One of these ideas fleshed into the city of Brightgold. For many, the real-world city that served as inspiration will be quite obvious,
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History:
According to legend, an adventuring party had been looking on where to build a home, without having to argue with nobles about land ownership, taxes, etc. They found a chunk of land in the northern Old Kingdom Lowlands, just south of Lopan, between the Eastern Territories boundary and an inlet of the Inland Sea.
They started with one large building, effectively a manor house. It was suggested that they start finding a way to fund maintenance. Even better if it was something that could continue making money while they were off doing their adventuring.
So, they built an arena, and taught people how to participate in gladiatorial games. At first, it was an annual event, two weeks of brutal bloodsports. The first few years, they made enough money to build two sets of lodging- one for the wealthy, one for the not so wealthy.
Then, a thieves guild from the eastern territory reached out, and struck up a bargain to come open some other entertainments- after all, the gladiator arena isn't constant! The tournaments stretched to three weeks. Other events were added during the off season. Before anyone realized it, there was a reason to be here any day of the year.
Dozens of gambling halls, hundreds of bars, hundreds of motels and hotels of various quality (many attached to gambling halls). Several brothels (technically outside the city limits, but within a very quick travel- the more upscale brothels even cover transportation for you). Countless pawn shops, shady merchants, gift shops, tourist attractions, and more, have all been built up around the initial hotels and arena.
While many say that the place is a great "getaway vacation", the more cynical say that the city is designed for one purpose- to separate people from their money.
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As you approach the city, a giant sign proclaims "Welcome to BrightGold, the Shiny City". Some graffiti artist has painted over the h and y in shiny, so the sign reads "the S in City". The city removes the graffiti every couple of days, but when they do, it reappears within a handful of hours. They've even had guards standing there, and the graffiti reappeared. It's become an issue of much cursing inside city hall, although most just laugh it off anymore.
BrightGold is, perhaps, the most decadent place on the planet. Take all the rumors of the Palladium of Desires, and then multiply it into an entire city. Anything you desire can be found here, for a price, whether you want holiness and piety, or depravity. Hundreds have lost everything they had, chasing those desires.
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There are five main areas to Brightgold- The Strip, the outer city, the undercity, The Perimeter, and Honey Lake. While of these are important aspects, to most people, if you say "Brightgold", they think of the strip.
There's a dock on the inlet, where four ferries make regular excursions. There's one ferry that makes two "cruises" a day, a morning one for families, and an evening one that's strictly for couples (The Romance Cruise). The cruises last about 4 hours. The family cruise is 5 gold per person, while the Romance Cruise is 75 gold per couple (capacity 25 couples).
The other three ferries have staggered schedules and routes, with multiple ports throughout the Inland Sea. No matter which port you use, passage is 10 gold, but you must also pre-pay your return trip. This is because the city officials are trying to reduce the number of people that come here, lose everything, and then can't afford to leave.
From the docks, there are two methods of getting to the city, 15 miles away. A free wagon service that takes about 3 hours, is available to anyone and everyone. For those willing to shell out money, though, there's an alternate method. A looped pair of rails, like a mine cart system, runs from the docks to the heart of the city, with a series of ornate carriages running along them, powered through magic. These carriages make a trip in about 15 minutes. The cheapest of these costs 5g for the trip, with up to 25 people per carriage, standing room only. There are seated carriages, holding 10 people, for 30g, semi private holding 4 people for 50g, or you can rent private cars, serving light drinks, for 300gp (limit 4 people. But these are only people YOU bring along. All the other cars, you could be with complete strangers). Your "ticket" is good for all day, so you could, in theory, get a private car, and just ride the loop for a day. From either the "tram station" or the horse-carriage drop off, individuals can either hire private carriages to go to their destination, or walk.
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Honey Lake Recreation Area (commonly just called Honey Lake)
A group of warlocks, wanting to cash in on the money of Brightgold, developed a chunk of land about 50 miles south of the city. They've managed to get an extension off the rail loop system, to enable people coming out here (same rates, trips take about an hour).
They developed a massive, magically created (and maintained) 650 square kilometer lake, with beachfronts and canyons all around. Families come to play in the water, go hiking, or to relax on the beach. However, always after more coin, the warlocks have also invented several unique experiences.
1) Free Flight- riders wear a suit of thin silk, with several billowy folds, and are taken out over the water, where a pair of air elementals gently toss them back and forth, at semi-random intervals
2) Skiing- riders get a pair of thin, highly polished and refined, boards strapped to their feet. They hold on to a rope, the other end of which is held to a water elemental, who then pulls them along the surface of the water at high speeds.
The warlocks routinely host contests with skimpily-clad, well figured individuals. Swimsuit contests, strongman competitions, etc.
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The Perimeter
This area is technically outside of the city limits, and the city taxes and restrictions don't apply (city hall is trying to change this, and take control, but there's a lot of pushback). While prostitution is officially illegal in the city (plenty of it still happens), along the Perimeter, brothels can be found within walking distance of each other. Many of the higher-end brothels will even provide, free of charge, transportation between their doors and the Strip. Several actually have small "casitas" or bungalows available, so that you can have your entire stay on-site. While expensive, many also include "company" for the duration of your stay. The most famous of these brothels are the Filly Brothel and the Jackrabbit Ranch.
Also in the Perimeter can be found anything and everything that may be illegal inside the city. Drug dens (even though most drugs are legal in the city, Dens aren't), freelance assassins, and more.
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The Undercity
Every large city has its infrastructure. Water pipes, sewer, trash. All the "behind the scenes" stuff they don't want tourists to see. In Brightgold, all of this was installed underground. Several clans of ratlings and tribes of goblins were invited in, and make their homes in these chambers and tunnels, maintaining them on the cities behalf. In exchange, not only are they not chased out, but they're fairly well provided for. While ne'er-do-wells may use the Undercity on occasion, it's not nearly as frequent as you'd expect. The ratlings and goblins are fairly territorial, and have to be compensated for someone to go through their domain. There are, of course, tunnels and chambers that have been abandoned, and who knows what you may find there.
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The Outer City
The Outer City is what you would expect from any city anywhere else. This is where people live, not part of the tourist zones. Those who work in the resorts likely have homes here. This is where you'll find grocers and small shops that cater to those who actively live here.
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The Strip-
This is where everyone thinks of when they hear "Brightgold". The Strip is actually three streets wide, but everyone only thinks of the middle. The outer two hold city hall, the chamber of commerce, smaller motels (average 20g a night gets you a roof and a bed. 10g a night in a shared room. Cheaper and more expensive available)
But the main strip is the flashy resorts. A list of them is below
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Any of these places, the cheapest you'll get is 80gp per night. The "best" can easily go for 7000 or more per night. Thats just for the room and basic amenities. Anything beyond that costs more. Most people who get those top rooms easily spend another 2 or 3 thousand per day, not including gambling.The current record is a western noble who arrived on a friday with 5,000,000 gold in cash. He left Saturday afternoon, having lost all of his money, as well as a villa he owned. The only reason he could afford to leave is that there's very strict laws about gambling away the ship tickets. There's rumors that there is a certain western thieves guild that now has "strong ties" with his family.
A few general notes: In most of these resorts, while on the gambling floors, drinks will often be free (and strong!) to encourage people to stay and keep betting (it is still encouraged to tip your server). Most have air systems (magic or mundane) designed to pipe in scents that make people feel comfortable, while several unique enchantments have been designed so you hear, randomly, people on the other side of the casino "winning". There are no time-pieces, and windows are often tinted, so you don't have a solid grasp of the time. The idea is to keep you there (and not at a competitor), and keep you happy. These big name resorts and casinos average almost 2m gold per day, EACH, with about 1/3 of that coming from gambling. The rest comes from rooms, shows, restaraunts, etc. During huge, city-wide events (such as the gladiator games), this income can DOUBLE. Most of these resorts have the bulk of the first floor covered with their casinos, and some even have bigger ones, that take up multiple floors.
1) Itomas' Palace is modeled on the real imperial palace in the Western Empire, just smaller. It's known for it's gold and laquered decor, as well as numerous "alchemists" (most of which are just magic items traders) selling gimmicky tourist momentos, as well as several drug shops. It's said that the real Emperor Itomas was pleased when he heard about the place (partially true- he thought it funny, until he heard about the drug shops. Then he was displeased). Owned by several second and third children of extremely minor nobles from the Western Empire
2) The Illusion Hotel and Casino is known for the absolutely mind-boggling numbers of illusionists and mages that are employed, putting on all sorts of demonstrations and shows throughout the building. They even have a full theater (tickets half off to those staying at the hotel) that host up-and-coming illusionists, as well as an annual "best illusionist in the world" contest. Owned by a consortium of illusionists and illusion-specializing wizards
3) The Caer Itom is owned, secretly, by several thieves guilds from the Empire. They're at constant secret war with Itomas' Palace, and the two resorts constantly try to outdo each other in both opulance and decadence
4) The Shadowfall is an interesting place, as it's actually owned, and run, by the intelligence division of the Wolfen military. They use the resort as a way to keep tabs and listen to rumors going on. The place is built with living trees, shaped to give a "woods" feel, several druids and warlocks are on staff to tend to resort, and to keep it at the cold temperatures that the native plantlife (and staff) are used to. To combat the cold, guests are given (to keep) soft, warm comfortable bathrobes, which are acceptable attire anywhere in the hotel or casino.
5) Castlerake is a very simple theme- warfare. The hotel is shaped like a castle, and staff are garbed as servants, with the "higher ranked" staff like minor nobles. Weapons of all sorts (most not functional) decorate the walls. The claim to fame is "make you feel like the nobleperson you are". Staff costumed as knights wander the halls, and a jousting tournament is put on during massive banquet style meal-shows. (diners encouraged to place bets!)
6) The Scarlet Sea is a "pleasure barge" themed resort. Everything is designed to cater to whimsy. The floor is enchanted to look like the Scarlet Sea, while staff "sail" around with small carts, offering pleasantries, often in skimpy clothing.
7) The Deep Jungle is a taste of the Yin-Sloth, albeit designed and decorated by someone who never set foot in it. The walls are designed to look like ancient stone "temples", all very primitive in design, while the walls are decorated with "native art", which looks like primitive cave art. The staff are dressed as "jungle natives"- musclebound men in loincloths, women with "ample assets" wearing thin pieces of leather. Many have "bone" jewelery, and wear fake teeth shaved to points.
The Urbanite shifted away from the "standard" idea of having a theme, and just set out with a simple idea- have the best food, from everywhere. There are 9 restaraunts, each themed around a different region, highlighting dishes and recipes. Only the best chefs are allowed in the kitchens, and they're given almost complete control. Every year, The Urbanite hosts a cooking competition, open to anyone. During the competition, the staff chef's watch, taste, and judge, declaring one winner for each region, and one "Champion". The winners are offered a one year contract, and awarded 50,000 gp, while the champion is offered a 1 year contract to run the 9th restaurant, and 500,000 gp.9) The Arial is designed so that you feel you're walking in the clouds. The floor is magically soft and slightly bouncy, soft breezes blow through the air, and performers put on dazzling displays hanging from ropes sheets of cloth dangling from more "clouds".
10) The Baalgor is a golden monstrosity, taking the legends of the "golden city" to ludicrous extremes. The staff (almost all human) wear fake pointed ears and wear (skimpy) silk clothing. Absolutely EVERYTHING is gold colored- walls, floors, ceilings, decorations. Just about the only thing not gold is the food. And even several of the dishes have gold flakes or gold leaf on them. The place is completely avoided by elves, but for some reason, dwarves love it (often laughing at the gaudiness and considering it a way of making fun of elves)
11) Fangoria is a vampire themed hotel that, quite possibly, will someday get someone killed by a vampire, for just how offensively over the top it is. Staff are either a "vampire" complete with fake fangs and blood, speaking phrases like "you are under my spell. I want to suck your blood", or they're "victims", complete with bite marks on their necks. Beds are designed like coffins, walls are blood-red, and bat and rat decorations are everywhere. Ironically, the place is owned by two master vampires, working together, who embraced all the stereotypes to make people laugh, and putting them off the idea that there might be ACTUAL vampires here. (a handful of staff are actual vampires, but they're usually the upper level staff, such as the consierges).
12) The Byzantium is a naval themed resort, owned by several retired sailors. Staff are dressed as professional sailors, and address resort guests as "captain" and "admiral", depending on what level guest they are. They put on mock shows daily (twice on saturdays) with the Pirate Island resort (owned by the same people). The resort sits on the site of the old Desert Dunes Casino. The lot is said to be haunted, as the Dunes was "the home" of some of the best known bards and musicians. The most famous of which was the Floater Pack, consisting of Hank Sintra (human singer), Dan Marin (elf singer, and slight comedy, was well known for being a "drunk", even though he never drank, it was all an act), Samuel Davies Jr (wolfen singer, known for soft gravelly voice), Pete Lowfard (human stage actor, best known as "famous for being famous"), Joe Cardinal (human comedian and writer). It's said that, on nights of the full moon, their spirits can still be heard, performing for crowds that can't see them...
13) Desire's Resort is based around a simple idea- sex sells. The staff are, by and large, among the most beautiful of their species. Even the orc guards are extremely good looking, by orc standards. Clothing for staff is designed to hint at every sordid detail, while keeping some secrets (unless the guest is paying to learn them). Since prostitution is not allowed on the Strip, the resort functions more like a showroom for the Whatever-You-Desire Brothel, just outside of town, where most of the resort staff also works. Many of the staff are also simple "escorts", who are arm-candy for the well-off guests.
14) The Manticore's owners decided to go simple- everyone loves monsters. The walls are enchanted to give images of different types of monsters fighting, and there's a small zoo where monsters are the animals. The rooms of the hotel are themed around different monsters, with "fact books" available. There are no actual manticores in the zoo, and all of the monsters are non-sentient beings.
15) Tally's is unusual- the casino takes up less than half the first floor. They built their hotel around one idea- comfort. Clothing for guests is usually nothing more than a fluffy bathrobe and undergarments. The Resort has spa treatments available 24/7, extensive mud baths, hot springs, pools, massages, etc. Rates here are quadruple anywhere else on the strip, but while a registered guest, you're entitled to free use of the spa amenities, with one free massage per day (tips still strongly encouraged). It's rumored that a top-tier resort guest was once so pampered, they wept when they left, and ended up dying of a broken heart. It's also rumored that there are several nobles who have tried to hire the staff away, but the staff are too happy (and well paid) here.
16) Palladium Entertainment is known for having celebrity impersonators, for all sorts of famous people, past and present. Famous bards, kings, emperors, nobles, adventurer's and heroes, even famous villains! The place is owned, secretly, by an ancient dragon, who goes to great lengths to ensure the impersonators are pretty darn accurate. The put on mock battles between heroes and villains, and kings of different regions and ages. The dragon himself often is in human form, as the head consierge, making sure things go right. The staff knows he's in charge, but not that he owns the place.
17) Pirate Island is owned by the same sailors as Byzantium. In fact, almost everything about the two hotels is identical, except that Pirate Island is more "rough" and "worn". While the "sailors" at Byzantium call people "Captain", the Pirates call them "Cap'n". Polished wood at Byzantium is worn wood here, etc. Staff wear cutoff shorts, sleeveless shirts (or no shirt at all), and many have prosthetic limbs (which may or may not be needed) or an eyepatch. Mock battles with the Byzantium, bets encouraged.
18) The Deep Blue is an oddity- the entire thing is "underwater". The building runs for several stories above and below the surface, with clear tubes as hallways, and every room being made from one way windows, that prevent others from seeing in, but let the occupants look out into the "ocean" that is the building. Sea life swims about freely, and you may wake up to seeing a shark just outside your chambers, or a school of fish beneath your floor. Because the idea is to let you see the sea life, there are only 4 rooms per floor, spaced far apart. The roof of the hotel is a sandy beach, where you can play with dolphins and other sea life. The Hotel is run by a tribe of 40 kree-lok.
19) The Skytoucher is the "tallest" building on the continent, 1,149 ft tall. Has a swing that goes past the edge of the building, and dangles riders over the dizzying heights.
20) Big Top is a circus themed hotel, with staff dressed as clowns, mimes, strong men, etc. Food is all designed to resemble carnival foods- popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts, fried foods of all kinds, etc. There IS standard foods available, but it is only available to hotel guests, not visitors, and is only available to be ordered to the rooms. They put on shows with lion tamers, dancing elephants, knife throwing, acrobats, etc, This place was built and is owned by a travelling circus that got tired of the road, and decided to get customers to come to them instead.
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GS