The Mermaid's Arms

'''The Mermaid's Arms''' is a festhall located in Dock Ward, Waterdeep.

This large, fairly new establishment is adorned with rich sea-blue draperies and takes the form of a series of elegant dining lounges, in which one dines or just drinks with an attractive host or hostess (or alone). One can take rooms for the night alone, or with someone else. Increasingly, the Arms (having acquired a safe reputation) is being used by single gentlefolk on the prowl for a night of love. In other words, patrons are going there to meet each other, not to hire a host or hostess for the night.

The Arms is large, well-lit, always busy, and can be quite expensive for the works (stabling, a room, meals, drinks, and companionship are all billed separately). Its nature makes it ideal for visitors intending to use it for some purposes. A merchant could take a room there, meet a business colleague there and eat dinner (perhaps with attractive house escorts), then go elsewhere for drinks and a play or show. The merchant could then stagger home late, knowing a comfortable room awaits.

This is an interesting trend. The only thing I regret about the Arms is that I'’m far too apt to meet friends or business partners in its lounges when I want to slip up to my room unseen— - or slip out unobserved.