The Font
The Font is a popular taproom in the Torsad-Laur district of Dam-Torsad on Amarr Prime. It has been present for centuries and is known as a place for people to escape the communal atmosphere of the district and engage in solitary contemplation and idiosyncrasies.
History
The Font was opened some time in the 23330s by an Amarr common businessman named Harrad. Harrad envisioned the place as a meeting point for the district's pious elite, where they could discuss the events of the day and theological matters in comfort. While initially meeting with some success, the Font began losing money after a few years and Harrad sold the location. The new owners attempted to replicate Harrad's early success, but found the task difficult, and eventually closed up and sold to new buyers.
Over the next several decades, the Font passed through a number of hands, opening for a few years before being closed and sold off. Each new owner apparently attempted to keep the idea of the Font as a locale for high thought alive, with some meeting longer success than others. However, for a variety of reasons, it always failed and passed into new ownership.
Finally, a Holder's son named Balius Orsun bought the Font in 23376 AD. Balius rebranded the Font as a place for commoners, favored slaves, and others of low birth to congregate. This proved to be popular, quickly drawing in far more customers than the old ways. The Font began serving cheap food and drinks, attracting a broader clientele. Thanks to Balius's insistence on modesty and propriety, however, the Font did not descend into a simple dive.
The Font thrived under Balius's ownership, becoming an institution in Torsad-Laur. When Balius passed away, his children took over, though they eventually sold out to new owners. The new owners kept Balius's vision alive, allowing it to remain a popular meeting place for the lower classes until modern times.
Layout
The establishment is essentially one long corridor, dotted with tables and decorated with all manner of plant-life which create somewhat intimate spaces with their branches. It has high walls made of rough stone, which are lined with hanging strings of lights. As the Font has generous windows to allow in the sunlight gleaming from the surrounding golden spires, the lights are kept off during the day. A variety of plants take up floor space, providing décor and ambiance. The hanging branches and boughs provide shade and cozy nooks.
A number of small tables and booths provide locations for people to sit and gather. Because of the plants and spacing of the seats, the Font encourages solitude. People frequently sit alone, silently contemplating any manner of thought. The Font seems to invite idiosyncratic individuals and groups, in contrast to the wide-open streets of Torsad-Laur.
However, the Font is well-suited for larger groups when there is cause for celebration. With the tables pushed aside, there is plenty of standing room, allowing plenty of congregation and high spirits. Such gatherings are rare, but when Jamyl's Edict freeing thousands of Minmatar slaves in the district was announced, the Font overflowed with former slaves engaged in joyous revelry.