Art by Pia Mapache
The Conniving Feline
Eiji Yuuwaku | 栄治 誘惑
The Empire Club
The Kaibyō is one establishment in an exclusive organization across Japan, called an Empire Club. Kyoto's club is known for its exceptional service, variety of talent, and the many house cats that give a unique atmosphere.Dating back to the 18th century, Empire Clubs are private host clubs found across Japan. Based on European architecture brought from merchants, aristocrats created high end venues where historically female employees don maid uniforms and entertain their exclusive clientele. Existing members can recommend new individuals to receive membership, but risk their status if the new blood becomes a problem client. If you or your sponsor receive a ban from the organization, it’s very likely the other will as well. Thus, members remain on their best behavior to maintain their access.Historically, oiran (high ranking courtesans) found more upper class employment through the clubs as geisha grew in popularity. The clubs were not constructed in or considered part of the country’s red-light districts, as sexual services are not obligated, nor are they performed with "strangers". This skirting around definitions proved a boon when legislation cracked down on prostitution in the 20th century following World War II. Other services adapted to mimic facets of the Empire Club, but lacked the same scale and prestige. In the modern era, such a storied background is not a requirement to become a host. Any with the right talent can find a place and learn on the job from coworkers with many years of skills to pass down.The modern Idol industry has it's roots in the performances of the Empire Clubs, and tends to have an exchange of talent as idols age out and seek new employment. This drives business to the clubs, who in turn sponsor idol groups and competitions, and even host competitions between the clubs and their own teams of maids.
Victoria Housekeeping Co.
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"Known for an (excessively) wide range of high-quality services."A business such as Victoria requires management with a firm hand and a keen eye. While Von Lycaon takes the field with the agents, Eiji remains sequestered in the mansion used as the company's base of operations. He and the staff entertain guests and arrange te field team's missions in a delicate balancing act. Mayor Mayflower may own the company, but it is his adjutant who keeps them afloat.The Boss has living quarters at the club, and has never been seen around the city. It's unclear when he came to know the mayor, or what he was doing before he took control of the club. Around that time, rumors of a blood-sucking creature stalking the streets at night popped up... But those are just rumors.
Sector 6
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After Don Corneo's exile, Shinra still required someone to manage the slums of Midgar. Reeve Tuesti of the Urban Planning division placed his assistant Eiji in charge of the operation. Eiji was a former Turk who was scouted into Reeve's circle after the director took note of his keen business sense and ability to read people. The members of Corneo's Trio vied for his seat of power, but were brought to heel by Eiji by besting them in various contests of their choice. He set about rebuilding and renovating not only Corneo's mansion, but Wall Market as a whole. Within months, most petty crime has been stamped out of the under city after just a few displays of brutal consequences for causing the new king of the market grief.
Kingdom of Askr
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In a world full of swordsmen, magicians, dragons, and gods, you still sometimes need a businessman. Summoner Marrón Mendoza called Eiji from Earth to serve as one of his contracted Heroes to defend Askr from its foes. While he doesn't amount to much on a battlefield full of legends and monsters, he provides the Heroes and citizens of Askr with a venue to unwind and rejuvenate for the next battle, along with a steady source of income for the Order of Heroes. The young boy doesn't know much about the specifics of his business, but reaps the benefits in morale and funds for his forces. After some time spent in Askr, Eiji has even begun to expand his operation into parallel versions of the kingdom to serve more clients.
Management
Eiji Yuuwaku inherited the Kaibyō Empire Club from his uncle, Chouyaku Yuuwaku, who was retiring and leaving Kyoto. The club had fallen on hard times and needed fresh blood at the helm, so Eiji left his office job behind to take over the family business. He wasn't quite aware of how deeply in debt the club had fallen, but quickly turned things around with his wit and the remaining staff. Eiji entered the three remaining maids into the “Hot Start!” idol competition, drawing many eyes to the club as new fans sought to become members and customers to get to know the maids better. This in turn brought transfers from other clubs and entirely new hires, and within two years turned Kaibyō around. Now, it is one of the most profitable and respected Empire Clubs in the organization. The local government has kept a close eye on their activities, but has found no reason to interfere in the new wealth of tax revenue.Rumors say that Eiji has a colored past, but he has no criminal record to speak of. In spite of the clean image, his temperament is renown and feared, resulting in a well behaved clientele. Those who do not remain behaved or break the law have been hospitalized in the past, but no charges have ever been pressed against Eiji or the club.
Day Service
Empire Clubs are built in the style of European mansions and offer a variety of services to members during normal business hours.
Theater
A simple but elegant wooden theater where maids perform on stage and chat with clients at the individual seating booths. Members can request for a particular maid to have a meet and greet with them, but service is not guaranteed. After the show and a one hour social experience, the Theater is cleaned and prepared for the next batch. There are four shows per day, from noon to eight o'clock.
Restaurant
Open at all business hours, members can be waited on and eat and unwind in the club's bar and restaurant. The bar only serves non-alcoholic drinks until dinner time, but expect the same quality and smiles any time of day.
Casino
Not all Empire Clubs go through the licensing process to run a casino, but Mr. Yuuwaku is a big fan of gambling. If you've the money to spare and want the chance to win big, give it a shot! You can enjoy slot machines (with publicly listed rates), various card tables, and billiards tables for some lower (or no) stakes games. There is a smaller scale bar with a limited menu, but refreshments from the main restaurant can be ordered to the casino at your leisure with a minor charge.
Spa
Stiff muscles? Need to wash off the day's stress? The Empire Club offers a perfect solution in their spas. Chat with masseuses while getting those knots out of your back, or unwind in the baths.Standard issue swimsuits and undergarments are available for clients, nudity in the spa is prohibited.
Pool
Looking to take a dip or do some sunbathing? A magnificent pool stands behind the building, with lifeguards and refreshments on hand. For those who would rather tread shallow waters, there are several shaded hot tubs available for use.Standard issue swimsuits are available for clients, nudity in the pool and tubs is prohibited.
Inn
For those who need a place to lay their head, even overnight, the Empire Club offers suites to it's members. Rates are similar to what you'd find at a hotel, with the Club's top notch services to boot. Of course, those not staying in the rooms are still welcome to watch the maids at work, and tips are appreciated.
Library
As reading is a patrician pastime, all Empire Clubs keep an extensive library full of classical literature. Members can read as the please inside, or check out a book and return it at any other club to be shipped back. While food and drink are allowed inside, please keep your voice down and try to not damage any of the books.
Gym
Exercise is important for people of all ages, and Empire Clubs are equipped with state of the art fitness centers. Treadmills, training bikes, weight machines, and more are available for use during daytime hours. Regular yoga sessions are headed by the maids as well, for those who need to limber up.
Night Service
After eight o'clock, a selection of the Club's employees (who wear a garnet ring) offer night services. As with the theater, the maids are within their rights to deny service to any member, and the guest must have become acquainted with the maid by spending an hour or more being waited on by them at one of the other facilities in the club.
Night Stage
Many maids offering night service can be found on stage, dancing on poles or waiting tables. If you just want to watch the show or meet up with a maid you spent time with earlier in the day, this is the best place to go. Menus with service prices are distributed along with the usual fair from the diner.
Private Rooms
Various rooms can be rented out for use in night services with different themes and amenities. Standard rooms similar to the overnight rooms (though not available for overnight use), love hotel style chambers for a more intimate experience, and even an S&M room.