Quite a lot of the story, particularly for Sophia and Lea, take place in Atlantic City in a series of Casinos owned by Olson Resorts. I try when possible to not pick real places, as it gives me a freedom to create them in ways that best suit my particular needs. So all three are entirely works of fiction, but I still created them with some specifics and details in mind, not all of which fit well into the stories. First, a map to start out with. This is where I envisioned the three resorts being, using a map of what exists now:
The Baiae
The Baiae is a Roman themed resort and was considered Olson's flagship resort. The name comes from the ancient Roman resort town of Baiae, near what is today Naples. It was a summer retreat for Rome's ultra-wealthy including Senators and Emperors including a large domed Casino. The resort is build over a large part of Bader Field, the old municipal airport that stopped operating entirely in 2006. What made the casino stand out was a dedication to higher end amenities including a full stone coliseum built to Roman specifications. Over the course of multiple expansions it is Olson Resort's largest single property.
The Couesnon
The Couesnon is a European castle/fantasy themed casino. The name comes from a river in France where Mont Saint-Michel sits on. It is a unique, tall castle only accessible by bridge or at low tied and the only fortification in Northern France to never be conquered during the hundred years war. The resort is built on a peninsula with a full stone wall around it. The wall doubles as part of a cement "tub" foundation to prevent the weight of the structure from sinking deeper into the marshland. It was built after the Baiae as an experiment to go even more exclusive and high-end. Unfortunately the cost of construction and operation were higher than anticipated and the clientele smaller than anticipated. Carl gave the resort to Felix to manage after the two antiquated. Felix was able to keep it operating at a profit by redirecting some of the focus off gambling and onto adult entertainment. He, along with Marian, transformed the lower level into a torture room and found that people were willing to pay extraordinarily well to be able to live out the less common sexual fantasies.
The Orion
This is the most recent addition to the company. It was meant to be comparable in size and scope to the Baiae, but with a futuristic or even sci-fi theme. It would take advantage of technology to create the kinds of "oh cool" guest conveniences and one of a kind attractions that would make it unique. Large sections are still unfinished.
Just been reading an article on Atlantic City's troubles in the Guardian newspaper. Maybe you're pointing the way forward :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear a little more about each individual resort if you have the time. They intrigue me
ReplyDeleteWas there something specific you wanted to know more about?
DeleteI created these resorts in my head, enough details for it to get a consistent description. So location was important, theme, when it was opened, those things I needed to know so that as characters brought them up I knew the answers would be consistent.
But I have not thought about it all that much more than that. Should I try describing their appearance more? I do have a mental picture so I could start with that.. but is there something else you want to know?
I would like to hear about more of what goes on in them as well as the different amenities. It would be great to hear how they look but more about what goes on in them. One suggestion is to do a side story about the different daily activities for each one. I appreciated the response and am very intrigued to find out what happens next.
DeleteThank you for allowing us to share in your art. It is inspiring.
Scott