Parlor in Purgatory

[Harlequin]

The Parlor in Purgatory was once a hotel, but it now houses Saint Sabrina – the Nameless City's own Demonic Witch-for-hire – and anyone else who cares to stay. The rent is free, as long as you keep to her rules and pitch in in the kitchen.

Built by the Conchetti family in 1924, the Parlor began its life as The Rialto – the most upscale mob hideout in town. When Don Conchetti died childless in 1963, he willed the place to Sabrina, and she's lived there ever since.

The Magic Sabrina wields has warped the Parlor as it has warped her body; the walls whisper (mainly to her, sometimes to others). Sometimes rooms change places, or appearance. Sometimes the walls bleed. Sometimes the sun shines through the windows in the dead of night. There are mirrors of all sizes and descriptions scattered throughout the house. Sabrina uses these to communicate.

Due to protective wards placed on the Parlor, no one wishing harm or ill-will toward anyone within its walls may enter the premises; they will find themselves deterred by an invisible but impenetrable bubble. Once the ill-will is gone, however, they may pass freely.

Exterior
Looming eight stories above its circular drive, the parlor has been reimagined in all its former glory, though the letters above the promenade have long since been pulled down. The drive is smooth asphalt, lit with small solar-powered lanterns.  The original revolving doors have been replaced with heavy double oak doors, which are never locked, and bear the legend 'IT WAS MORE FUN IN HELL' in gilt cursive lettering.

First Floor
Lobby
The original black granite countertop lies just to the left of the entrance. The original art-deco wood floors are polished to a gleaming shine.

A row of crystal chandeliers lit with ever-burning white candles line the high ceiling, ensconced by the open second and third floors. Past the check-in desk, the narrow lobby leads up to a tall, wide black granite staircase. Rows of gilt rat skeletons march up and down the handrails and sweeping banisters.  The ceiling is lower on either side of the path to the stairs, and seating areas with red velvet-upholstered armchairs, couches and chaises --along with accompanying dark-wood side and coffee tables --  lie ensconced by the granite pillars that hold up the second floor. The walls are covered in a riotous black-and-white mural depicting various great beasts and trees of myth.

Ballroom
The ballroom is located  to the right of the main entrance. About halfway down the path down the center of the lobby a short path branches off to the right that ends in the main doors, but the ballroom can be reached by a total of three sets of doors just off the rightmost seating area. The bandshell-type stage is located at the far end of the space, and presides over a large, bare room lit (rarely) with another huge crystal chandelier. The original black and white art-deco tile has been lovingly restored, and the boards covering the tall windows that once made this room a prime spot for weddings have been torn down, the rippled and broken glass replaced with huge stained-glass windows depicting a variety of dead Gods. An imposing mahogany bar runs half the length of the space, against the leftmost wall. It has been left well-stocked by previous tenants, but only half of the bottles have labels. Indulge at your own risk.

Dining Room
The dining room – which can be reached by taking a short pathway to the left, just after the check-in desk – looks much as it did when the hotel was built, though the carpet has been replaced and the furniture given a good coat of polish. There is another bar at the center of the room, and several booths lining the walls, as well as round tables scattered about.

The kitchen is still a work in progress -- far from Gourmet-quality, but its updates suit the Parlor's inhabitants well.

Upper floors
The second floor and third floors partially wrap the lobby, sharing a ceiling.

The rooms have a typical hotel configuration; one room on each side of a hallway, well-lit and carpeted in crimson. Rooms that are occupied have some small item or token affixed to the doors.

The eighth floor and basement are Sabrina's domains exclusively.



A typical room in the Parlor.