The Wazir's Bowl: The Wazir's Bowl is a tavern in the caravan quarter of Mazgourrah, quite near the arena. It is an eating and drinking establishment for the moderately well-to-do: prosperous merchants come here, caravan masters, the managers of some teams and their more successful (and mannerly) warriors, and others of like class. The "low and brawling" folk who frequent such taverns as the Djin's Bottle and the Seven Lamps are not welcome here. The "barroom" of the Wazir's Bowl is well-appointed, with cushions and couches of dyed leather and brocade (not the most expensive, to be sure, but respectable goods) for the comfort of the patrons. Lamps of colored glass are suspended from the arches of the ceiling by silver-washed chains, and the floors are layered with well-woven carpets. And the wines, the seasoned sacous (a grain prepared in the manner of rice, then topped with a thin rich sauce), and the roasted meats are of like quality. The women who serve are perhaps not houris, but they are comely and courteous, and those who dance are much admired.

The master of the Wazir's Bowl is Zahleb na'Ksathyra, a man of noble appearance and high standards. Indeed, it is said by his manservant that Zahleb was in truth the wazir of a distant emirate, Rinza Talik on the coast, and a wealthy and nobly-born man, driven from his home by treachery and revolt in the palace, so that he must even make his living by such a means as the running of an eatery! However this may be, he is a grave and aloof, yet courteous and generous host.

The Djin's Bottle: The Wazir's Bowl is a respectable establishment; not so the Djin's Bottle. In the heart of the crowded caravan quarter, it sprawls through parts of several buildings and has numerous unlikely entrances. With many businesses, it is difficult to enter or leave unseen; with the Djin's Bottle, it is difficult to do otherwise, so cunningly have things been arranged. This, according to local belief, is the meaning of the name, for one enters and leaves as tracelessly as a djin.

The main room of the Djin's Bottle is large--how large it is difficult to say, since the space is interrupted by pillars and low arches and much blurred by the smoke of the hookahs. There is no bar such as northerners are accustomed to; all drinks are served at low tables scattered about the room, with the customers reclining beside the tables upon cushions and thick carpets. The beer is poor--few of the regular customers care for such a gentle drink--but the wines and brandies are surprisingly good. (Or not so surprisingly, for surely the owner of such a discrete establishment will know all the best smugglers...) Numerous smaller rooms open off the main room or passages that lead to it, and the customers are assured of absolute privacy.

It is probably the privacy brings that most customers to the Djin's Bottle, that and the superior wines, but the reason most people give if asked-- Why, they've come to see the dancing girls! And well worth the sight they are! Beautiful as houris, graceful beyond belief, skilled as a dream at the dance or at other ways of pleasing the patrons of the house are the women called the Daughters of the Djin. Come and see!

Tourik's: There are many places in Mazgourrah where a man might go, alone or with other men, for his pleasure. A few places may be found which are frequented solely by women, though they are of a different nature. Only one place of good repute is likely to be visited by a man and woman together--Tourik's.

Tourik's place is a restaurant, set outside the town near the arena and the caravansaries, for it is mostly foreigners who form its clientele. Tourik, in making it, bought several small buildings and opened them to each other, formed courtyards with fountains and carefully tended trees, and imported chefs from several distant lands in order that he might please his customers.

There is a large barroom for those who come alone or wish merely to drink, a dining room for those who would be seen with their companions, and several small private dining rooms for the more retiring customers. The food and wine are excellent, as good as might be served before the Emir. In the barroom there is entertainment--musicians, occasionally dancers, but in the dining room no, for Tourik believes that nothing should interfere with the enjoyment of beautiful food and carefully chosen companions.

Tourik himself, a stout man with a luxuriant mustache, greets his guests and shows them to their chosen room. He will assist any who are dazzled by the large menu and recommend a wine to compliment their selection, and he can talk knowledgeably about distant lands, tell jokes, or debate the finer points of dueling--whatever is needed to put his customers at ease. He has a standing offer to the Duelmaster of Mazgourrah's arena, a free meal of choice and the finest wines-- Many of his customers are associated with the arena in one capacity or another, and they seem to enjoy dining in the presence of the Duelmaster.