not behind the bar, she works to perfect her expertise as a safecracker, and prides herself on her ability to foil many supposedly impassable doors and vaults. She also enjoys tinkering, especially with the small, meticulous sort of work found in tinier devices and chronometers, and she handles repairs of such machines at a jewelry store in Ul'dah, the Golden Goddess Gemworks.More About Ahtzarael: ahtz.carrd.co

    ▬ ♦ Hosts

    L'pura Pyre

    Flexible: Bartender

    L'pura has a voice that drips like honey, a Gyr Abanian belle with Turali roots and an accent to match. When she's not all dolled up for the job, she's a lover of the hunt, her name found commonly among trusted bounty hunters - even for the dirtier, darker jobs. Despite dabbling in wetworks from time to time, she enjoys reading, horse-riding, sunsets, learning languages, and whiskey, favouring an Old Fashioned. Usually one can find her in Thanalan and Ul'Dah, but she roams frequently and seems to have worldly knowledge.More About L'pura: the-eclipsed-sun.carrd.co

    Alastor Dominique

    Flexible: Performer

    A renowned but controversial radio host from Garlemald, this eccentric individual always greets you with a smile and a healthy dose of whimsy! Alastor is a versatile entertainer, able to perform in anything from talk to music to dancing, and brings the music of his people with him here to the Speakeasy. What he's truly doing here is only for him to know- but why not ask him to do a song, or see what he's truly after?Wait, doesn't he look... familiar? Why of course! Everyone remembers him from his radio show! :)More About Alastor: canticumcervorum.carrd.co

    Aurelia Valentine

    Flexible: Greeter

    Valentine— or Val, as she is more commonly known— prides herself on her charm above all else. Easygoing and quick to joke, she has a tendency to treat every stranger as a friend she's known all of her life. A keener eye might recognize that such a personality is best suited to a defense, but it is just as much her offense. A sky pirate by trade, Val's her old crew's prized distraction. One to talk her way out of any situation, though often the one to have talked her way into it in the first place.More About Val: lynxflush.crd.co

    Calie Dardenne

    Flexible: Bartender

    Calie is stubborn, blunt, and finds no qualms in voicing out her opinions, be they good or not. The type to walk into a room already making guesses on who's the liar, who's lonely, and who's about to start a fight. She isn't the type to pry nor is she the type to seek for conversations herself, but talk to her about maps or ruins and mechanical projects, and she will talk your ear off for hours. If you find yourself with a ruined device, bring it to her and you can be sure she'll somehow find a way to fix it. Just don't blame her when it's returned with some "improvements" included.More About Calie: skyslayer.carrd.co

    ▬ ♦ Security

    Smari Leithe

    Smari is a reserved, practical, and traditional Keeper. She takes her role quite seriously, though not out of devotion, but pride. She's a sharpened hunter who's not afraid to get her claws dirtied, eager for it, in fact. Peaceful evenings often leave her to brood and observe from some darkened corner, or to leave her sanity to the mirthful whims of her comrade. Hailing from the Shroud, her private life remains as such: private. Smari is most notably found as the latter part of an oddly unbalanced pair, but she is sure to always land on her feet.More About Smari: currently under construction

    Thistle Cadell

    Thistle is outgoing, aloof, and is left challenging the traditions left by her elders. Her work ethic may be strained at times, but her loyalty can always be weighed in coin. She's a vicious hunter, thus it isn't uncommon for her to be seeking out a chance to brandish her fangs. There are no such things as peaceful evenings, not when her rightful companion is around for her to pester. Despite hailing from the Shroud, she is relatively open about her role as a leader amidst her band of huntresses. As for other business ventures.. That remains beneath a whisper. Thistle is never far from her other half. After all, what would she do without her?More About Thistle: currently under construction

    Nasrin'to Yaldazai

    Claiming to hail from Thavnair, this miqo'te is adept in many tongues and enjoys using his to its fullest extent. Reliable and a man of his own sort of honor, he completes his given work with a respectable amount due diligence, but that isn't say that he is all work and no play. Nasrin'to is a rather greedy and selfish man, seeking coin only to suit his rather particular interests. He has been called a rather "spoiled cat" by one employer, and nothing could be more true. Decorating himself in jewelry and entertaining himself with whatever juicy gossip he can find, the man is rather lax and almost indulgent when it comes to enjoying his time unsupervised. The quickest way to garner his attention is with good conversation and even better drinks, bonuses for an already paid tab.More About Nasrin'to: yaldazai.carrd.co

    Decius Vendelin

    Vendelin is a man who keeps entirely to himself. Quiet, cold and hardly one for conversation. He is not one to hold his tongue when he dares to speak. Remaining guarded and unmoving, especially when he is on the payroll. He is far from your family's typical loyal lapdog, being here only to fulfill his own means. Any bit of his alternative business or life outside of the speakeasy is left entirely private.More About Decius: vendelin.carrd.co

    ▬ ♦ Managers

    Guinivere Bern

    Guinivere is flamboyant, feisty, fashionable, and loud. She's the proudest voice in the room and will do anything and everything for the latest trends and outfits. She's an incredible businesswoman, cutthroat and ambitious, and the type of girl to spend three hours reading through the fine print that anyone else will skip directly over.When she's on the premises, she's fluttering about like a social butterfly. This Ul'dahn belle likes to be the life of the party and tries her best to be.More About Guinivere: knave.crd.co/#guinivere

    Ren Aihara

    Ren is a relatively passive, laid back, and unassuming individual. Soft-spoken and even more mildly mannered, Ren is the side character to the actual main character: Peony. Peony is Ren's familiar in the form of a fairy, but don't let her small size fool you. She has a larger than life personality, is incredibly narcissistic, and is very outgoing as a stark contrast to her introverted host.Peony isn't afraid to ask the questions she wants to ask or jump in with statements she wants to make. However, she doesn't speak common--so her words simply sound like jingling bells to everyone else. Ren translates for her quite often.More About Peony (And Ren): knave.crd.co/#ren

    About The Rumor Board. . .

    The Rumor board is a mechanic we use within the venue to generate gossip and rumormongering. Our social staff will capitalize on rumors submitted to us as hooks for conversations and to get your character's name out there. We will use this rumor as a conversation hook for future opening nights until you request us to close the rumor and pull it from our repertoire.

    How to use the rumor board. Simply speak to the proprietor or any staff to initiate a rumor.. Have your character hand over a paper to the staff, with everything they want spread around. No more than one post's length, please..Hosts, Bartenders, and social staff will initiate the spread of this rumor within the venue. It may not immediately pop up in conversation, but it will be advertised throughout the night and through subsequent openings. It's all word of mouth whispering.. Patrons of all kinds are encouraged to interact with rumors they hear staff speaking about. The rumors are also posted on a pinboard in the basement, so anyone and everyone can read about the rumors..The rumor will also be posted to our discord's rumor board to catalogue it for anyone that was not able to attend the venue. Information spreads like wildfire, so even those not in attendance will eventually hear word of this rumor.

    Here is roughly how rumors should flow: "Rumor has it... [actual rumor here] [list the ways to get in contact with the rumor-maker or the rumored, whether bad or good] [oocly list the players character name so they can be contacted (providing a carrd is good practice!)]"

    ▬ EXAMPLES ▬

    "Rumor has it... that anyone with a vengeful streak has come to the perfect place this evening. If you need a pit of misfortune to befall someone, harmless or bloodied, you'll have to look no further than a mage by the bar. Although this mage specializes in curses that leave the target wishing they'd never been born, a harmless message isn't out of the picture... for the right price, of course. For anyone looking for a curse, come speak to the proprietor to be pointed in the right direction if you cannot find a darling little Auri woman covered in scales that glitter like the night sky, adorned with a black moon necklace. (Character name | character.crd.co)"

    "Rumor has it... that someone with a desire for vindication has a lot of coin to spend. Money is of absolutely no concern, but the amount of blood spilt certainly is. This rich lord is looking for an assassin that knows how to make a target meet a bloody end and keep it completely secret. Further details can be discussed over a scotch and cigar. Don't contact me if you aren't willing to bring the head back. For any assassin looking for work, come speak to the proprietor to be pointed in the right direction if you cannot find a large, towering, and muscled lord with black hair idling downstairs against the back wall. (Character name | character.crd.co)"

    ▬ ♦ Active Rumors

    ▬ NOTE: These individuals may be contacted on our discord server, or during venue hours when they are present. ▬These can also be found at the rumor board. The rumor board is located on the stars, next to the writing desk, on a wall by the second flight of stairs.

    A Law Enforcer On The Premises
    "Rumor has it... that there is an active duty man of the law here on the premises, unofficially sanctioned by his Order, and by unknown underworld actors, to provide legal assistance to those of a less savory nature in need of a way to handle certain delicate matters above board. This rather large and somewhat menacing looking individual will be available to give council on laws, at least those applicable in Ul'dah or of international common law, in regards as to how to go through official channels.
    Should an individual's needs be more dire, or otherwise require direct intervention in some way from law enforcement, this individual may be inclined to handle such matters himself, or at the very least provide a direct line to authorities to handle the matter with haste. Before approaching the lawman, it is advised to first contact the proprietor, lest this towering individual's already grim-faced visage displays true ire for your interruption."
    [Apophixas G. | Carrd under construction.]

    Supplies Aplenty: A Most Deadly Neurotoxin
    "Rumor has it... An anonymous vendor is attempting to make a claim in the underground market. A supply of nerotoxin has been delivered, a concentrated strain of demon stonefish toxins that can be diluted to the buyer's content. A mandatory antitoxin is given with each purchase for the customer's safety, of course. Side effects may include but are not limited to: intense pain, cardiovascular dysfunction, respiratory paralysis and/or potential death. Please use responsibly."
    -- This toxin is openly advertised on the black market, crafted by an anonymous artisan and being marketed by Diamante Nero. All business dealings in regard to sale and transportation are done in-house by Diamante Nero, and should clients wish to meet the crafter of the poison, Diamante Nero will facilitate a meeting.The doses are priced at 100,000/dose, IC gil.
    (( IC: Anonymous, inquiries through Nero | OOC: Jurchedei O.| Carrd N/A))

    A Skilled Mercenary
    "Rumor has it... there is a highly skilled head-hunter for hire who also works within the Black Diamond Speakeasy, who is willing to tke on wetworks, subterfuge and information gathering - some work that most others would be unable to stomach, though they're also fairly deft with a simple in-and-out job too. You can find them by speaking with them at the bar or approaching them as a host and asking for a 'flame-kissed whiskey', or arranging a meeting through the speakeasy's proprietor if she is too busy."
    [L'pura P. | the-eclipsed-sun.carrd.co ]

    Alchemical Entertainment
    "Rumor has it…there’s an wandering apothecary offering his wares and services to all manner of people. He’ll brew almost anything, more in it for the love of the craft and dealing with any specific problem someone may have.
    While he will take gil as payment, he’s been known to take information or secrets as well. Especially if it pertains to the supernatural paranormal. Be warned the more out there the request the higher chance of an unusual side effect."[ Katze S. | RPHUB ]

    Succor, Sworn in Blood
    "Rumor has it… that a healer offer a versatile array of services, including but not limited to: mending, aethereal contracts, tracking the lost, or granting boons that linger deep in one's veins. His price shifts with the weight of the request. If interested, arrange a meeting through the proprietor."
    [ Nemat E. | RPHub ]

    Of Nymian Pursuits
    "Rumor has it... that a Nymian Scholar is searching for connections and information related to Nym. Whether it be other researchers, scholars, marauders, faeries, or just someone with a vague connection to the city-state or it's inhabitants. Information can be paid for with gil, or an alternative payment method may be negotiated. Faerie play-dates required where applicable."
    [ Momicha L. | RPHub ]

    No Lock Is Safe
    "Rumor has it... there is an expert safecracker in the employ of the Black Diamond who accepts commission work from private clients. She boasts the ability to foil any supposedly impenetrable safe, vault, door, or cell one might direct her toward with both agility and discretion. Inquiries should be raised with the lockpick herself--the only Roegadyn working behind the bar."
    [ Ahtzarael R. | RPHub ]

    Of Clinical Cures And Needed Funds
    "Rumor has it... A clinic sits on the edge of the Goblet, with three steadfast rules. Patient privacy is king, all are welcome, and no gil is charged. Instead, the sweet doctor inside just asks for favors, information, and food to feed the poor. While her kindness is real, the clinic still needs gil to run, and there's question of where that gil is from. The good doctor is here for work, a pink Xaela with quiet steps."
    [ Sarnai D. | brokenbranch.carrd.co ]