Moscow's new club plot

[Adrian Kane]

Im going to use this thread as a venue to summarize what is happening with the club plot that involves the Yakuza, Syndicate, Cartels, and Mafia. This has been unfolding IC for a while now (ahem-years), and can be a pain to keep up with it. 

Main players

The short of it is Adrian owns various land spaces and buildings around moscow via AK Holdings. He has leased his property to the club owners on 30-year contracts. 

The Yakuza group, the Edenokoji-gumi based in Moscow are building a series of 5 Japanese-style Host and Hostess clubs, which until now are completely new and novel business in Moscow as they generally only exist in Japan. This is the group that Kiyohito has now joined. His brother, Haruto, is part of the plot as well. They will operate any gambling that takes place within the clubs. The theme of each club will feature a Japanese-style wrestling circuit and entertainment.

Zixin will use the Syndicate to orchestrate human trafficking of discovered channelers (usually very weak ones) discovered in Southeast Asia to offer them "work" in the Clubs. They are coerced into going to Moscow on the promise of wealth and independence, but are indentured to remain on site. Security does not allow hosts or hostesses to leave without permission or being followed until they have "paid off their debts", which may have accumulated for any number of reasons. This is very shady stuff. Other non-channeler hosts and hostesses are also 'employed' by the clubs. The is the primary reason Zixin was sent to Moscow from Singapore. 

Previously, the Amengual cartel was going to provide drugs, but now that they are defunct thanks to Jay, that job will likely transfer to the Russian mafia. 

The vodka kingpin, Gregor Petrovich will supply the clubs with alcohol exclusively. However, other members of the Russian Mafia can participate in various ways. For instance, Gregor's son, Zholdin was instrumental in recruiting Alistair to be a headlining wrestler in the club circuits. Zholdin is into the theatrics and story of wrestling. Other members of the mafia may be involved in the construction process. 

Clubs

There will be 5 clubs around Moscow. I'll post detailed descriptions of each in future posts.

"Hikari" - Arbat Street, Enlightenment District
"Kaizen" - Moscow City Business District, Adjacent to the Radiance Hotel
"Sakura Noir" - Patriarch Ponds, Central District
"Yūrei" - Red October Industrial River District
"Nocturne" - Red Light District

What exactly is a Host/Hostess club?

A host/hostess club is a type of nightlife establishment where customers pay to spend time in the company of professional hosts (typically men) or hostesses (typically women), who provide companionship, conversation, and entertainment. These clubs are known for their luxurious, intimate atmosphere and are a prominent part of Japan's nightlife.

Hostesses engage with men or women patrons, while hosts entertain female or male customers. The focus is on personalized service and attention, with hosts or hostesses acting as charismatic companions who create a relaxing and enjoyable experience. They pour drinks, engage in lighthearted or meaningful conversations, and may sing karaoke with patrons.

Importantly, these clubs are not usually about physical intimacy. Instead, they emphasize emotional connection, flirtation, and escapism, allowing customers to feel special and valued. Guests often become regulars, forming ongoing relationships with their favorite host or hostess like on-site girlfriends/boyfriends. The clubs can be quite expensive, with customers paying for time, drinks, and sometimes extravagant gifts for their host or hostess. Drinks, services, and gifts can run into the thousands, and guests are encouraged to spend lavishly to maintain their connection with their favorite host or hostess. Many are led to believe they’ve formed a genuine romantic bond, only to discover that their affections are part of a well-honed performance designed to secure loyalty and drive revenue. This emotional manipulation can drive customers into debt, with some even turning to loan sharks—often with ties to organized crime—to fund their habits.

Hosts and hostesses operate in a fiercely competitive environment, where their income depends on meeting sales quotas or commissions from drink sales. Those who fail to perform may face significant penalties, both financial and professional, creating a culture of relentless upselling and constant stress. Some workers are pressured into accompanying clients on paid dates outside the club, a practice that can veer into dangerous territory.

[Adrian Kane]

"Nocturne"

Location 

Red Light District

Theme

Intense, provocative, and shadowy. A club of raw sex, prostitution, and Red-Light District indulgences.

Meaning

Known for its provocative themes and clandestine allure, "Nocturne" caters to those who want to lose themselves in the night, whether for indulgence, escape, or power.

Staff 

Hosts and hostesses are available for selection, including gender fluid or non-binary with most such individuals are simply referred to as ‘hosts’ in that case. Serving staff are not available for pleasure or purchase. Security and cleaning are managed by independent contractors. If a guest wishes to “break up” with their previously claimed host or hostess, they should do so formally before requesting another. No host or hostess would ever “break up” with a guest except in extreme circumstances that would undoubtedly involve security. Hosts and hostesses that can channel are the most expensive to claim, but their offerings are the most pleasurable, able to do things to the body and mind only dreamed of by mere mortals.

Description

The building that houses Nocturne looms like an ominous monolith in the heart of the Red Light District, its jet-black facade swallowing every trace of light. The surface is unnervingly matte, as if designed to make the structure seem unreal under the wavering glow of street lamps. There are no windows, no cracks to suggest vulnerability—just a seamless, impenetrable wall. The only entrance is a single obsidian door, polished to a mirror-like shine. Above it, in faint, flickering crimson neon, the club's name glows: Nocturne. The letters pulse like a heartbeat, an almost hypnotic rhythm that draws curious onlookers closer. Towering statues flank the doorway, faceless humanoid figures with elongated hands crossed over their chests, silently guarding the secrets within. Guests must pass through an iron gate framed by sculpted oni masks.

The main hall includes a circular, sunken stage that dominates the space, surrounded by tiered seating that grants every guest a perfect view of the performances. The entertainment at Nocturne is unlike anything found elsewhere. Wrestling matches in the main hall are theatrical spectacles, featuring masked combatants dressed in gothic-inspired attire that may embody demons, spirits, or antiheroes. Choreographed storylines unfold under blood-red spotlights, with adding a surreal edge to the performances. A bar made entirely of frosted glass stretches across one wall, where mixologists craft elaborate cocktails with liquid nitrogen, edible flowers, and rare spirits. In each corner, a suspended glass cage hovers above a shallow pool of black water, where avant-garde performances—fire dances, shibari displays, and other provocative acts—unfold for an audience.

Above the stage, a massive crystal chandelier refracts blood-red light, casting jagged, shifting shadows across the room. The walls are lined with black mirrors etched with faintly glowing silver patterns. Hosts and hostesses glide through these spaces in sleek, attire, adorned with subtle glowing accents—pulsing lights embedded in collars, bracelets, or earrings—that lend them an almost otherworldly presence. It is from this communal space one may select their “host” or “hostess” for the time, but these men and women are more than escorts. They take an interest in your life, they care for your welfare, and they fulfill your every desire—within the club’s walls that is. They often go by false names and once selected by a guest, will return to them time and time again, unless, of course, they are engaged with someone else. Appointments, therefore, are beneficial to ensure your escort is available to cater to your every emotional and physical desire.

Behind heavy velvet curtains lie private chambers for those who desire intimate enclosures. Each room features sunken seating areas with plush black leather couches and low obsidian tables. Backlit art panels on the walls display eerie landscapes of shadowed forests and moonlit figures. A hidden sound system plays curated playlists, from dark classical compositions to ambient soundscapes, setting the mood for anything from small talk to sex.

A discreet exit leads directly back to the streets, allowing those who need it to slip away unnoticed.

A nondescript staircase behind the bar leads upward. Encased in one-way black glass, the lounge offers an uninterrupted view of the primal spectacle below and the glittering city skyline beyond. Guests sit in anonymity, watching every strike and movement from plush  couches arranged in semi-circular formations. The warm, subdued lighting casts a golden glow across the space, reflecting softly on low glass tables and accentuating the sculptural art that celebrates the human form in motion.

The theme here is openly sexual. The walls and ceiling feature flowing light patterns of the human body, while ambient electronic music pulse gently in the background. Without private enclosures, the lounge invites exhibitionism, where everything is on display. Bring a friend, a business partner, or even a spouse if you wish, but the only rule is a host or hostess must be included in every encounter. Imagine signing contracts while your partner receives the gift oral pleasures.

Layout

First Level: Main wrestling pit, casual seating areas, bar, and private hosting chambers.
Second Level: Open space, "The Forbidden Lounge”, and bar.
Basement: Host and hostess quarters required to live on site, kitchen, bathrooms, locker rooms for wrestlers, storage.

[Adrian Kane]

"Yūrei"

Location

Red-October Industrial River District

Theme

Industrial-chic with a hauntingly artistic edge, reflecting the district’s gritty, creative vibe.

Meaning

Yūrei" translates to "ghost" in Japanese and refers to spirits from Japanese folklore. It encapsulates the district’s transformation from a historic factory to a nightlife hotspot, where the echoes of the past coexist with modern energy. The name also hints at an otherworldly, edgy allure. The ghost represents the risen spirit of the old factories along the river.

Staff

Hosts and hostesses are available for selection, including gender fluid or non-binary with most such individuals are simply referred to as ‘hosts’ in that case. Serving staff are not available for pleasure or purchase. Security and cleaning are managed by independent contractors. If a guest wishes to “break up” with their previously claimed host or hostess, they should do so formally before requesting another. No host or hostess would ever “break up” with a guest except in extreme circumstances that would undoubtedly involve security. Hosts and hostesses that can channel are the most expensive.

Description

Yūrei is located in the Red October District, a river-front industrial region that’s been empty for over twenty years. The club is housed in a renovated brick factory built in 1861, its red-brick is contrasted by sweeping panels of frosted silver glass that shimmer under the moonlight. These panels reflect the glow of the city lights, giving the building an otherworldly, ghost-like presence. The structure is imposing, with its industrial roots evident in the exposed steel beams framing the upper stories.

The entrance is framed by angular gates adorned with abstract silver patterns. Above the door, the club’s name, “Yūrei,” glows softly in luminous white kanji, outlined in deep crimson, as if pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. A narrow pathway lined with low, silver lanterns leads to the entrance, their soft, flickering light casting intricate shadows that move as if alive.

The building's design embraces the dichotomy of the Red October District—a fusion of history and modern refinement. The industrial bones of the structure ground it in the area’s storied past, while its sleek, spectral accents signal a bold future.

Inside Yūrei, the atmosphere plays with light and shadow, creating a space that feels simultaneously grounded and otherworldly. The color palette revolves around black, silver, white, and muted crimson, evoking an elegance that sets it apart. The floors are polished gray stone, veined with subtle streaks of shimmering silver that catch the light as guests move. Along the walls, white plaster panels textured to resemble soft, flowing fabric are interspersed with black glass and brushed metal.

The main hall is illuminated with cascading silver light that mimics the movement of flowing water. Above, a grand installation dominates the ceiling: a series of suspended, curved glass panels etched with delicate mist patterns. These panels are illuminated with soft white light and arranged to form a swirling, abstract cloud-like shape, casting spectral shadows across the space.

At the center of the room lies the wrestling platform its edges bordered by translucent white panels. The stage itself is a matte black platform, contrasting sharply with the sleek brightness of its surroundings.

Seating areas are arranged in curved tiers around the stage, designed for both comfort and unobstructed views. Plush armchairs and lounges are upholstered in a mix of silver-gray and crimson velvet, their softness contrasting with the angular metal tables topped with frosted glass.

The bar area, located to one side, is an elegant focal point in its own right. The long counter is crafted from white quartzite, glowing softly from within, and is supported by a base of black metal latticework that resembles tangled tree branches. Behind the bar, shelves of premium spirits are arranged in an intricate geometric pattern, lit by subtle backlights. Bartenders, dressed in sharp black and silver attire, move with choreographed precision, their every motion an extension of the club’s artistic sensibility.

Throughout the space, art installations amplify the ghostly, spectral theme. Life-sized sculptures of abstract, faceless figures in white and silver seem to drift along the walls or emerge from shadowy corners. Interactive projections of mist or translucent figures flicker inside glass panels, responding to movement and adding a dynamic layer to the club’s ambiance.

Yūrei's position in the Red October District symbolizes the transition from the past to the future, where the ghost of industry transforms into a haven for modern creativity and mystery. It is a club for those drawn to light and shadow, to the beauty of contrasts, and to the thrill of a space where reality and illusion merge seamlessly.

Layout

Main level fully accessible section: Triple height ceilings soar above the main seating areas, bar and platform/stage.
Main level restricted section: On the back end of the factory is a three-level space for storage, kitchen, staff quarters, and storage.

[Adrian Kane]

"Sakura Noir"

Location

Patriarch Ponds, Garden District

Theme

A serene, exclusive oasis blending natural beauty with sophistication and allure.

Meaning

"Sakura Noir” refers to the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms beneath a night sky. This name also the tranquil charm of the Patriarch Ponds area and its upscale clientele in this district.

Staff

Hosts and hostesses are available for selection, including gender fluid or non-binary with most such individuals are simply referred to as ‘hosts’ in that case. These hosts and hostesses specialize in the art of massage and relaxation. Hosts and hostesses that can channel are the most expensive company.

Serving staff are not available customer service. Security and cleaning are managed by independent contractors. If a guest wishes to “break up” with their previously claimed host or hostess, they should do so formally before requesting another. No host or hostess would ever “break up” with a guest except in extreme circumstances that would undoubtedly involve security.

Description

Tucked away in the Patriarch Ponds area, Sakura Noir is a departure from the bustling modernity of Moscow’s nightlife scene. The club blends into its surroundings, a haven of tranquility that echoes the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture.

The exterior is a minimalist masterpiece, a sleek structure of dark wood adorned with delicate accents of glowing sakura blossoms etched in soft pink neon. The faint, melodic sound of trickling water welcomes guests before they even step inside. Glass walkways span marble pools, their surfaces broken by occasional bursts of mist, floating lillies and cascading waterfalls. Overhead, glowing sakura lanterns sway gently, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the water below.

Unlike traditional arenas, this hall features a circular platform that is set within an infinity-edge pool, where a few inches of still, reflective water lap just over its surface. The pool extends to the edges of the platform, its boundaries melting into shadowy darkness, creating the illusion of infinite depth. The effect is both mesmerizing and disorienting, as if the wrestlers are battling atop a fragment of the night sky. Every step sends ripples across the surface, and every slip or fall becomes a dramatic, bone-jarring splash. Wrestlers must not only face their opponents but also contend with the treacherous slickness beneath their feet, turning the stage into a battlefield of strategy and balance.

The hall opens into an indoor-outdoor space, perfectly private, that overlooks the Ponds beyond. Closer by, koi ponds separate individual pools interspersed with comfortable seating areas. These private water sanctuaries are hidden behind sleek panels that offer something of privacy, even if one is never truly alone with their host.

Nearby, the spas are a more open concept experience. Guests lounging on the oversized daybeds can dip their feet into the warm water or slip into the pool entirely, while hosts and hostesses attend to their every need, offering drinks, conversation, or simply their calming presence. Massage, acupressure, and other relaxation techniques are most likely offered here.

Layout

Main level: Main room and bar, pond and baths room, and the open pool area.
Basement: Kitchen, locker room for wrestlers and fighters, staff quarters, and storage.

[Thalia]

All looks fab!

• Sakura Noir
  
• Yūrei
  
• Nocturne
  

The images are just AI generated ones using the descriptions, so can be changed if they don't suit. I haven't added any other images for the interiors or general mood yet, if anyone else wants to do that feel free.

[Adrian Kane]

Kaizen

Location

Moscow City Business District, Adjacent to the Radiance Hotel.

Theme

Historical, craftsmanship, discipline, mastery and power, catering to corporate elites and international travelers.

Meaning

Kaizen translates to "change for the better” and symbolizes the balance between tradition and progress that defines every element of the club. This name reflects both the discipline of the past and the forward-looking innovation of the present, making Kaizen a fitting moniker for a space that invites guests to experience the best of both worlds.

Staff

Hosts and hostesses are available for selection, including gender fluid or non-binary with most such individuals are simply referred to as ‘hosts’ in that case. Serving staff are not available for pleasure or purchase. Hosts and hostesses that can channel are the most expensive company.

Security and cleaning are managed by independent contractors. If a guest wishes to “break up” with their previously claimed host or hostess, they should do so formally before requesting another. No host or hostess would ever “break up” with a guest except in extreme circumstances that would undoubtedly involve security.

Description

Kaizen is located in narrow tower adjacent to the Radiance Hotel and Suites. Its exterior is an interplay of reflective black glass and intricate wooden latticework inspired by Edo-period architecture. The front is illuminated, casting patterns of light onto the streets, a cascading water feature flanks the entrance. Above the doorway, the club's name, Kaizen, is etched in brushed-metal kanji.

Inside, stone floors are interspersed with panels of lacquered wood, while glass channels filled with koi wind through the space. A central koi pond bar, hewn from basalt is situated in the middle of the space. Along the wall, a grand bar positions mixologists clad in crisp black uniforms craft cocktails infused with yuzu, whiskey, and matcha.

The second floor houses the only full-service restaurant among the five clubs. The space features wooden tables made from slabs of reclaimed cedar, each polished to a dark, mirror-like finish, paired with leather seating accented with brass details. Private tatami rooms, designed for seclusion, are decorated with understated masculine elements—dark silk tapestries depicting fierce battles, shadowy mountains, and samurai in mid-combat.

The open kitchen provides the chefs’ display of skill, with robatayaki grills glowing like forges and chefs slicing fish with the precision of swordsmiths. The menu emphasizes seasonal Japanese dishes with nods to Russian flavors.

The third floor is home to the wrestling arena. The walls are lined with glass display cases housing artifacts from Japan’s warrior heritage—ceremonial swords, samurai armor, and intricately crafted tsuba (sword guards). Each piece is spotlighted with reverence, turning the arena into both a battleground and a living museum. Tiered seating wrapped in dark leather and iron accents allows spectators excellent views.

The fourth floor mimics an indoor courtyard with towering bamboo stalks rooted in stone planters and basalt water basins collecting streams that trickle down smooth rock walls. Here, guests can participate in traditional tea ceremonies or engage in conversation.

The top floor features floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal the Moscow skyline. A long bar of polished granite stretches across one side of the room, where bartenders serve rare Japanese whiskies, bespoke cocktails, and sake of the highest quality.  Digital art inspired by ukiyo-e prints, depicting powerful samurai and dramatic landscapes is displayed on the walls.

Layout

Basement - Storage, staff quarters, locker room for wrestlers
Main level - Entrance, common area, koi pond, bar.
Second level - Restaurant
Third level - Wrestling arena
Fourth level - Indoor courtyard, bamboo and water features
Fifth level - Sky bar and art

[Adrian Kane]

Hikari

Location

Arbat Street, Enlightenment Arts District

Theme

A vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture, immersing guests in a glowing world of anime, manga, and futuristic artistry. It is a sensory playground where light and creativity come alive to inspire joy and connection.

Meaning

Hikari, meaning “light” in Japanese, symbolizes the brilliance of imagination, self-expression, and community. The name reflects the club’s radiant neon aesthetic and its mission to illuminate the night with the energy and vibrancy of Japanese pop culture.

Staff

Hosts and hostesses are available for selection, including gender fluid or non-binary with most such individuals are simply referred to as ‘hosts’ in that case. These hosts and hostesses present themselves in attire that reflects the pop-culture celebrated by the club. Hosts and hostesses that can channel are the most expensive company.

Serving staff are not available for company. Security and cleaning are managed by independent contractors. If a guest wishes to “break up” with their previously claimed host or hostess, they should do so formally before requesting another. No host or hostess would ever “break up” with a guest except in extreme circumstances that would undoubtedly involve security.

Description

Nestled along the cobblestone streets of Arbat, in the heart of Moscow’s eclectic Enlightenment District, Hikari is a beacon of color and creativity, its presence unmistakable among the vibrant art galleries, quirky boutiques, and poetry-filled cafés that define the area.

The exterior is a bold, modern reimagining of a traditional Japanese arcade. Its façade combines panels of colorful glass and sleek metal, illuminated by shifting patterns of neon in hues of electric pink, violet, and cobalt blue. Above the entrance, the name “Hikari” shines in bold, angular lettering outlined in shimmering gold. A dynamic LED display loops through animations of a distinctly anime-inspired scene.

The interior is a two-level kaleidoscope of pop culture brought to life. The main floor opens into a wide, open-concept space where walls are alive with towering murals of anime-style characters shown in suggestive poses. Neon outlines give the art a sense of movement, making the scenes feel like living panels from a manga. Suspended from the high ceiling are oversized lanterns shaped like mythological creatures—dragons, foxes, and birds—that shift through a spectrum of multicolored lights.

A wrestling ring is integrated into the space. Its black mat and glowing ropes stand in stark contrast to the colorful surroundings that on off-nights serves as a performance stage. Around the ring, tiered seating offers a perfect view, while cushioned benches and modular chairs provide spaces for smaller groups to gather.

The second level wraps around the edges of the space, offering a bird’s-eye view of the wrestling ring and the main floor below. Accessible via a glowing staircase styled like something from a sci-fi anime, the upper level features a lounge and interactive entertainment areas. The private seating areas feature modular furniture in bold colors, patterned with manga-style panels and interactive LED tables that allow guests to draw, play games, gamble, or browse digital art (from innocent all the way to outright pornographic).

The bar spans both levels, with its main counter on the ground floor and an additional satellite bar on the upper level. The bar itself is a glowing masterpiece, crafted from translucent panels that pulse with shifting pastel hues. Shelves behind it are lined with liquor bottles decorated with custom anime-inspired labels, while the bartenders, dressed in futuristic uniforms, serve drinks with theatrical flair.

Cocktails light up when stirred, billow smoke like manga battle effects, or are topped with matcha-infused foam shaped into intricate designs. Along the walls interactive photo booths let guests transform themselves (and their host/hostess) into anime characters with a wide variety of unrestricted augmented reality effects.

Layout

Basement: Storage, kitchen, staff quarters, locker room for the wrestlers
Main level: Bar, wrestling ring, lounge seating
Upper level: Looks over the main level, satellite bar, gaming machines, lounge, art displays, augmented reality

[Thalia]

hey, you changed one of the names/locations!

• Kaizen
  
• Hikari
  

[Adrian Kane]

Thanks. They look good.

I did change one to Hikari. I went to do the last one and realized it didn't stand out. And there had to be one crazy J-pop one somewhere.