I. Geography
32?0'24" North, 80?50'58" West
The Playhouse estate is an island sitting about 93 miles (150 kilometers) from the nearest coastline. The island itself is a roughly ovoid strip consisting of about 4 square miles (10 square kilometers, or 2560 acres) of land.
The climate is temperate, with a short summer peak generally reaching, at the very most, 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 celsius), and an equally short winter low of roughly 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees celsius). The rainiest weather occurs at the beginning and the end of summer. Hurricanes are not uncommon during this time.
II. A Brief History of the Playhouse
The mansion popularly referred to as the "Playhouse" was established close to two-hundred years ago, making it one of the oldest buildings of its kind in the new world. It was commissioned by one Charles M. Kelly III, who intended to use it as an activity hub for his business dealings; however, he was imprisoned by his home government before the project's completion.
The mansion remained disused and incomplete for nearly five years, before it was purchased and subsequently renovated by the Bier conglomerate, which controlled an appreciable portion of the western nations' economy at that time. During those years, the mansion hosted many famous personages, including powerful statesmen and royalty from every place imaginable, all of whom were invariably impressed by the stable of exotic slaves, which was (and remains to this day) one of the finest in the world.
Stories of the mansion and its magnificent array of slaves spread throughout high society. It was during this period that the nickname "Playhouse" came into usage.
Around the turn of the century, the Bier conglomerate found itself in an economic crisis and was forced to sell off many of its major holdings. Not willing to be deprived of the Playhouse (which had endeared itself to many wealthy men by then), former guests raised the capital to purchase the property. Since that day, the Playhouse has officially existed as a resort rather than a private residence (although most members do, in fact, live on the premises for at least part of the year), owned by a dummy company called "Plesco," which exists solely to keep track of the Playhouse's many expenses.
Today, the Playhouse is the last bastion of old world slavery in the new world order. Although membership has declined in recent years, it remains a testament to the impulses of power and control.
III. The Law of the Land
A. Because it resides in international waters, the Playhouse is not technically subject to any particular government's law. It must be restated that this island is the property of a collective consisting of some of the most powerful people in the world, who regard it as a great secret. In fact, it is closely watched by a small-but-adequate military installation on the mainland-- any unapproved craft in the area may well meet with lethal force in a matter of minutes.
These two factors (high secrecy and the threat of immediate military retaliation) help insure that the Playhouse remains unmolested. In its history, there has not been a single incident of piracy or terrorism of the estate.
B. On a smaller scale, order on the island is maintained by a private security detail made up of 42 trained slaves (who receive special treatment for their service and loyalty) and 14 trained dogs. The standard equipment for a guard is a handgun (either a .38 special or a .357 revolver), a taser, a riot baton, body armor, and a communicator. In emergency situations, they can be provided with heavier gear, like automatic shotguns, sniper rifles, and even light anti-tank weapons. Needless to say, all of this equipment is kept well away from the other slaves.
The dogs are highly skilled hunters and are considered more elite than the guards.
IV. Coming and Going
All traffic to and from the island is conducted by boat, although a seaplane or helicopter could conceivably be used in special circumstances.
Freight (sometimes including slaves) is brought to the island twice a month by ship captains selected for their discretion. These captains receive generous financial compensation for their services.
((Written originally by Thorn apple in the old PSPH))
