Anyani Bath House

At a Glance

A wide edifice of sand-colored stone, decorated with pillars and blue-tile mosaic, stands quiet against the cacophonous crowd. The gentle trickle of windchimes and the scent of incense lure the occasional straggler from the crowd. A slight wind—the very same that bumps the chimes—pulls at the red and crimson fabric that serves as a roof to this place. Within is an elven woman with thin pointed ears and long dark hair. Her umber skin is illuminated by a ray of light tearing in through the textile ceiling. "Welcome to Anyani, my friend," she grins with a relaxed expression that contrasts the outside world like night and day, "make yourself comfortable within the spring water. You may leave your belongings with me."

"An oasis, one might call it. Anyani is a place to seek respite admidst the ever-deafening crowds of the Ptolus"

—Francis Maudbech, Musician

People of all creeds and kinds make their way about the bathhouse as elves serve them refreshments and towels if they wish to leave. A gentle pinkish-red light illuminates the tepid waters of the place, seemingly emitted from a massive bronze faucet against the back wall. Some read and smoke atop great mounds of cushions and pillows whilst others sink into the bath as to allow their troubles to wash off amidst the water and gentle smoke spilling from censors that hang high across the wooden beams keeping the ceiling at bay. 

First Impressions

Anyani is considered one of the finest luxuries within the Ptolus. Despite the steep price, a patron can spend an entire day and night here whilst being fed fine food and served exquisite wine and spirits. The atmosphere resembles that of a library, as the patrons within choose to keep quiet in order to relax. Even the elven servers speak in hush tones and whispers if they speak at all. No one is quite sure who Anyani is, but most believe it to be the dark-haired elven woman at the front of the establishment. Some believe Anyani may well not be a person at all and perhaps some sort of ancient elven word. Regardless, the patrons of this place know well not to cause issues lest they be banned permanently from the spring waters.

"Why yes, we are just above a natural spring. We needn't any special technique to keep our pool at a satisfying temperature for our guests"

—Anyani Bath House Server

All of the elves besides the woman in the front wear veils over their face to masquerade their identity. Many wear robes that tie about the waist and chest bindings to remain truly androgynous. 

"Those lot are rather strict with their unspoken rules. They wish to maintain an air of calmness and, for whatever reason, everyone who breaks these rules leaves without a fuss whatsoever—even the more belligerent ones"

—Gwenabelle Valtrad, Noble Woman

The calming smells of incense burn alongside the subtle scent of hookah smoke within the rounded alcoves of the walls. Notably, there are mattresses where one can simply lay down and sleep if that is what one wishes to do. The workers, however, are quick to remind those that who attempt to sit on cushions or mattresses wet will be asked to leave immediately. There are no rules written anywhere about the entirety of the establishment. Patrons are simply expected to not do foolish things like attempt to take food and beverage into the pool or sit down onto cushions and bedding whilst wet.

Services

Besides the man attraction of the pool, Anyani provides food and beverage for its denizens. Depending on the length of one's stay, they may even be served dinner which is said to rival that of the finest restaurants of the realm. Many of the elven workers also know how to perform massages and use magic to calm the rigors of the mind. In a smaller room are a group of tables where patrons can receive said massages.

Who's Who

Anyani

The supposed owner of the establishment, Anyani is an umber-skinned, dark-haired elf with long ears and a pleasant smile. Like many of the patrons and employees of the bathhouse, she speaks briefly and quietly if at all. Not much is known about this woman beside the fact that she opened the bathhouse a few decades ago and has since continued to expand. Behind her green eyes are struggle and strife, yet she continues to maintain a welcoming grin to her patrons despite it all.

Secrets & Rumors

Many secrets and rumors surround the existence of the Anyani bath house but the most prominent is how high-profile criminals use the establishment as a place to lay low and discuss the details of their plots and schemes.  Many a person claims that the entirety of Anyani is under a constant spell that compels people to become calm and relaxed. They also believe the owner to be a powerful mage that lures those with enough coin to spend all they have. Furthermore, some believe that the owner is a powerful vampire that uses the establishment to drain the life energies from the patrons within though such a rumor has been dismissed due to the widespread notion that vampires can perish in running water. 

"Please refrain from asking about the establishment and its servers as they wish to maintain their quiet and faceless persona. We ask not your name or status for the very same reason. Enjoy your stay, friend"

—Anyani Bath House Server

Some believe that the faceless workers are not there of their own free will and that Anyani uses magics to force them to tend to a patron's every want and need. One thing is certain, however, Anyani is capable of magic.